Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Kim & Andrew Stringfellow.
Hi Leslie Kim & Andrew Stringfellow, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We met twenty-two years ago in a martial arts instructor’s garage. We’d each spent years practicing other martial arts and, independently, had started looking for a more comprehensive system—something that could connect what we’d learned and fill in the gaps. That search brought us to the same garage, where we found a depth of training that has kept us learning ever since.
Over the next two decades, we became close friends and trusted training partners. In 2025, we got married, and in 2026, we opened Combat Body Mechanics in Newbury Park.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a learning process for both of us. Andrew had been teaching martial arts for over twenty-five years, but always alongside other work or at other schools during their off-hours. Leslie’s background as a graphic design consultant helped us build the brand, but neither of us had opened a brick-and-mortar business before.
Finding a suitable space, navigating a lease, and getting city approvals were all new challenges. We had to learn as we went, and being able to share that work made a tremendous difference. We each brought different strengths, and together we built something neither of us could have created alone.
Alongside opening the space, we refined the curriculum, developed learning materials and videos, and started connecting with the community. There’s a lot of work behind creating a place where students can feel comfortable and see a clear path to learning.
We’re still in our first month, so we’re very much at the beginning. Interest has been encouraging, and seeing students connect with the training has made all that work feel worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Combat Body Mechanics?
Combat Body Mechanics is a martial arts school in Newbury Park focused on practical self-defense. We believe people can improve their self-defense skills regardless of size, age, or fitness level. We don’t train for competition or sport. Our classes are a place to learn, practice, and ask questions. Training will help you get fitter, but fitness is not a prerequisite to start.
Our adult martial arts program includes a focus on women’s self-defense. Our youth program for ages 9–15 teaches kids to solve problems and think critically through physical training. We also offer movement and mobility classes for adults 55+, including people who have never practiced martial arts. Students work on balance, mobility, and getting down to and up from the floor safely.
We train in small groups, so we can get to know each student and adapt the instruction to their needs. What we’re proudest of is seeing students use what they learn beyond the dojo—moving with more confidence, thinking through challenges, and taking an active role in their own well-being.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
We each have a surprising credit: Andrew appeared in the ninja weapons segment of the History Channel’s *Modern Marvels* episode “Strange Weapons,” and Leslie worked on the design and production of Taco Bell’s sauce packets. Ninja weapons and hot sauce aren’t the most obvious combination, but both are part of our story!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://combatbodymechanics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatbodymechanics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatbodymechanics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@combatbodymechanics
