Ward

Ward has devoted his life to helping others discover their best selves. This journey has led him from getting a nursing degree to helping underprivileged California youth in Americorps, to designing the experiential education program for troubled students in public schools of Maine. He continued this journey as a Kenzai trainer, and then as our head trainer developing the Kenzai trainer team to help thousands around the world.

Ward’s training style can be summed up in two words - validate and educate. Everyone comes to their fitness program with their own challenges, hang-ups, and strengths. He works to meet trainees where they are, understand their situation, and collaborate to find the solutions that get results. Empowerment and knowledge is always the goal.

When he’s not training Kenzai trainees or organizing the training staff, Ward can be found ripping up the ski-slopes and mountain-bike trails of New England. When he’s not outside he’s often in the cinema catching up on the latest art house films or whipping up fresh, delicious food for his family.

Location: Portland, Maine 

Training philosophy: “Approach fitness with a harm-reduction model. Eliminate the things that are causing the most damage first, and focus on progress, not perfection. Everyone has a different starting point. Don’t compare your starting point with another person, just get started!”

Life experience

• Masters Degree, Counselor Education
• Bachelor of Arts

Kenzai experience

• NASM certified Trainer
• Training with Kenzai since 2012
• Joined Training Team 2013
• Head Trainer since 2016

Ed

Hailing from Hawaii and San Francisco, Ed has spent his life helping others be their best. He worked as a high-school teacher and soccer coach before taking on his current role at a San Francisco based non-profit addressing the challenges of low income families in California.

Everyone who works and trains with Ed is touched by his warmth, enthusiasm, and positivity. He’s a self-described motivational powerhouse who gets his trainees through tough times and over the goal line.

When he’s not fighting poverty or rallying Kenzai trainees, you can find Ed out on the coastal headlands bird-watching for eagles and hawks, playing soccer with his local club, or perfecting his grilling skills with his 2 kids at home.

Location: San Francisco, California

Training philosophy: “Eat good things, move everyday, and get enough sleep.”

Life experience

• B.A. from UC Davis

Kenzai experience

• Training with Kenzai since 2015
• Joined Training Team in 2015

Elissa

Elissa grew up in Texas and lived in New York City before moving to Hong Kong. After years in the dog-eat-dog world of finance, she started searching for a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle. Working as a Kenzai trainer, she loves being a part of people’s transformations and is inspired each time she logs on.

As a mother of two, Elissa understands the pressures of eating right and exercising when there’s little time for yourself. Having dealt with knee and shoulder issues she’s also familiar with the challenges of getting healthy after an injury. With her firm but empathetic style she gets trainees to their goals.

Outside of training, Elissa is one of Hong Kong’s top dragon boat racers, leading her team to consecutive gold medals in the Stanley International competitions. When she’s not paddling with her team, she enjoys travel and adventure with her family or curling up with a good book at home.

Location: Hong Kong

Training philosophy: “Getting in shape is about simple choices. Diet comes first. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Add in exercise to build muscle, not as a way to lose weight. Keep getting these simple things right and you’ll see results!”

Life experience

• Bachelor of Science in Economics, The Wharton School

Kenzai experience

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Started training with Kenzai 2012
• Jointed training team 2015

Jess

In her mid-20s, Jess discovered the power of nutrition to heal her mind and body. Within just a few months of eating correctly she was able to overcome significant health challenges and refocus on the important things in life. This change was so profound that she changed the course of her career, leaving the field of animation and filmmaking to pursue a degree in nutrition in the UK. In 2018 she became a certified Nutritional Therapist and now runs her private practice in addition to her work at Kenzai.

In her free time Jess can be found on the pitch playing lacrosse with her local team, walking her dog, or in the kitchen trying to learn the ins and outs of Indian cuisine.

Jess’s training philosophy in a nutshell: “Identify specific goals and methodically work towards them.”

Location: Midlands, England

Life experience

• BSc Hons Nutritional Therapy (in progress- will complete May 2019)
• BCNH (UK College of Nutrition and Health)
• Level 2 Ski Instructor

Kenzai experience

• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• Level 2 Fitness Instructor, TRX coach, Kettlebells instructor
• Level 3 Personal Trainer
• Started training with Kenzai 2013
• Joined the training team 2015

Malia

Born and raised in Honolulu Hawaii, Malia has a lifelong passion for outdoor sports and adventure. She’s always been driven to help others achieve health and wellness in their own lives, earning a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Illinois. She pursued clinical health research in both the Chicago, San Francisco and Hong Kong before recently returning to Hawaii with her husband and 2 children.

When she’s not working with Kenzai trainees, Malia volunteers with the Women’s Fund of Hawaii securing grants for community initiatives empowering women and girls. In her free time, you can find Malia digging deep with her ocean canoe paddling team, hiking the volcanoes and craters of Hawaii, or participating in marathons and ultramarathons around the world.

On less active days, Malia loves to cook fresh food for her family and friends, do the NYT crossword, and weave intricate hawaiian “haku” leis with plants and flowers from her own backyard.

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Malia’s training philosophy in a nutshell: “Getting in shape isn’t sexy. It’s the steady, unexciting effort you put in each day that gets results.”

Life experience

• PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Post Doctoral Fellow

Kenzai experience

• First started training with Kenzai in 2012
• Joined Training team in 2014
• Certified Kenzai Program Architect

Sharmali

Sharmali has lived an international life, growing up in London in a Sri Lankan family, getting a degree in French, working in the financial markets and high levels of government. She now lives in Hong Kong splitting her time between motherhood, a career in financial business intelligence, and working as one of Kenzai’s most experienced trainers.

Sharmali’s training style is straightforward and practical. She’s always there to give encouragement, but not to accept excuses. Nothing makes her happier than helping someone do the hard work of eating right and exercising, and see their life change through their own will.

In her free time, Sharmali finds new ways to push her limits, be it 100km through-hikes or venturing around the world to learn how to surf. She also works with her children to raise funds and build homes for the needy in Cambodia.

Location: Hong Kong

Training philosophy: “You create your reality. Get your mindset right and you’ll reach your goals. There’s nothing stopping you except yourself!”

Life experience

• BA Honours French Language and Literature
• Current Job title : Account Director- Asia Pacific

Kenzai experience

• NASM certified personal trainer
• NASM Women’s Fitness Specialist
• NASM Youth Exercise Specialist
• NASM Behaviour Change Specialist
• CPR/ AED certified
• Training with Kenzai since 2013
• Joined the training team 2014

Cecilia

Cecilia found Kenzai after years of trying various exercise and diet fads. With just three months of eating and exercising the Kenzai way her body was transformed. The diet and training changed her body, but it was the Kenzai community that left a lasting impression. Her experience was so impactful that she jumped at the chance to guide others through the process and became an assistant trainer in 2015.

As Cecilia puts it, she was “Made in Taiwan, raised in California.” She currently lives in Hong Kong, working with a tech start-up and training with Kenzai. As a sufferer of long term chronic back-pain, she’s always exploring science-based methods to relieve pain and care for the body. Her empathy and positivity have helped many trainees through rough patches in their programs. In her free time you can find her hosting dinner parties, practicing free form dance, or working on her meditation practice.

Location: Hong Kong

Training philosophy: “A balanced diet is the key. Carbs, proteins and fats all have a place on your plate. Small daily doses of effort will always beat one time efforts.”

Life experience

• Masters in Social Work (MSW)
• Bachelors in Arts (History)
• Certificate in Compassion Meditation
• Director of Customer Success

Kenzai experience

• NASM Certified Trainer
• Started training with Kenzai in 2012
• Joined Training Team 2015

Jim

Originally from Rochester, New York, Jim has moved around the US Midwest throughout his life. His first career was as an organic chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, then he found his passion using his lab skills to facilitate a career shift into the beer brewing industry. With a poor diet and too many beers, Jim was amazed how much better he looked and felt after getting his nutrition right with Kenzai, so much so that he joined the trainer ranks himself.

Jim brings the straightforward, factual approach of a scientist and combines it with high energy positivity to get his trainees to their goals. He believes that getting in shape can be a thoughtful, intellectual journey, not just mindless sets and reps.

When he’s not brewing great beers or training with Kenzai, Jim stays busy hiking, doing yoga, traveling, roasting his own coffee, or whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen.

Training philosophy: “People will ask what you’re training for. You should take on the mindset that you’re training for LIFE. Everyone will face stress and duress during their lives, but good nutrition and real exercise will get your mind and body ready for whatever comes.”

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Life experience:

• BA Chemistry
• MS Chemistry
• BJCP Master Beer Judge
• Currently the Chief Science Officer at a rapidly growing brewery in the midwest

Kenzai experience

• Training with Kenzai since 2017
• Joined Training Team 2018

Kim

Originally from New Jersey, Kim has lived in the mountains outside Boulder Colorado for more than 15 years. She gets out in the nearby nature as much as she can, running, hiking, camping and skiing through the seasons. You’ll also find her on the dance floor several nights a week. She works as a children’s speech language pathologist along with her Kenzai trainer duties.

As a mom, teacher, and business owner Kim knows the challenge of balancing family and career with personal health. With humor, compassion, and firmness she gets trainees the physiques they’re after.

Training philosophy: “Consistency and routines are what get results!”

Life experience

• Bachelors and Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology
• Certificate in clinical competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association

Kenzai experience

• NASM certified trainer
• Training with Kenzai since 2010
• Joined Training Team in 2014

Nate

As a Pharmacy Technician, Nate brings a unique perspective to staying fit and healthy. Every day at his pharmacy in upstate New York he sees people dealing with the effects of poor food and exercise patterns. He knows the small daily choices people make in their younger years result in the health outcomes of their later years, for better or worse.

As a Kenzai trainer, Nate combines compassion and good-natured firmness to get his trainees through the rough patches to reach their goals. Not only does he skillfully coach trainees, he single-handedly created the Kenzai Kettlebell advanced program track.

In his free time you’ll find Nate honing his skills in the kitchen. His latest challenges include brewing beer, wine and liqueurs, and studying the mysteries of breadmaking. As his batches are brewing, he explores the forests and rivers of his hometown on runs, hikes, climbing outings, or kayak trips. And of course he’s happy to swing a kettlebell anytime.

Training Philosophy: “Being in good shape isn’t about extremes. Find a balance of things that work for you mentally and physically. This makes your progress sustainable. Start small and do something every day.”

Location: Rochester, New York

Life experience:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPht)

Kenzai experience

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Training with Kenzai since 2008
• Joined Training Team Feb 2015
• Certified Kenzai Program Architect

Scott

Originally from England, Scott has lived in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. He started his own technology recruitment company in 2004 and began working with Kenzai in 2016.

Scott helps break down the complicated aspects of training into simple, practical steps. He’s able to meet the trainee where they are and help build their routine for success. Scott loves nothing more than seeing the vitality and joy that trainees feel when they get the results they worked so hard for.

Outside of his business and Kenzai training duties, Scott enjoys sharing education activities with his children (they’re currently learning how to design and create with a 3D printer). He’s also an avid reader of science and sociology non-fiction. He also likes playing football, hiking, and exploring Hong Kong’s islands on his paddle board.

Training philosophy: “You can’t out-train a bad diet. Cut out processed food and find an activity you can do 3-5 times a week. Make sure you enjoy the activity so it doesn’t feel like a chore.”

Location: Hong Kong

Life experience

• BA Hons Russian Language & Literature
• Managing Director, Five Asia

Kenzai experience

• Training with Kenzai since 2014.
• Joined Training Team 2016

Thomas

Thomas has been a core part of the Kenzai team since its inception and continually challenges himself to take on new roles for Team Kenzai whenever possible. Starting as one of the first participants, learning directly through apprenticeship from founder Patrick Reynolds to become one of the first trainers, to taking the first Head Trainer role to teach the next generation of Kenzai Trainers, and now joining the sales and customer service team.

He was raised in Albany New York and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in political science before heading out to see the world. He spent time teaching in Costa Rica and catching the surfing bug, and ended up in Portland Maine where he settled with his wife and two children. The family now splits time between the northern delights of Maine and the equatorial glow of Costa Rica.

Thomas’s training style is steady, patient and positive. He knows that getting in shape is a journey that takes different twists and turns for every person. Having taken thousands of people through the process he’s a deep well of knowledge on the physical and mental challenges that arise when you’re working with the body. His favorite part of being a Kenzai trainer is seeing clients that get results year after year and take their fitness to a level they never thought possible.

Outside of his work with Kenzai, Thomas spends his days catching either the rare cold waves of Maine, or the mondo warm swells of Costa Rica. When the surf’s down he’s on the ultimate frisbee pitch making game saving plays. He spends most of his time with his family, but when everyone’s in bed you might catch him online in a League of Legends match!

Location: Portland, Maine / Uvita, Costa Rica

Training philosophy: “Stay away from sugar and processed food. Instead, center your diet around plant based sources. Move your body every day. It doesn’t have to be a workout, find an activity that you enjoy which gets your blood pumping!

Life experience

• BA Political Science

Kenzai experience

• NASM certified personal trainer
• NASM Specializations include:
  • Neuromuscular Stretching
  • Balance Training
  • Flexibility Training
  • Core Training

Sara

A native of London, Sara has traveled around the world and is fluent in Italian and French. After a career in finance Sara settled in Kent with her family and is now a marketing manager for independent schools in the greater London area.

With her warm and caring style, Sara guides trainees through the process of changing their habits and crafting new healthy patterns around food and exercise. She has specialized experience working with older clients as well as pre and post-natal women.

In her free time Sara enjoys running, going to the theater, cooking big meals from scratch and savoring good wine.

Training philosophy: “Forget gimmicks! Sort your diet out and the rest will follow. There’s no need to endlessly go to the gym, instead focus on eating good fresh food first and foremost.”

Location: Kent, England

Life experience

• English and Italian Literature BA

Kenzai experience

• Level 3 Personal Trainer specializing in clients 50 and over
• Began training with Kenzai in 2014
• Joined the training team in 2015

Matt

Matt has led an active life since childhood, always involved in outdoor adventure and team sports in the upstate New York area. After finishing business school and putting more than a decade in the finance sector, he became a stay at home dad to raise his three children and enjoy each day.

Matt leads his Kenzai trainees by example, walking the talk on nutrition and exercise every day. His favorite part of being a trainer is seeing people surprise themselves by finding out they’re tougher and more disciplined than they ever gave themselves credit for.

When he’s not guiding users through the challenges of Kenzai Body or Kenzai Iron, you’ll find him enjoying a round of golf with friends or his kids, or on the road on a family road trip.

Training philosophy: “Find something that piques your interest. If you’re social find a group or club, if you’re a loner find an organized program, but no matter what you have to feel some joy around your exercise. If it’s a chore you won’t do it!”

Location: Glenmont, New York 

Life experience

• Bachelor of Science, Accounting

Kenzai experience

• NASM-CPT (National Academy of Sports Medicine - Certified Personal Trainer)
• CPR/AED Certified (American Red Cross)
• Boston-Qualified Marathoner
• First program with Kenzai 2015
• Joined the training team 2016

Jenny

Jenny’s career of helping others started with back-to-back US Peace Corps terms in Morocco and Zambia. From Zambia, she transitioned to aid work in Malawi where she lives with her husband and children. She now works to ensure grant money is efficiently distributed to worthy projects that support food insecure, subsistence farming households to climb out of poverty.

Jenny brings that same compassion and competence to her work at Kenzai, as she guides trainees through the ups and downs of a real training cycle. As a mother to two (going on three) small children, she’s trained in pre and post natal fitness for women.

Training philosophy in a nutshell: “It’s all about what you eat. Exercise is important, but reducing your sugar intake while increasing your nutrient intake is where most of your change happens. And don’t forget sleep!”

When she’s not developing infrastructure and education in Malawi, you can find Jenny in the garden, or kitchen figuring out how to make Mexican food with African ingredients. She also has a strong meditation practice which serves her well.

Location: Blantyre, Malawi

Life experience

• B.A. Anthropology
• M.S. Interdisciplinary Ecology
• NASM CPT Certification
• Moms into Fitness Prenatal and Postnatal Specialization

Kenzai experience

• First program with Kenzai May 2010
• Joined Training Team July 2017

Angela

A native of the UK, Angela has lived in Hong Kong since 2002. She’s a lifelong devotee of sports and physical exercise, and spends her days as a PE teacher and counselor for 11-18 year old students.

Angela’s enthusiasm for nutrition and exercise is contagious. She’s always there for her trainees to give them a boost when they’re down or cheer them on when they’re hitting their stride. With her teaching background she’s able to both motivate and educate her Kenzai crew through their programs.

In her free time, Angela enjoys running, hiking and playing competitive netball with her team the Stingrays. She also loves supporting her two daughters with their triathlon training.

Training philosophy: “Diet is 80% of your outcome. But the best results come when both food and exercise are working in combination. We all know life is busy, so get creative with your time and don’t let your health take a backseat to your job or family. Without your health, nothing else is possible!”

Location: Hong Kong

Life experience

• BEd (Hons)
• Physical Education. PE Teacher

Kenzai experience

• First program with Kenzai 2014
• Joined the training team 2015