ABOUT US
GET TO KNOW US
Who We Are and Why You Should Train Here
At Evergreen Karate & Jiu Jitsu, we’ve built a laid-back, welcoming culture where families feel at home the moment they walk in.
Our academy runs on encouragement, laughter, hard work, and mutual respect. Kids gain confidence. Teens find direction. Adults rediscover strength they didn’t know they had. And somewhere along the way, strangers become training partners — and training partners become family.
We believe martial arts is for everyone. Age, background, experience — none of that matters here. What matters is showing up.
Yes, you’ll learn real, practical skills to protect yourself. You’ll get stronger. You’ll improve your focus and discipline. But what surprises most people is how much better they feel mentally. Stress drops. Confidence rises. Community replaces isolation.
We don’t just teach martial arts, we build resilient people.
And we do it together.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Learn about us before you meet us.
George Ahearn
3rd Degree Black Belt – OWNER/FOUNDER OF EVERGREEN KARATE & JIU JITSU
Sensei George has been training in martial arts for over 20 years. He holds an Executive Masters in Health Care Administration and a BS in Nursing, both obtained from the UW. In addition to owning EKJJ, he owns West Infusion Nurses’ Network LLC. A healthcare company that employs Registered Nurses in Washington and Idaho to treat people with autoimmune and rare genetic disorders in their home. His passion, however, is in helping others. He began a nonprofit called EastWest Food Rescue in which he and his team moved 8 million+ pounds of food in 18 weeks! George continues to serve the food rescue and help our State and Region during times of disaster through connecting people in need. He is married with three daughters.
Bryan Alvarez
3rd Degree Black Belt - Head BJJ Instructor
Bryan runs the Adult BJJ program at EKJJ and is among a handful of instructors worldwide to have received all of his belts/degress from eight degree red and black belt Master Pedro Sauer. Master Sauer received his black belt directly from Gracie Jiu Jitsu founder, Helio Gracie and his son Rickson. In addition to Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Bryan was a state and regional champion gymnast in his teens and was a pro-wrestler for nearly 20 years. Outside of class, Bryan works as a nationally-syndicated radio show host for “Wrestling Observer Live” on Sirius Satellite Radio and the Sports Byline USA Radio Network.
Matthew Hill
3rd Degree Black Belt – Adult BJJ Instructor
Matthew received his black belt in 2014 from Professor Micah Reyes at Gracie Barra Ballard in Seattle, WA. His martial arts practice is focused on pedagogy, with an emphasis on the basic physical principles that inform a deep understanding of the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Off the Mats, Matthew is a freelance writer and content provider, professional cycling coach and bike fit specialist, and an instructor at the prestigious Slowtwitch FIST school. He has worked with clients at all levels of sport, from absolute beginner to World Champion level, and is Safesport certified. An accomplished bike racer himself, Matthew has won multiple district and national championships in numerous disciplines of the sport.
Chris Simpliciano
Black Belt – Adult BJJ Instructor
“Hawaiian” Chris received his Black belt from Bryan Alvarez and Matthew Hill in July 2024. He started BJJ in 2012 as a fun way to exercise and was instantly hooked. Chris’ classes are a blend of traditional and modern techniques taught in his laid-back Hawaiian style – perfect for practitioners of all levels. His favorite part about teaching is seeing everyone progress on the mats from beginners to upper belts. Outside of Jiu Jitsu, Chris is a structural engineer and lives in Kenmore with his family.
Beau Richards
Brown Belt – Head Kids BJJ Instructor & Gym Manager
Beau started training in May 2016 and is currently a brown belt under Bryan Alvarez. When he is not training, Beau is the head instructor for the Lil’ Dragons and Youth Jiu Jitsu programs at EKJJ. He also handles the day to day operations of the gym; making sure everything runs smoothly. If you have received an email or spoken to someone from the gym, it was probably him! His greatest joy is helping shape the young men and women in the classes into better people and helping them discover a sense of purpose and responsibility in their lives. Beau loves to learn and is always looking for ways to continually better his life and the lives of the people around him.
Brent Yamamoto
5th degree black belt – Director of Karate and Ki-Aikido
Sensei Brent is the co-founder of Ki-Totejutsu, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Kei Shin Kan Karate, and a certified Tactical Firearms Instructor with Suarez Tactics. He holds black belts in multiple disciplines, including Ryukyu Totejutsu, Ki-Aikido, and Shinsenka-Ryu Jujutsu, as well as advanced certification in Ki Kenpo Sword.
With decades of experience across both traditional martial arts and modern tactical systems, Brent trains students to handle real-world threats with clarity and confidence. His teaching blends principle-driven technique with pressure-tested skill, making sure students not only know what to do—but why it works.
From kids to counter-terror professionals, Brent adapts to each student’s needs, pushing them to become more capable, focused, and resilient.
With hard work and the right instruction, you can accomplish far more than you think.
Jeff Morgenroth
4th degree black belt – Lead Karate Instructor
Sensei Jeff began training in 2009 as a personal challenge—and never stopped. What started as curiosity became a deep passion for martial arts and a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
Now, he is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Ki-Totejutsu, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Shin Shin Toitsu Ki-Aikido, and holds a 1st Level certification in Ki Kenpo Sword.
Jeff’s teaching blends precision and play. He emphasizes strong fundamentals, effective kata, and practical application through drills, exercises, and challenges that keep training both fun and focused.
Drawing from both Karate and Aikido, Jeff helps students develop calm minds and capable bodies. He’s especially skilled at breaking down complex ideas, guiding students to real progress in every class.
With Jeff, the goal is always clear: steady progress, sharp skill, and a martial art you can truly use.
Scott Bush
2nd degree black belt – Assistant Karate Instructor
Sensei Scott has trained in Ki-Totejutsu since 2007. Karate is his passion, though he also has some training in Aikido and Jujutsu. Through his teaching of kihon (basics), kata (forms), and bunkai (applications), he emphasizes the importance of solid structure and relaxation until the moment of connection. Scott is enthusiastic about sharing martial arts with all ages. He leads self-defense classes for adults, teens, and kids (including his own).
Paul Warren
2nd degree black belt – Lil' D's Karate Instructor
Sensei Paul began studying Karate at 10 years old under Fullcanali Chavez in Kirkland WA. Paul earned his black belt at 16 under Sensei George Ahearn. At 17, he began studying culinary arts and entering cooking competitions. Paul placed 4th at the national level of Art Institute’s Best Teen Chef competition, earning a full scholarship to Art Institute of Seattle. Life got busy. With a career as a chef, a wife and two kids, there wasn’t much time for karate.
The pandemic slowed things down and opened up the opportunity to teach karate. Paul is constantly reading to improve his knowledge and teaching skills. He continues to train in karate and recently began studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
HEAR WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY:
Went to Evergreen for the two weeks or so I was in town. Great team from folks who are friendly but who also take the sport (jiu jitsu) seriously.
Professors Chris, Mark, Matt, Beau (Bo?), and Thomas are all knowledgable and helpful.
Will definitely make the effort to return next I'm in town.
~ Benjamin Pennant
I'm a long-time mixed-martial artist, and my kids are now of the age where I want them to learn the martial arts. We enrolled them into the kids BJJ class, and it's fantastic. Beau is a wonderful coach; he's very patient and makes the class fun for the kids. I enrolled myself into the early morning BJJ class as well and have been enjoying it.
Anyway I really do recommend this place, especially for the kiddos!
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