About Beth Holt

Kawayan Martial Arts School

Beth Holt is the founder of Kawayan Martial Arts School (KMAS), formerly based in Amsterdam, and a highly experienced martial arts instructor specializing in Modern Arnis, Shuri Ryu Karate, Empowerment training, and Qigong. She is an American-born martial artist with Dutch nationality and over five decades of international teaching experience in martial arts in the Netherlands and abroad, offering seminars and workshops.

Beth holds a 7th degree black belt in Shuri Ryu Karate and a 6th degree black belt in Modern Arnis (Filipino martial arts). In Karate she carries the title Shihan, and in Arnis the title Dayang — both meaning “teacher,” reflecting her standing in each tradition.

She began her martial arts journey in 1971 in New York, training in Kung Fu, followed by Uechi Ryu Karate and later Shuri Ryu Karate in Massachusetts. In 1977, she began training in Arnis under the founder of Modern Arnis, Grand Master Remy Amador Presas. Over the years, she has also studied Judo, Tai Chi, Capoeira, and Indonesian martial arts.

Beth Holt demonstrating Shuri Ryu Karate fighting stance with black belt, Kawayan Martial Arts School Netherlands
Vintage photo of young martial artist practicing stance and strike outdoors in black uniform
Beth Holt, Kawayan Martial Arts founder, leading a weapons training class with students practicing stick techniques
Vintage newspaper photo of Beth Holt and Crame Willemse demonstrating martial arts kick at Valley Women's Martial Arts Easthampton
1986 newspaper clipping of Beth Holt and Janet Aalfs demonstrating karate roundhouse kick at Valley Women's Martial Arts Easthampton
Vintage photo of four martial artists in horse stance with crossed arms, traditional karate training
Archival photo of two black belt martial artists smiling, Women's Martial Arts patch on uniforms
Beth Holt demonstrating Arnis Filipino stick fighting in archival black and white photograph, Kawayan Martial Arts School

Martial Arts Experience & Teaching Background

 

From 1982 to 1992, Beth was co-director of Valley Women’s Martial Arts, Inc. in the United States, a community-based school focused on self defense for women, karate, Arnis, and empowerment training. The school was dedicated to creating a safe training environment and addressing issues such as violence, oppression, racism, and homophobia through martial arts practice.

During this time, she taught a wide range of students, including women, children, seniors, people with physical and developmental disabilities, and survivors of sexual assault. Her approach to inclusive martial arts training has always focused on accessibility, empowerment, and personal development.

Kawayan Martial Arts School (KMAS) – Netherlands

In 1994, Beth founded Kawayan Martial Arts School (KMAS) in Amsterdam, where she lived and worked for over 30 years. KMAS offers training in martial arts in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, including:

  • Modern Arnis
  • Shuri Ryu Karate (Okinawan karate)
  • Self defense courses in the Netherlands
  • Empowerment training for women and groups
  • Qigong relaxation classes

Her teaching includes martial arts for beginners, martial arts for kids, martial arts for seniors, and self defense for women in the Netherlands, as well as culturally diverse communities.

Beth has also worked extensively with women’s shelters in Amsterdam and surrounding areas, offering self defense courses in Brabant and Noord-Brabant, as well as training programs for at-risk youth, people with learning disabilities, and individuals in social reintegration programs.

Beth Holt teaching Modern Arnis Filipino martial arts to a mixed group of adult students holding rattan canes, Kawayan Martial Arts School Gemert
Two women practicing Modern Arnis stick fighting techniques during a martial arts class in a sports hall, Gemert Netherlands

Workshops & Training

Beth has taught internationally across the United States and Europe, offering martial arts workshops on location, including:

  • Empowerment training for women & girls
  • Self defense workshops in the Netherlands
  • Karate classes for children in Amsterdam
  • Qigong relaxation and wellness training
  • Practical street awareness and self-protection training
  • Martial arts courses for adults of all levels

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes martial arts for all levels, inclusivity, confidence building, and practical self-protection skills.

Since 2022, Beth Holt has been based in Gemert, Brabant (Noord-Brabant, Netherlands), where she continues to offer martial arts workshops, lessons and training sessions in Brabant.

“Shihan Beth is a welcoming , skillful, encouraging , and fun-loving instructor. She finds joy in supporting her students’ progress.”

〜 Shinshii Janet Aalfs, Lotus Peace Arts at Heron’s Bridge/ Valley Women’s Martial Arts.
www.heronsbridge.org

“Shihan Beth Holt brings decades of experience, knowledge and compassion to our international martial arts community!”

〜 Jaye Spiro, Director of Mejishi Martial Arts, U.S.A.

Filipino & Okinawan Martial Arts Experience

Over 50 years of training in Modern Arnis, Shuri Ryu karate, with direct study under a leading instructor.

Inclusive Training for All Levels

A welcoming safe training environment for women, men, children, seniors, and beginners. Focus on confidence, empowerment, and personal growth.

Practical Self Defense Skills

Real-world self defense training in the Netherlands, including courses for women, children, and seniors. Emphasis on awareness, prevention, and practical safety skills.