Our Team
Coach Gabe Audant
Coach Gabe Audant is our founder and Head Coach. He has been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2004 and meditation since 1994. He has been teaching both since 2015, to great acclaim. Mindful Martial Arts is the result of his vision to collectively teach self-defense, meditation, and life skills in the most effective manner possible.
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In addition to his deep experience teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Meditation, Coach Gabe is widely acknowledged for his skill and compassion in his work with children. Further certifications and training include:
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- Youth Life Coaching Certified, 2021
- MAOFNR (non-violent communication) Certified, 2018
- Montessori Teacher Training Completed, 2006
Professor Rob Marchese
Professor Rob Marchese has been studying Martial Arts seriously for nearly 40 years, since 1987 after his medical discharge from the Army. He is a first degree BJJ Black Belt under Master Chris Lopez, (under André Pederneiras, of Nova União). He holds a Black Sash in the highly esteemed Korean martial art, Hwa Rang Do.
He also has deep experience training and teaching Thai Kickboxing and and Taekwondo, among other martial arts, and has been awarded his Thai Shorts and his TKD Black Belt.
Professor Rob is head coach for our older students' BJJ program, and adviser for our younger age groups.
Admin Kellie Hughes
Herself a deeply experienced and dedicated mindfulness and meditation practitioner, Kellie is enthusiastic about supporting kids and their parents to connect and stay connected with Mindful Martial Arts and the benefits it brings. She has been working dilligently with Mindful Martial Arts, our prospects and members since 2021.
Dr. Laura Greenwood - Director
For over 35 years our Director, Dr. Laura Greenwood, has distilled practical wisdom from traditional Buddhist teachings to help people overcome practical issues in their everyday lives. She has studied Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and in the US for over 40 years, and has developed mindfulness-based training programs for employees at 5-star resorts on Maui, Oahu, and Lanai. She is the founder and original Director of EdVenture, formally VITEC, the UH Maui College continuing education program.
Rebekah Harbour - Program Advisor
Rebekah Harbour has studied Aikido in New Zealand, Yoga and Pranayama in India, Vipassana and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in California, and Zero Balancing (a specialized form of bodywork) all over the world. Her passion for helping people connect with their bodies, and her decades of experience as a public speaker and instructor make her a powerful presence in any setting. Rebekah is a certified ZB therapist and instructor.
Other Team Members
We carefully choose team members who are passionate about martial arts, meditation, personal growth, and working with children.
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It's not enough to teach kids about these topics. Because kids learn values and behaviors through what is modeled, the character of our instructors is of the highest importance.