Mataas na Guro Njoli Brown
Director/Lead+ Instructor
Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK Elite, PTTA, PTKWF)
Capoeira Angola
Black Box FS
Director/Lead+ Instructor
Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK Elite, PTTA, PTKWF)
Capoeira Angola
Black Box FS
Njoli Brown is a martial & fighting arts practitioner of 30 years with teacher level accreditation in various styles.
Njoli began his study of Capoeira in Denmark (1997). After two years of intensive study with group Quilombo do Norte came the decision to study the Angola style of capoeira with a master (mestre) of the art form. In 1999 came a move to Seattle to train with Mestre Jurandir Nascimento of the International Capoeira Angola Foundation. At the close of 2006 Njoli moved home to New York City and partnered in the the establishment of, FICA NY. In 2017 Njoli left FICA to focus more intently on the development of MSMB's capoeira programs, study groups, etc., while developing and facilitating a multiplicity of youth programs centering around the use of Capoeira Angola as a tool for inspiring community action and social justice.
Njoli's practice in the Filipino martial arts began in the Philippines with a focus on Lightening Scientific Kali, under the mentorship of Grandmaster Vic Sanchez (Kali Arnis International) and Datu Rich Acosta of Kuntaw Kali Kruzada, and short years laterbegan Pekiti Tirsia Kali, under the guidance of Tuhon Kit Acenas (Kali Mundo). Over the years he has balanced his stateside practice as a partnering teacher with PTK Elite. Njoli has the great fortune to spend extensive time, annually in the Philippines for work and study and this provides the opportunity to connect with the art in dynamic ways, physically and culturally. He currently teaches and develops training curriculum for civilians, civil servants and law enforcement throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Njoli began his study of Capoeira in Denmark (1997). After two years of intensive study with group Quilombo do Norte came the decision to study the Angola style of capoeira with a master (mestre) of the art form. In 1999 came a move to Seattle to train with Mestre Jurandir Nascimento of the International Capoeira Angola Foundation. At the close of 2006 Njoli moved home to New York City and partnered in the the establishment of, FICA NY. In 2017 Njoli left FICA to focus more intently on the development of MSMB's capoeira programs, study groups, etc., while developing and facilitating a multiplicity of youth programs centering around the use of Capoeira Angola as a tool for inspiring community action and social justice.
Njoli's practice in the Filipino martial arts began in the Philippines with a focus on Lightening Scientific Kali, under the mentorship of Grandmaster Vic Sanchez (Kali Arnis International) and Datu Rich Acosta of Kuntaw Kali Kruzada, and short years laterbegan Pekiti Tirsia Kali, under the guidance of Tuhon Kit Acenas (Kali Mundo). Over the years he has balanced his stateside practice as a partnering teacher with PTK Elite. Njoli has the great fortune to spend extensive time, annually in the Philippines for work and study and this provides the opportunity to connect with the art in dynamic ways, physically and culturally. He currently teaches and develops training curriculum for civilians, civil servants and law enforcement throughout the U.S. and internationally.
- Certified Coach Freestyle Wrestling
- Kyushi Ryu Jujitsu purple belt, spring of 2002
- Co-Director and Profesor (lead instructor) at International Capoeira Angola Foundation - NY, 2006 - 2017
- Awarded the title of Lakan Guro by Grand Master Vicente Sanchez of Kali Arnis International (KAI) in the summer of 2012.
- Awarded the title of Mataas na Guro by Tuhon Jared Wihongi at PTTA Conference in SLC, Utah 2018
- Certified Group Leader and "gabay" for the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association
- U.S. representative of Kali Mundo
Mataas na Guro Francis Estrada
Lead Instructor
Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK Elite, PTTA, PTKWF)
Lead Instructor
Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK Elite, PTTA, PTKWF)
Francis Estrada began his practice in Filipino martial arts through the Wing Chun Kali System in New York in 2006. He began to focus solely on Pekiti Tirsia Kali in 2010, beginning by training in India with Mandala Kanishka Sharma, and subsequently with Grandtuhon Leo Gaje and Tuhon Rommel Tortal in the Philippines. He continues to train with Tuhon Rommel as his primary instructor, visiting him in the Philippines and hosting him in New York.
- Co-founder of Pekiti Tirsia Kali Elite, carrying on the traditions of vigorous training, complete tactical awareness, and values of life, success and good health in programs throughout New York City, New Jersey, and Oakland.
- East Coast Director, Certified Group Leader and "gabay" in the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association.
- Awarded the title of Mataas na Guro by Tuhon Rommel Tortal at PTK World Federation Conference in Boracay, Philippines 2016
Crystal McCreary
Instructor
Yoga
Instructor
Yoga
Crystal McCreary has taught yoga and mindfulness since 2007. She is committed to creating and holding safe spaces for people of color to heal, learn, and build resilience in a world that often takes relentless hold of our bodies, minds, and hearts.
Having experienced yoga and mindfulness to be extremely effective techniques for cultivating vitality, Crystal’s mission is to offer these modalities to support wellness in under-resourced communities and soothe the toxic stress that too frequently leads to severe health issues and death. Her adult yoga classes and lovingly curated yoga and wellness retreats are influenced by mindfulness and knowledge of anatomy, and are a exploratory blend of vigor, breath, and precision. Crystal facilitates New York based Exhale to Inhale’s trauma-informed yoga teacher training, and speaks and leads professional development workshops on yoga and mindfulness as tools for well-being internationally. She also facilitates 100-hour kids yoga and mindfulness teacher trainings for Little Flower Yoga nationally and facilitates yoga programs throughout New York City Schools.
Crystal participates regularly as a curriculum consultant and lead teacher for research studies on yoga and mindfulness conducted by CUNY-Hunter’s public health department, and teaches public classes regularly in New York City. Crystal is a graduate of Stanford University with a BA in African and African American studies and completed The American Conservatory Theater’s Master of Fine Arts program in Acting. To learn more, peruse Crystal's upcoming retreats, additional wellness services, and read her latest yoga musings on Diary of a Yoga Gurl.
Having experienced yoga and mindfulness to be extremely effective techniques for cultivating vitality, Crystal’s mission is to offer these modalities to support wellness in under-resourced communities and soothe the toxic stress that too frequently leads to severe health issues and death. Her adult yoga classes and lovingly curated yoga and wellness retreats are influenced by mindfulness and knowledge of anatomy, and are a exploratory blend of vigor, breath, and precision. Crystal facilitates New York based Exhale to Inhale’s trauma-informed yoga teacher training, and speaks and leads professional development workshops on yoga and mindfulness as tools for well-being internationally. She also facilitates 100-hour kids yoga and mindfulness teacher trainings for Little Flower Yoga nationally and facilitates yoga programs throughout New York City Schools.
Crystal participates regularly as a curriculum consultant and lead teacher for research studies on yoga and mindfulness conducted by CUNY-Hunter’s public health department, and teaches public classes regularly in New York City. Crystal is a graduate of Stanford University with a BA in African and African American studies and completed The American Conservatory Theater’s Master of Fine Arts program in Acting. To learn more, peruse Crystal's upcoming retreats, additional wellness services, and read her latest yoga musings on Diary of a Yoga Gurl.