Meet the Staff
Owner and Head Instructor
KJN Jovi Fernando Sr.
I have known I wanted to learn martial arts since I was 5 years old. When I was 22 years old I began training under GGM Tony Thompson as part of the Ernie Reyes West Coast Association. My passion for martial arts has grown since then, from my first black belt test in 1993 to my most recent Mastery test for my seventh degree black belt in June 2020. In 2003, my wife, sons, and I opened West Coast Mission. As martial arts became a passion so did teaching. I enjoy teaching students of all ages, from children to adults. I enjoy seeing the physical and mental changes they undergo as they progress toward their black belt goal. I enjoy sharing what I have learned both physically and in terms of life skills. Because my entire family is involved in the martial arts journey, it has allowed us to spend quality time together, bond, and do something we genuinly enjoy. As we learn, we are all growing together.
KJN
Jovi Fernando Jr.
KJN
Jake Fernando
KJN
Jalen Fernando
BKJN
Lily Marcaida Fernando
BSBN
Zyra Maine Pineda
BKJN
Allison Raynor-Guss
About Us
KJN Jovi Fernando Jr. | Instructor
Hey I'm KJN Jovi Jr. Growing up I was surrounded by a West Coast Family, and trained along side my dad at home before starting my own martial arts journey at 8 years old at West Coast Newark. I received my first black belt at 12 years old continued to train and teach. During the 2016 Mastery test, I trained and tested alongside my dad and brothers and earned my 5th degree. I was so happy when West Coast Mission opened in 2003 because it was something my dad and I had talked about since I was in Jr. High. All these years later, I help maintain the family business and my passion for teaching. I love to see the transformation of each individual over the course of achieving their black belt.
KJN Jake Fernando | Instructor
Hi I'm KJN Jake. I grew up surrounded by martial artists in my West Coast and personal families. I watched my dad and brother train at West Coast Newark, I mimicked their punches and kicks until I started my own training at 6 years old. In 2004, at the age of 12 I received my first black belt and continued to train. In 2016 I tested with my brother for our 5th degree black belt during the Mastery test. I have been adding onto my martial arts knowledge, studying Kali. Recently, I have been working on my clothing brands/art designs and hope to one day open my own studio.
KJN Jalen Fernando | Instructor
Hi I'm KJN Jalen. I began training at West Coast Mission when I was 5 under my parents and brothers. I was born into a martial arts family and everyday life was at the studio. I got my first black belt at the age of 10 and received my most recent 5th degree in 2024. I enjoy tricking and messing around with martial arts weapons. Since I was a beginner dragon my favorite event has been sparring (the best sparring equipment color is pink). I have travelled around with my brothers, participating and showcasing in different seminars and events. As my life goes on I continue to teach alongside my family.
BKJN Lily Marcaida Fernando | Instructor and Manager
Hi I'm BKJN Lily. I teach and also run the front desk. I started my martial arts journey in 1998 when my two oldest sons asked me to join them. I was known as "the cool mom" for training with my sons but once I got my first degree I discovered how much fun it was for me personally and continued to train. In 2003, my husband and I opened up West Coast Mission with our boys and it has continued to become more and more of a passion.
BSBN Zyra Maine Pineda | Instructor and Manager
Hi I'm BSBN Zy. I started martial arts in May 2018. Originally I was forced into participating but I grew to love it because it was something that I was good at. My favorite part of the curriculum is forms and Korean Terminology, and my favorite weapons are the bo staff and kamas. I love teaching our tiny dragons and special needs students. I hope to bring more autistic kids into the sport and see how them trying it can help them. My day job as a special needs teacher has allowed me a unique perspective to be able to adapt the curriculum for them, giving them a safe and positive space to be themselves and learn something new.
BKJN Allison Raynor-Guss | Guest Instructor
Hey I'm BKJN Allie. I started at West Coast Mission when I was 7 years old and have been here for over 15 years now. When I first joined I was extremely shy and never wanted to go to class but my dad told me to stick with it and it was the best decision of my life. I got my first black belt at 12 years old and immediately fell in love with teaching. Through high school and into college, whenever I had time I was here. Now, even with working towards my master's degree, I can't imagine stopping. I have learned some amazing things but the greatest part of this studio is the people. They have been with me through major steps of my life and have been a constant support that I know I can always count on. This is my family.