BELLINGHAM KENPO KARATE
Instructors
Our dojo brings together experienced instructors uniquely qualified to continue the traditional teachings of Professor Nick Cerio while expanding students' understanding of their application.
We are affiliated with Kensho-Ryu Kenpo Karate, American Family Kenpo, New England Hybrid Dojo, Satori Ryu, AikiKenpo, and the Hybrid Fighting Association.
Shihan Craig, Head Instructor, earned his Kenpo Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 2005 while training under Shihan Carlos Miranda, and has been teaching at his Bellingham dojo since then. In July 2013, he earned his Yondan (4th degree black belt) in Kenpo under Shihan Carlos. In July 2015 he earned his Godan (5th degree black belt) in AikiKenpo Aikido from Shihan Jason DeLucia, who thanks Shihan Carlos Miranda and Grandmaster Mark Sheeley for their part in bringing Shihan Craig to this level. H
Shihan Jason DeLucia is a traditional martial artist with over thirty-five years of experience. Shihan Jason has been formally trained in Korean Tae Kwon Do, Chinese Kenpo, Five Animal Kung Fu, Pancrase Hybrid Wrestling, and Aikido. Highlights of his well-documented history in martial arts include the famous Steven Seagal challenge in the early 1990s and the Gracie Challenge of the same year. He also holds the distinction of performing the very first rear naked and triangle chokes in UFC history
Sensei Wendy earned her Kenpo Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 2007 while training under Shihan Eric Hung at Seishin Karate. She began her Aikido training with Shihan Jason DeLucia in 2003, earning her AikiKenpo Aikido Yondan (4th degree black belt) from Shihan Jason in July 2015. She has been teaching Karate and Aikido since 2008, and assistant teaching since 2003.
Sensei Stephen, Daytime Instructor, earned his Shotokan Karate-Do Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1988 while training under Sensei Lou Demas. In 2006, he earned his Sandan (3rd degree black belt) from Sensei Demas and his Kensho-Ryu Kenpo Shodan (1st degree black belt) under Kyoshi Mark Sheeley.
Nidan Lev Turkewitz earned his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in January 2013 and his Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in July 2015 in AikiKenpo Aikido from Shihan Jason DeLucia. At Satori Ryu (Canton, MA), he trained in Kenpo under Shihan Eric Kearns, in AikiKenpo Aikido under Shihan Jason DeLucia, and in Hybrid Fighting Arts. He is certified by the Hybrid Fighting Association.
Grandmaster Mark Sheeley founded Kensho-Ryu International in 1999 after the passing of Professor Nick Cerio, his instructor since 1987. In 2011, Grandmaster Sheeley received his 10th dan. Grandmaster Sheeley continues the training of the Kensho-Ryu school owners as well as many Black Belts at the Hombu location.
Shihan Carlos is Head Instructor at New England Hybrid Dojo (Pawtucket, RI). He has been teaching Nick Cerio lineage Kenpo Karate since 1985. In June 2013 he earned his Shichidan (7th degree black belt) from Soke Richard Petronelli.
Shihan Matt Jacome, head instructor at American Family Kenpo (Uxbridge, MA), has trained extensively under both Professor Nick Cerio and Kyoshi Mark Sheeley. He earned his Godan (5th degree black belt) while training under Kyoshi Mark Sheeley.
Shihan Eric Kearns is head instructor at Satori Ryu (Canton, MA) and a co-founder of the Hybrid Fighting Association. He earned his Godan (5th degree black belt) in Kensho-Ryu Kenpo Karate while training under Grandmaster Mark Sheeley.
The Teachings of Kenpo Karate
RULES OF THE STUDIO:
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Show respect to the art of Kenpo through personal behavior. Do not show off your art by throwing kicks and punches in public.
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Show respect to all advanced ranks, not just Black Belts.
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Show respect to your fellow students and to observers.
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Do not use your art for any reason other than your own personal safety in protection of your own life (or another's), and then only to the necessary degree.
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Exhibit extreme control at all times in practice or competition.
WHEN TO BOW:
We greet the instructor and other black belts present with a bow.
We bow and stand in front position (feet together, right fist covered by the left palm) while students and instructors tie on their rank (belt). This is out of respect for the masters who trained him/her, as well as a sign of respect for their knowledge and dedication.
We bow at the beginning and ending of each class. The bow is directed to the past masters, to the instructors, and to the flag (country).
Before putting on or removing our rank (belt), we ask the instructor's permission. This is a sign of respect for the knowledge that the instructor has given the student, represented by the color of the belt the student wears.
We bow before engaging an opponent in kumite or an imaginary opponent in kata.
The bow is always used as a sign of respect, whether to an opponent, an instructor, or a fellow classmate.
5 PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT:
EFFORT
Effort means to try your hardest in everything you do.
ETIQUETTE
Etiquette means to use good manners.
SINCERITY
Sincerity means to tell the truth.
SELF CONTROL
Self control means to control your body and emotions, control your self.
CHARACTER
Character means to be yourself; do not try to be like anyone else. Having good character means being a good person.
ANIMAL INFLUENCES:
TIGER
From the Tiger we learn Strength and Tenacity. The Tiger is very powerful and direct. The Tiger commits its entire mind and body into each move. There is no hesitation in the Tiger's mind.
LEOPARD
From the Leopard, we learn Speed and Cunning. The Leopard is extremely fast and angular. It sneaks up on its enemies and uses the element of surprise. The Leopard is not as big as the Tiger, but is capable of "providing great effect."
SNAKE
From The Snake we learn Chi and endurance. The Snake attacks with its fangs and control. Certain Snakes can suffocate their opponents.
CRANE
From the Crane, we learn Grace and Balance -- Fluidity. The Crane is very aware and evasive. Many people underestimate the Crane's power. It utilizes its beak for poking and its wings for trapping.
DRAGON
From The Dragon, we learn Knowledge and Wisdom. The Dragon can change into any animal at any moment. This is a key part of the secrets of movement.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
*** Important updates go here and closings"
Classes: Kids & Adults
About
Our dojo has been THE place to train in Kenpo Karate in the Bellingham area since 2005. Conveniently located on Rt. 140 near Rt. 126, we teach ages 4-adult in daytime, evening, and weekend classes.
We teach Kenpo Karate, a Japanese martial art with roots going back to the year 520 AD. Our teachings follow those of Professor Nick Cerio, well known throughout the country. Our Kenpo instruction is broadened and deepened by the addition of compatible techniques from other traditional martial arts.
In our children's classes, students learn to control their minds as well as their bodies by learning the physical and mental skills they need. As part of their karate training, we stress the five principles of conduct: effort, etiquette, sincerity, self-control, and character.
For adults, we offer not only Kenpo Karate but also Aikido, Cardio Kickboxing, Jujitsu, and Strike/Throw/Submit class.
We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information.
Call or email for a free month of classes (including a free uniform), or participate in one of our Introductory Trial offers for ages 4 through adult. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to class to sign up.
Our dojo is located off Rte. 140 at Olde Colonial Place (with Aroma Pizza), across from the Bellingham Post Office.
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BELLINGHAM
KENPO KARATE
"The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants." ~ Gichin Funakoshi
TESTIMONIALS
“My son has been coming here since he was six, (he's 9 now) and he loves it. He has learned so much about self-control and dicipline from each of his instructors."
Amanda Faucher / Parent
“Karate begins and ends with courtesy."
NaGichin Funakoshi
BELLINGHAM KENPO KARATE
Sample videos from some of our classes!
Our Strike/Throw/Submit class is taught by a Hybrid Fighting Arts certified instructor, and prepares students to compete in Hybrid Fighting tournaments.
What is Hybrid Fighting?
Hybrid Fighting classes consist of a cardio work-out with drills, bag work, jujitsu technique and fighting matches. Beginners are welcome! No previous martial arts training is needed to participate. Classes and Friday evening inter-school matches are held at various HFA certified schools in the area.
What is Hybrid Fighting Arts ?
Hybrid Fighting Arts is an amateur mixed martial art style designed by Jason DeLucia and Eric Kearns that utilizes the "on your feet" aspects of continuous point fighting with the "on the ground" aspects of judo, jujistu and wrestling. It is designed to enhance the fighting experience of today's martial artists, while upholding the integrity, honor, character and safety of the competitors.
Is it safe?
YES, While no contact sport can guarantee that there will be no injury, Hybrid Fighting Arts does not enlist the "ground and pound" aspects of MMA and is no more dangerous than Judo or Karate. Protective gear is worn, including a face shield. This art was designed with the the understanding that most people, although they may love competition and the fighting experience, do not make their living as professional fighters and cannot afford to be out of work due to fighting related injuries. The training focus is on technical proficiency, not brutality.
Who can participate?
Any person 15yrs or older may participate, those younger may participate with the instructor's permission. There are limitations of technique for younger students for safety purposes. Students do not need to be enrolled in the traditional martial arts program, but karate uniforms will be worn, and school etiquette will be observed.
Will there be competitive events?
YES. martial arts tournaments will be including amateur MMA events that only students from Hybrid Fighting Arts certified schools may participate in. There will also be inter-school competitions and other less formal events. Students may choose what events they wish to compete in, or choose not to compete at all. Contact Hybrid Fighting Headquarters for tournament information.
