Instructors

Sifu Collin Liebermen

Director & Head Instructor

Collin moved to Ithaca in 2012 and fell in love with the city that he now calls home. This move offered a life-changing opportunity for him - to transform his passion for martial arts & fitness into a full-time venture, providing exceptional training to hundreds of families in our community.

Collin personally teaches for most of Centerline's programs, including Adult Martial Arts, Fitness and Kids Kung Fu.

20+ Years of Martial Arts...

As a teenager, Collin was inspired by martial arts legend and founder of Jeet Kune Do (JKD), Bruce Lee. At age 18, Collin discovered a JKD school near his hometown and wouldn't stop talking to his parents about it. They signed him up as a birthday gift shortly thereafter, and what a gift if was! Flash forward more than 20 years, and "Sifu" Collin now owns his own martial arts academy. He is a certified Senior Full Instructor in Bruce Lee's art (Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do) under Sifu Raffi Derderian.

Collin is also a Red Sash in the art of Kuntao Silat DeThouars, having been introduced to one of the finest Kung Fu & Silat instructors in the country (Sifu Matthew Cohen) while on one of his trips to train at the renowned JKD Inosanto Academy in Santa Monica, CA.

Additionally, Collin has cross trained in many martial arts styles, including Taijiquan (with world champion Stephen Watson), Filipino Kali, Muay Thai, Western Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The result of all this... a deep respect for those who undertake the journey of the martial artist - one of endless self discovery and self improvement.

A Fire for Fitness and Movement...

Collin was an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from 2012-2016, and continues to enrich his fitness education through various classes, workouts & workshops. In addition to founding the Centerline Kung Fu Strength and Kickboxing programs, Collin has experience with Kettlebells, Original Strength, CrossFit, Pilates, Forrest Yoga, Qi Gong, and Neigong.

Laura Thomas

Manager, Instructor &

Jeet Kune Do Sija

Laura is the Manager of Centerline Fitness & Martial Arts. She is also an instructor in Kickboxing and Kids Kung Fu, and is a Sija in the JKD program. While Laura primarily practices Silat and Jeet Kune Do, she also trains in Muay Thai, Taiji Push Hands, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Qigong. A former High School Spanish teacher and cheerleading coach, she loves to motivate her students, and is passionate about helping people to feel good in their bodies. Laura is available for Private Coaching in Kickboxing and Self-defense.

Izzy Herold

Assistant Manager, Kids Program Coordinator, Instructor

Izzy started training at Centerline in 2018. Since then she has become a certified Kung Fu Strength Instructor, as well as an Apprentice Instructor in our Kids Kung Fu program. Izzy primarily studies Kuntao Silat, and has recently started training in Jeet Kune Do as well. She has spent time exploring kickboxing, Muay Thai, Qigong and BJJ, which has had a significantly positive impact on Izzy’s life. She strives to share that positive empowerment whenever, wherever, and however possible. Izzy also enjoys painting, playing with dogs, and baking!

Patrick Wilshire

Jeet Kune Do Sisook

Patrick trained for many years in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Ving Tsun before coming to Centerline in 2015. He is an assistant instructor in our Jeet Kune Do program. Patrick also studies Kali and Silat.

Jake Seegers

Kids Kung Fu Instructor

Jake is a Kids Kung Fu Instructor at Centerline, where he trains in Jeet Kune Do & Kickboxing. He also practices Aikido, and Japanese swordsmanship. Jake is a certified Personal Trainer, and has created his own gamified fitness program: FitQuest. He is passionate about sharing the knowledge he continues to receive through his many years of study with the community. Jake is available for Personal Training.

Melissa Pope

Bootcamp & HIIT Instructor

Melissa has taught elementary physical education since 2006, and has helped countless kids live an active, more healthy lifestyle. Melissa teaches HIIT Circuits classes and leads our popular Boot Camps.

Mike Blegen

Jeet Kune Do Sisook

Mike has studied primarily Chinese martial arts, including Northern Shaolin Longfist, Wushu, Ba Gua, and Tai Chi. He started training at Centerline in 2016 and is an assistant instructor in our Jeet Kune Do program.

Christian Przygocki

Kuntao Silat Assistant

Christian started at Centerline in 2017. He holds a previous instructor rank in Filipino Kali. He has also had training in various arts including JKD, Western boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Qi gong and meditation.

Shikhar Bajracharya

Jeet Kune Do Sihing

Shikhar began training at Centerline in 2016. He holds a 2nd degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, 3rd degree brown belt in Shinto-Ryu Karate, and 6th kyu in Toyama Ryu Battodo. He has since continued training in Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Silat, and Boxing.

Luigi Guzzon

Jeet Kune Do Sihing

Luigi joined Centerline in 2016 when he started training in JKD. He has studied and practiced Wushu Nan quan [black sash first rank (1st Duan)], Chang quan, Tai Chi, QiGong, Sanda, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing.