Staff
Owner/Head Sensei
Mersina Giampapa
Photo by : Mikaela Santirelli
Mersina has been training in the martial arts since the age of three and teaching since the age of thirteen. Currently, under the instruction of Neil Bishop, a sixth-degree black belt, Mersina continues to train and passes her knowledge on to her students. Mersina is currently a fourth-degree black belt in karate, earning her first degree at the age of thirteen, her second at the age of eighteen, and her third at the age of 21. Mersina became a lead sensei under Neil Bishop at the age of seventeen. With training in many karate styles as well as ju-jit-su, kickboxing and ancient weapons, Mersina continues to bring new and exciting things to the floor and to the students. While having only competed in local tournaments, she holds no world champion titles in sports karate. Why? Because she would much rather focus on bettering herself and her students by focusing on traditional karate practices.
"The Black Belt Around My Waist Does Not Represent Who I Am. It Represents What I Can Be"
Head Sensei
Zoey Barendregt
Zoey has been training in karate since she can remember. In 2019, Zoey earned her first degree black belt and in 2022 earned her second degree, both under Sensei Neil Bishop, who she continues to train under alongside Sensei Mersina. Zoey has been teaching since 2012 and loves to be able to help students reach their goals and full potential. While Zoey hasn't partaken in many tournaments, we are sure she could clean up with her skills in both kata and bo, which also happens to be her favourite weapon! She may be little but Zoey is definitely not a Sensei to mess with!
"Don't Limit Your Challenges. Instead, Challenge Your Limits"
Staff
Diana Valliant
While Diana didn't have any martial arts backround when she started, we knew she would be a great asset to our team. Her passion for teaching and helping children shined bright from day one. While Dianas hobbies lie more in music and musical theater, she has also developed a passion for karate while being here with us. Life long goals include becoming a Kindergarten teacher!
"Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor. Seize it while it’s at your door."
Receptionist/Personal Trainer
Carla Giampapa
While Carla may not have trained in the martial arts, she put three children through karate. We know she knows her stuff. With years of experience in customer service and support, Carla is happy to answer any questions she can. Carla has also been a certified personal trainer and TRX trainer for the past 10 years. She is able to provide us with safe, fun, and healthy games, warm ups, and excersises to keep students happy, healthy and in shape.
"Fitness Is Not About Being Better Than Someone Else. It Is About Being Better Than You Used To Be. The Same Stands For Martial Arts"
Sensei
Ollie Consoli
Ollie earned his black belt a handful of years ago and has had to give up karate since, but that doesn't make him any less qualified for the job! Ollie is looking to get back into karate and what better way to do that then help the littles learn! Welcome Ollie!
Staff
Jaxon Perlic
Jaxon started with us during camp season because of his love of working with kids and has since started in our teens program and currently holds his orange belt and assist with our Cubs and Kids classes!
"I am not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well. More important than that, I feel an endless need to learn, to improve, to evolve, not only to please the coach and the fans but also to feel satisfied with myself. It is my conviction that here are no limits to learning, and that it can never stop, no matter what our age.”
Staff
Kaya Janiak
Another staff member who does not know much about the martial arts but sure is willing to learn! Kaya wants to one day become a teacher so working with kids in an environment that involves some kind of teaching seemed perfect! In her spare time Kaya loves to take up swimming which is pretty athletic on its own! You'll see Kaya a lot during the summer and at parties and movie nights!