Sempai Shelly Blanco
About Shelly Blanco:
Meet Sempai Shelly Blanco, a self-defense instructor with a deep passion for empowering her students to improve their lives through the practice of martial arts. Her journey began after a traumatic experience, when she was brutally attacked in her apartment. Seeking to alleviate the fear that plagued her daily life, she started practicing martial arts under Sensei Joseph Hurtsellers’ school in the mid 1990s, focusing on self-defense techniques and instruction.
Soon, Sempai Shelly realized that physical skills alone were not enough. She delved deeper into the practice of martial arts, studying the internal aspect of the art and learning to discipline her mind through meditation. As a result, she became more effective not only on the mats but also in other areas of her life.
Today, Sempai Shelly is a co-owner of the Ohio Martial Arts Center located in The Shops at Fallen Timbers in Maumee. She works alongside Sensei Hurtsellers to empower students who seek to improve their lives through the practice of martial arts.
Sempai Shelly Blanco off the mats.
Off the mats, Sempai Shelly is a licensed R.N. and wound care nurse for Promedica. She is also a graduate of Mercy College. Sempai Shelly has taught self-defense clinics for a variety of groups, organizations, clubs, and companies, including The United Auto Workers, NFO, Holland Free Methodist Church, Reynolds Rd. Animal Hospital, The Girl Scouts of America, Bethany House, Toledo Clinic, Curves for Women, Dana, The Anderson’s, and many others. She has also conducted children’s “STRANGER DANGER” seminars for local schools, including Holland Elementary and Springfield High School, as well as events held at Fallen Timbers Mall.
If you are interested in attending one of Sempai Shelly's adult self-defense clinics, you can find more information on our website here.
Shelly has become the local expert regarding self-defense for children as well as adults.
Below are a few videos from some of her child safety events.
Below is a video reviewing the material she covers and a video highlighting some of the material she covers in her family events.