Our Team
Danelle Clarke
Owner and Master Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt, Brown Belt BJJ
KJN Danelle began training in 2001 with her husband Scott and loves the sense of empowerment martial arts builds—the way it pushes you to strive and see progress. When she’s not at Freestyle, she directs the Math Center at the University of Nevada, Reno, reads widely, and runs a lot (while hating every minute of it). Her go-to tip: practice doesn’t make perfect—practice makes permanent, so practice with intention. Fun fact: she’s completed a marathon and currently has way too many succulents.
Eric Dufurrena
Instructor for Adults. Instructor for Kids BJJ
4th Degree Black Belt, Blue Belt BJJ
BKJN Eric has been doing this martial arts thing since 1978, and he’s dabbled in the branch of Tang Soo Do as well, where he’s ranked as a 3rd degree Black Belt. It’s the constant challenge of martial arts that keeps him interested, plus the people from all walks of life who are drawn to it. At Freestyle, Eric teaches in all the programs: Kids, Adults, BJJ -you name it, he does it!
Sue Hamilton
Program Director
3rd Degree Black Belt, Purple Belt BJJ
SBN Sue is the program director here at FMA, which means she’s in charge of just about everything. She’s been practicing martial arts since 2013, and her favorite thing about Freestyle is that it means she’s constantly learning, changing, and growing. When she’s not at Freestyle — “what do you mean, ‘not at Freestyle?!’ ” — Sue enjoys landscaping, playing with dogs, reading, and playing video games.
Jordyn McClain
Head Instructor for Beginner Kids and Lil’ Dragons
3rd Degree Black Belt, Blue Belt BJJ
SBN Jordyn began martial arts in 2012, and she’s moved up the ranks steadily in the years since. It makes sense — for Jordyn, martial arts is about constantly striving to be the best you can be, and to inspire the same in others. Is there a better mindset for an instructor? We don’t think so, which is why Jordyn is a lead instructor in our youth and Lil’ Dragons’ programs. On her down time, Jordyn likes playing with her dogs, spending time with friends and family, and dabbling in photography.
Eva O’Kane
Head Instructor for Advanced Kids
2nd Degree Black
BSBN Eva has been training for nearly ten years, starting at age eight. She loves teaching because she gets to watch students grow—skills sharpen, confidence builds, and each person finds their own pace. In class, she focuses on clear instruction and steady progress so students leave feeling capable and proud. Her approach emphasizes encouragement, repeatable drills, and celebrating small wins along the way. When she’s not at FMA, she’s spending time with friends and family, pet sitting, or playing guitar with her dad. Fun fact: Eva is fluent in Hungarian.
Sophia Reed
Head Instructor for Intermediate Kids
1st Degree Black Belt
CGN Sophi has trained for six years, starting at age eleven. She loves teaching because she gets to hear about kids’ days and celebrate their progress—especially tip checks and belt tests. In class, she gravitates to Koryo and Thai Combo 3: Koryo for its dynamic patterns and crisp stances that even newcomers appreciate, and Thai Combo 3 because it’s simply fun to run with rhythm and control. When she’s not at Freestyle, she’s enjoying being outside or hanging with her dog.
Rita Luikart
Youth Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
BSBN Rita has trained for eight years, starting at age eight. She loves sharing what she’s learned with kids and helping them take confident steps on a path she knows well—being part of that journey is her favorite part of teaching. In the curriculum, she gravitates to Tip 4 for all the kicking (lots of combinations and variations) and Tip 5 for the precision in forms and the attention to detail it demands. Outside FMA, she’s with family or behind a camera, especially shooting wildlife (with a little portraiture, too) —her photography has been featured in two local magazines!
Anya Southam
Youth Instructor, Nunchucks Guru
2nd Degree Black Belt
BSBN Anya has trained for eight years, starting at age seven. She loves teaching for the connections and community it creates—getting to know students and watching those relationships grow on and off the mats. In class she’s drawn to Tip 5 and the forms work: detailed, technical, and always offering something to refine. When she’s not training, she’s at cross country or swim practice, or unwinding with crocheting and a good book. She aims for clear demos, steady progress, and encouragement that sticks after class. Fun fact: her Duolingo streak is over three years long!
Adison Palaferri
Front Desk
Candidate Belt
Adi has trained for nine years, beginning at age nine. At the front desk, she focuses on welcoming families, answering questions, and making sure students are checked in and ready for class. She loves the moment a student earns a long-awaited tip and you can see the confidence land. In the curriculum, she’s especially drawn to the Thai combos for how they build rhythm, timing, and control across levels. When she’s not at Freestyle, she’s usually crafting or reading.
Jason Wang
Youth Instructor
1st Degree Black Belt
CGN Jason has trained for ten years, starting at age four in 2015. He loves teaching for the connections it creates—getting to know students, watching them grow, and celebrating each step forward. His favorite part of the curriculum is forms. They let him channel focus and energy into every movement, and the precision keeps him engaged because there’s always something to refine. He likes the clear sense of accomplishment that comes with a strong performance and clean technique. When he’s not at Freestyle, he’s usually with friends or tackling schoolwork.
Bruce Tree
Decoration and Greenery Operations
Orange Belt -3 Stripes
Bruce is our resident lobby staff member. He hasn’t been at Freestyle very long but he feels that he’s already settled into his roll —providing a splash of color to lobby. Off the mats, Bruce enjoys quiet hallway breezes, routine misting days, and posing for photos. Training tip from him: hydrate, stand tall, and grow a little every day.