Instructors

Rhonda Payne and Jan Bonner have been teaching self defense and safety awareness for over twenty years. Although this is NOT a martial arts course, Rhonda Payne’s 30+ years of Taekwondo and Hapkido training, combined with Jan Bonner’s 40+ years of Judo have produced a safety awareness and self defense course that is second to none.

Created for women, by women, this course is designed for women of all ages, sizes and fitness levels.

Master Rhonda Payne

7th Dan Taekwondo

7th Dan Hapkido

6th Dan Jiu-Jitsu

1993 - U.S. Olympic Sports Festival Gold Medalist

1993 - International Friendship Games World Champion

1998 - Master Instructor of the Year

1998 - Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame

3 Time Texas Outstanding Athlete of the Year

9 time National Medal Winner

22 Grand Chamionships

Master Payne has been training in martial arts for over 30 years. She's competed in state, national, and international competitions in sparring, forms, and weapons. She's coached state, national, and international level athletes. She was the first woman to host a Taekwondo tournament in the state of Texas and the first woman to open a Taekwondo school in San Antonio. Her passion for martial arts and for teaching has led her to being inducted into the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

"The atmosphere we have created in our dojo is one of inclusiveness. Everyone has more potential for success when they are in an atmosphere that is supportive. We want to give each student the tools they need to rise to the challenges before them and reach their goals. The instructors at the USMA Training Center have an unending commitment to excellence in their approach to teaching. They are each highly qualified black belts, dedicated to helping students realize and utilize their potential."

Sensei Jan Bonner

Shichidan, Judo (7th Dan)

Certified N.A.S.M. (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Personal Trainer

Sensei Jan Bonner began her involvement in Judo over 40 years ago. Currently she holds the rank of 7th degree black belt. She is a lifetime member of both United States Judo Association and the Unites States Martial Arts Association under the direction of Phillip S. Porter, and received her instructor certification at the National Judo Institute (NJI), in Colorado Springs, CO.

With a desire to teach others, Sensei Bonner started a Judo club at Lackland Air Force Base, from a grassroots level, in the same gymnasium she began her training under the direction of Herbert D. Bellamy. Within two years, she had built the largest USJA Judo club in Texas, producing both state and regional level champions.

In addition to hosting a tournament, plus numerous Judo clinics and seminars, Sensei Bonner attended training camps at the NJI. The knowledge she gained was brought back to her students, enabling them to learn techniques at an elite athletic level.

Knowing every aspect of the sport of Judo, having been a competitor, coach, and referee, Sensei Bonner has a strong philosophy she shares with her students, "Don't worry about being a trophy winner. Concentrate on being an athlete first. Practice; strive to be your personal best; be diligent; be dedicated. Have passion for your art and the 'trophies' will come. Keep your perspective and remember trophies do not necessarily make you a true winner - honesty, dedication, and good character does."

Jan Bonner is also in charge of the Functional Fitness Training program at the USMATC.