Our Instructors & Staff Members
Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Kenpo and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.
Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of Professional Martial Arts Academy’s instructors and other staff members, starting with Mark Warner:
Mark Warner (Tashi)
Tashi Mark has over twenty five years of study in the martial arts. He is adept at teaching children and adults, as he uses an individual’s strengths to help everyone reach their goals.
He has competed successfully, earning state
titles in sparring, weapon, and open hand forms. A life-long learner, he is currently studying Northern Mantis Kung Fu with Sifu Scott Jefferys, Pin Sum Wing Chun with Ron Williams, and Filipino Martial Arts with Mike and Ron Williams. Tashi Mark incorporates new learning in every stimulating class!
Deborah Mahoney (Tashi)Tashi Debbie has trained in Kempo since 1989. She brings a Masters degree in education and 30 years experience as an elementary school teacher to Professional Martial Arts Academy. In 1999 she was the recipient of three world titles and was inducted into the KRANE Black Belt Hall of Fame. She teaches adults and children as well as a rocking Thai Kickboxing class!
Steve Sargent (Sensei)Sensei Steve has 15 years of experience in the martial arts. He is a third degree blackbelt, and was the 1998 KRANE National Champion in Open Hand and Weapon forms. He is a certified agent in the Kid Safe network, and he both manages the performance teams and coaches the competition team.
Matt Whitman (Sensei)Sensei Matt is a wonderful addition to the PMA staff. He brings a solid knowledge of technique as well as an embodiment of the spirit of the martial arts to his classes. Sensei Matt also studies Northern Mantis and Pin Sum alongside Tashi Mark, as well as Tai Chi from Dr. Yang.
Lisa Linehan-Cesati (Sensei)Sensei Lisa, an experienced mother of three, brings her knowledge to the dojo floor. She has unlimited energy and enthusiasm, and is skilled at reaching each student and giving them what they need for success. Sensei Lisa brings this enthusiasm also with her into the direction of the jr demo team.
Dan Boutchie (Sensei)Sensei Dan EMT MMA DUT as well as shodan has been training in the martial arts for over 5 years and has been teaching for more than 2 1/2 years. Sensei Dan also recently started a new weight lifting regiment — Looking good, Dan!
Dave Shopper (Sensei)Dave Shopper has been training with Professional Martial Arts Academy for over 7 years. He holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt and has been teaching beginner and intermediate classes for over 5 years. Sensei Dave also spent a year of undefeated tournament sparring, including the Ocean State Grand National Championship.
How Time Flies!!
Kevin ClarkeKevin began his martial arts training at PMA as a youngster and now at twenty holds a second degree black belt ranking and instructs and captains the Performance Team.
John Fraher (Tashi)
Tashi John Fraher is a fourth degree black belt who enjoys teaching as well as continuing his own training. Tashi brings a gentle spirit and kind way to all his classes. He is the dojo’s Dragon Warrior! The five finger technique only makes him giggle.
For more information about the Professional Martial Arts Academy staff or training programs, please contact us at 978-356-9800.
