Instructors

Shihan Steve Nugent, our founder and four-time world champion, has almost 35 years of experience in the martial arts.

In January 2007, Mr. Nugent was elevated to 9th Degree Black Belt (Grandmaster; aka Hanshi) by Senior Grandmaster George Pesare. Senior Grandmaster Pesare brought Kenpo Karate to the United States from Hawaii in the early 1960's. This recognition of Grandmaster Nugent's accomplishment's makes him one of the foremost authorities of Kenpo Karate in the country today.

In addition, Grandmaster Nugent is part of an elite group of martial artists studying under the legendary instruction of Bill “Superfoot” Wallace.

Grandmaster Nugent's philosophy has always been one of inclusion. "My school has students from 4 years olds who like to jump around and kick the bags, to students in their 60's who enjoy the challenging workouts, and 24-year old professional fighters. There is something for everyone in karate."

Jon Mischel started martial arts training in 1986 and was one of the first students promoted to Black Belt by Shihan Nugent. Jon is a certified “Superfoot” Instructor and has a degree in business/marketing from the University of Massachusetts.

Mike Bove has been studying Kenpo Karate since 1983 and is a certified “Superfoot” Instructor. Mike holds a Bachelors degree from Northeastern University and is a practicing physical therapist.

Bill Covitz holds two black belts: one in Gojo Ryu and the other in Kenpo Karate. Bill has more than 20 years' experience in the martial arts and was one of the first students to receive a black belt from Shihan Nugent and is a certified “Superfoot” Instructor. In addition, he is a graduate of Boston University and holds a Masters degree from Suffolk University.

Eric Forbush has been studying with Grandmaster Nugent since the age of 6! Eric is considered the lead instructor of the children's program, and for good reason - he is great with kids! At 18 years of age, he is a great role model for the youth of the schools.

Davis Le has been studying with Grandmaster Nugent since the age of 8! He is a staple on the karate tournament circuit and is considered one of the top fighters in the country. Davis teaches in both the Burlington and Wellesley schools.

Margaret Fogel has studied Kenpo Karate since 1995, with about 5 of those years under Grandmaster Nugent. Margaret has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, and is the president of a small company involved in using bacteria to clean up contaminated groundwater.

Dave Ryan has been studying Kenpo Karate under Grandmaster Nugent since 2001. David holds a BSEE from the University of Dayton and an MSCS from Boston University. He is employed as a principle software engineer at a local high tech corporation.

Maria Berry is a former body builder who brings a unique and fantastic approach to incorporating fitness and martial arts. Her classes are always popular since they include nutrition, weight training, cardio vascular exercise and martial arts.

Jeannine Casey is a two-time blackbelt world champion. She is handsdown the hardest kicker in the country in the women's blackbelt fighting division. With 10+ years of tournament experience, it's easy to see why Jeannine is a favorite among students for private lessons and guidance.

Laurie Glasser has been studying with Grandmaster Steve Nugent for more than 15 years. She is considered the best in her blackbelt division of kata on the NASKA circuit. Even with advanced students, her emphasis is on the basics. "Getting it right and keeping tradition is important."