Sensei Jaye Spiro has directed Mejishi Martial Arts in Detroit, Michigan for over forty-seven years. Mejishi is a strong, healthy center where students of diverse backgrounds, ages, abilities and lifestyles grow. She has been recognized as a Grand Master and 10th degree black belt in Karate and the Filipino Arts. She continues to teach and train with a smile and loves to share and explore martial arts for the health and welfare of our communities.

The first chair of the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation and a Board member twice, Jaye received the Founders’ Award, the Award of Excellence and three Member of the Year Awards for her service and achievements. In 2024 she was added to the Association of Women Martial Arts Hall of Fame for over 50 years of training and teaching. She was recognized by the Alkebulan Federation last summer as a Senior Grandmaster.

Jaye Spiro has been involved with anti-violence training for over fifty-five years. She began studying Karate in 1971 seeking skills to help recover from victimization. She was an early pioneer in the development of self-defense courses for women. Sensei Jaye instructs thousands of individuals each year in Empowerment Self-Defense. This approach emphasizes that survivors are not to blame for attacks. It honors their courage in the face of danger. It offers populations which are targeted the opportunity to practice simple, effective verbal and physical techniques to prevent, diffuse, handle and heal from traumatic and dangerous situations.