About Crouching Tigers
At Crouching Tigers, we believe that learning essential LifeSkills and SafetyLessons is not just beneficial—it’s a necessity for every child. In today’s world, where children are exposed to various challenges and risks, understanding how to navigate these situations safely is crucial for their overall well-being and development. Our child-centric martial arts program is designed to meet this critical need by providing kids with the knowledge and tools they require to stay safe in various situations, from playgrounds to public spaces. Through engaging, story-based lessons, we go beyond martial arts, instilling in children, ages 2 – 7, the LifeSkills of discipline, respect, and
self-control while teaching them how to respond to potential dangers, such as encountering strangers or dealing with emergencies. Led by our certified instructors (Senseis), children gain a comprehensive understanding of safety that will serve them throughout their lives and parents gain the knowledge and peace of mind knowing their child is better equipped for real world circumstances.
Our Core Values
- We focus on the positive
- We build impactful relationships
- We are focused yet flexible
- We conduct ourselves with integrity
- We are resourceful and always learning
- We build a positive team and family spirit
- We take pride in ourselves and what we do
Our Founder + CEO
Olivia Roney Mitchell
Olivia Roney Mitchell founded Crouching Tigers in 2007 at just 20 years old, driven by her passion for martial arts and her upbringing in a large family with a single mother. From a young age, Olivia was captivated by martial arts and inspired to get involved after offering to clean her local martial arts school in exchange for training. Despite financial struggles, she persevered and later created a class to make martial arts accessible to all children, aiming to teach not just the basics of martial arts but also vital life and safety skills.
Growing up, Olivia and her siblings were taught crucial life lessons and skills by their mother, but the approach often instilled more fear and anxiety than confidence. Influenced by this experience, Olivia recognized the need for a more positive and empowering method. Now, through martial arts, she teaches these essential lessons in a way that builds confidence rather than fear. Olivia is committed to using martial arts as a tool to equip children, ages 2-7 years old, with the skills they need to navigate the world confidently, believing that these formative years are critical for fostering a resilient and self-assured mindset.
As a mother of four, Olivia’s personal experience deeply enriches her approach, allowing her to connect with children and teach them effectively. For nearly 20 years, Crouching Tigers has been committed to instilling essential LifeLessons and SafetySkills through martial arts. The program integrates engaging stories and Tiger characters, inspired by Olivia’s own family, to make safety lessons accessible and memorable for preschool to first grade aged children. Crouching Tigers’ program includes promotion ceremonies, inclusive of board breaking, and focuses on intuition, personal development, and the crucial life lessons that set a foundation for a confident and resilient future.
Our Team
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Kristen Zogbi
Program Director
Our Indiana Program Director, Kristen Zogbi! A fearless leader of our pack, Kristen has been with us for 12 years and has grown our Indiana territory while growing her family. Wishing this Crouching Tiger boss an extra special birthday! 
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Sensei Victoria
Assistant State Director
Victoria currently holds the Assistant State Director position for SouthEast Indy territory! She has been with the company since the beginning of 2023 and has had a blast getting to know everyone!
“My biggest goal is to be a positive example every minute of every class. Every second counts when building impactful relationships! I find my inspiration for my goal in the hearts and attitudes of our CT students — they always come with determination, willingness, and perseverance. I seriously love watching the kiddos grow up and take our Crouching Tigers LifeSkills with them.”
We love having Victoria as a part of our team! Let us know if your child has had her in class!
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Steve Zogbi
Master Trainer
Sensei Steve joined Crouching Tigers in 2009 and has since brought amazing energy and passion to the program. With a physical education background, Sensei Steve is able to bring unique tips and tricks to instructors and empower them to be their best instructors and offer the best program to their students.
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Sensei Leah
Instructor
Sensei Leah Marin started at Crouching Tigers in January of 2023. She grew up in Lafayette, IN, and has a Business Management degree from Marian University! In her free time she really enjoys exercising, dancing, spending time with family, and baking. A fun fact about her is that she just started her 3rd season on the Indiana Pacers dance team, the Indiana Pacemates!
“My favorite part of the job is watching my student’s confidence in themselves grow during their time in Crouching Tigers! Crouching Tigers can make kiddos feel so accomplished and proud of themselves, and I am so honored to be able to watch that throughout their time with me in class!”
You’ll see Sensei Leah in your child’s Promotion Ceremonies this week! We love having her as a part of our team.
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Sensi Hunter
Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader, dance/barre instructor
Sensei Hunter is a current Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader, dance/barre instructor, and a graduate of West Virginia University! Hunter loves to teach and work with children! In her downtime she enjoys traveling and playing with her dog, Indie.
“My favorite part of Crouching Tigers is being able to teach children life skills, in addition to fitness and martial arts! I love watching the kids grow in their character development just as much as their martial arts skills!”
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Tiffany
Program Director
Meet our Illinois Program Director, Tiffany! 
Sensei Tiffany has a love and passion for Martial Arts and fitness! She is a certified Martial Arts Master in Taekwondo, holds a 4th dan black belt and additionally holds rank in several types of Korean art forms. Tiffany has competed in over 200+ martial arts competitions including Jr.Olympics, Nationals and IL State. Tiffany has over 20 years of experience in the martial arts industry teaching, leading and managing martial arts facilities, understanding the importance of business relations. Tiffany is also a certified personal trainer, certified stretch therapist and is certified in CPR/first-Aid/AED.
She has been a great addition to our team!
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Sensei Jacky
Assistant Program Director
Sensei Jacky is the Assistant Program Director for our Illinois team! Jacky has been with Crouching Tigers since August of 2021 and has been working with kids the last 5 years! Outside of classes, she has 4 kids of her own, ranging from 8 years old to 15 years old.
“I love working with kids and seeing the connections they make as they learn and grow” – Sensei Jacky
She is an amazing instructor and we love having her as a part of the Crouching Tigers family! 
Leave a comment if Sensei Jacky is your child’s instructor!
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Sensei David
Instructor
Sensei David has been teaching martial arts to kids of all ages for over 15 years and joined the Crouching Tigers team in early 2019!
“I love watching each of my students learn and develop as a person through character building and physical skills. I’m excited to have your child in class as we work towards being a more confident and mindful person than we were yesterday.”
Is Sensei David your child’s instructor?! Let us know in the comments! 
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Sensei Famus
Instructor
Sensei Famus loves working with kids and being active. He has participated in a few martial arts growing up like Karate, Muay Thai, and Boxing. He also loves football and played professionally in the IFL, working out with a few NFL and CFL teams over the last few years.
“I have been with Crouching Tigers for about 5 months now and my favorite part would be our ceremonies and seeing parents get just as excited as their kids when they break their boards!”
We love having Sensei Famus as a part of our Chicago team!
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Sensei Zo
Instructor
Sensei Zo has been with Crouching Tigers since September of 2021! In his free time, he is also a yoga instructor and a wrestling coach!
“My favorite part of Crouching Tigers is seeing the kids learn how to both have fun and learn discipline. I love seeing them apply the LifeSkills they learn in class as well as help them along their fitness and martial arts journey!”
Zo has such a positive energy in class, we love having him as a part of our team!
