About us
Paramount opened its doors in Woodland, Washington in 1997, with a second school in Lacey following shortly after. For nearly three decades it has been the longest-established Kajukenbo, Krav Maga, and Kempo school in Thurston County, and it still is: the Lacey school carries on under Sifu Aaron Miller and Sifu Zach Fox, two of Professor Casey's own black belts. Now Paramount has a second home in Sanford.
Our story
Paramount Martial Arts opens in Woodland, WA. Mark and Elizabeth Casey found W.A.V.E. — Women Against Violent Encounters.
A second school opens in Lacey, WA shortly after.
Krav Maga program begins — it becomes one of the longest-running in the Pacific Northwest.
Paramount Martial Arts opens in Sanford, Florida. The Lacey, WA school continues under Sifu Aaron Miller and Sifu Zach Fox.
How we teach
Every student learns differently. Our instructors work hand-in-hand with each student to understand their learning style, so progress is personal.
All of our systems are taught with the influence of Tai Chi, so students understand the leverage of the body, not just the technique. It even shapes the Krav Maga taught at Paramount.
Students complete homework each month on an important life skill: humility, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, and more. Parents tell us it's the part of the program that shows up most at home and at school.
Student safety
Paramount Martial Arts is certified by the National Ethics of Martial Arts Council (NEMAC), and is the only NEMAC-certified martial arts school in Seminole County, Florida. Our Lacey school holds the same distinction in Thurston County, Washington.
What that means for your family: every instructor, staff member, and even every volunteer at the school is background-checked through NEMAC. Instructors also complete NEMAC's safety training and must pass a test on the protocols that protect everyone on and off the mat.
You're trusting us with your kids and with yourself. We think you should know exactly who is on the floor with them.
Instructors
Founder & Head Instructor
8th Degree Kajukenbo Tum Pai · 7th Degree Kempo Karate · Level 4 Certified Krav Maga Instructor · Tai Chi Instructor
With over 40 years across Kajukenbo, Krav Maga, Kempo Karate, Tai Chi, Kali/Escrima, and weapons training, Professor Casey founded Paramount Martial Arts in 1997 and co-founded W.A.V.E. the same year. A former competitor on the national circuit with multiple wins, he has trained and promoted generations of black belts.
Co-Founder & Instructor
8th Degree Kajukenbo Tum Pai · [5th] Degree Kempo Karate · Level 4 Certified Krav Maga Instructor · W.A.V.E. Co-Founder
With over [20] years in Kajukenbo, Krav Maga, Kempo Karate, and weapons training, Professor Elizabeth is the highest-ranking woman in Kajukenbo Tum Pai under Senior Grand Master Heuer, Grandmaster Larson, and Professor Casey. She co-founded W.A.V.E. in 1997 and leads our women's self-defense programs. Her private lessons are legendary among Paramount students.
Our original school is still training under Sifu Aaron Miller and Sifu Zach Fox, 4th-degree black belts who came up through Paramount under Professor Casey. If you're in Thurston County, they'll take good care of you: Paramount Martial Arts Lacey.
Kajukenbo Tum Pai Family Tree (PDF) — the full lineage chart from Sijo Emperado through every Tum Pai black belt, maintained by KajukenboTumPai.com. Paramount's branch appears under GM Steve Larson.
