About us

Weilin began training in boxing at a young age through China's structured youth sports academy system, where he developed a strong foundation in Olympic-style amateur boxing through formal training in technique, footwork, conditioning, and disciplined athletic preparation. After moving to the United States, he continued his boxing training at Kage Fit Academy in Auburn, Alabama, where he received boxing instruction from professional mixed martial artist and UFC middleweight Tre’ston Vines, who helped him refine his punching technique, footwork, defense, movement, and overall approach to striking. After relocating to Baltimore in 2021, Weilin continued developing his boxing skills at Corner Team Boxing Club in East Baltimore. In addition to boxing, Weilin has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Kanjizai Academy for approximately five years, giving him a well-rounded background in combat sports, conditioning, movement, and martial arts training. As a boxing instructor, Weilin focuses on helping beginners develop strong fundamentals through proper stance, footwork, punching technique, defense, and conditioning. His approach emphasizes clean technique, consistency, and building a solid foundation before progressing to more advanced skills. His goal is to create a welcoming and structured environment where students can learn authentic boxing fundamentals, improve their fitness, and build confidence through training.

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Kevin Lockett is the Head-Instructor of Kanjiziai Academy. He currently holds a 4th degree Blackbelt in Traditional Jujutsu, and a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has travelled around the world to train with top instructors of various martial arts, traditional and modern. He has trained in BJJ, Judo, Traditional Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Kickboxing. His focus on self-defense and combative applications of martial arts is what fuels his vision of helping his Baltimore community feel a bit safer and confident through Jiu-Jitsu training. He is a Certified Gracie Trainer under Grandmaster Rorion Gracie.

Monica Merino is Kanjizai's Program Director, Child-Care Specialist, and co-owner of Kanjizai Martial Arts. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and an Associates in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland. A highly experienced child-care professional, she's worked in various schools and education centers in Maryland over the past 10 years.In addition to her experience in childcare and her role as Kanjizai's Program Director, she is also an experienced fitness professional and a student of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. She has committed herself to mastering all the women's self-defense techniques that Kanjizai has to offer.

Jimmie Gilmer is a Certified Gracie Trainer, Combat Fitness coach, and a Youth Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Kanjizai Academy. He is also a yoga instructor and a strength and conditioning specialist. He is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) through Yoga Alliance and a certified National Strength Professionals Association (NSPA) personal training specialist.  

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