Sensei

American Dojo Karate

Sensei

Right now we have a great teaching staff at American Dojo Karate. All of our lessons are filled with knowledge and well balanced fun because of these people.

Sensei Ron Pantucci

Rank: Sandan(3rd Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Ron has been an instructor at American Dojo Karate since 1998. He is the primary instructor of Aiki Kai with extensive knowledge of Aikido and Aiki Jitsu. He holds a Sandan rank in Goshin Jutsu Karate and the rank of Second Degree in Kenpo Karate. In 2004 he was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame for Instructor of the Year. He is member of the Yudan Shakai (board of black belts) of Master Gary Michak. He is also Head Instructor of the Kingston dojo.

Sensei Renee Weiss

Rank: Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt)

Probably one of the fastest rising students in the history of our school, Renee has always shown a passion for the martial arts unequaled by any person I have met. She participates in regular class, Aiki Kai, Kobudo Kai, runs classes at First Class Gymnastics in Jessup and is also a primary instructor at the Kingston school. In 2003 she was Inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame and in 2004 the Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Sensei Renee has been highlighted by Action Martial Arts Magazine.

Sensei Sue Kernan

Rank: Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt )

Sensei Sue is one of the most determine and strongest students to ever enter the door of American Dojo Karate. These are the exact characteristics that make her the excellent Sensei she is today. Her exceptional ability in Kobudo is shown by the control and agility of any weapon in her hand. Sensei Sue and Sensei Jim teach the adult day class.

Sensei Jim Kernan

Rank: Nidan (2nd Degree Black)

Sensei Jim is a hard working individual with a work ethic that can only be compared with his true passion for the martial arts. His true hard-style kata impress even the highest of ranks with his excellence of form and power. As one of our Aiki Kai's original members his strength and movement in self-defense is impressive to all.

Sensei Kirsten Nole

Rank: Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Kirsten Nole was one of ADK's youngest junior black belts. Receiving her black belt in October of 2003, She has brought nothing but respect and honor to the school and her Sensei. She received on October 27, 2007 not only her Menkyo(teaching certification) which made her an adult black belt but also became ADK's first Junior Black Belt to receive the rank of Nidan. This rank was given for her hard work and dedication to the martial arts, her teachers and fellow students.

Sensei April Atkinson

Rank:Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)

Sensei April received her Junior Black Belt in one of the biggest Black Belt Tests in American Dojo Karate's History on June 25, 2005. She received her Menkyo(teaching certification) and Adult Black Belt on October 27 2007. She earned the right to teach Goshin Jutsu through her dedication to teaching by being an assistant instructor and on occasion primary instructor for ADK's children's programs in Kingston and Scranton. She has also been a camp counselor for the past three years and is an assistant instructor for Master Bridget Morrissey's Women's Self Defense class at the University of Scranton. Her contribution to the martial arts are not to over shadowed by her numerous community service awards and being co-salutatorian of the Class of 2007 of Bishop Hannan High School. She is a dedicated martial artist and student of the University of Scranton.

Sensei Shane Quinn

Rank: Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)

Began studying Goshin Jutsu in 1995. He is a fine example of what karate, hard work, and good surroundings, can make. Shane's young age and playful ways belie the seriousness of this young man's dedication to Goshin Jutsu and the importance of being a Sensei, regardless of age.

Sensei Scott Villani

Rank: Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Scott comes to American Dojo from Villani's Academy of Martial Arts in Dunmore. In 2004 Sensei Scott and his Students joined ADK in the study of Goshin Jutsu. His dynamic and intense personality is only surpassed by his dedication and intensity for the martial arts. Sensei Scott excels in every aspect of the martial arts and is the very definition of a well rounded martial artist. He holds ranks in multiple styles of martial arts including Ishin Ryu. He is a passionate instructor running Saturday class at ADK Scranton where students may also study the art of Ishin Ryu and is a primary Instructor at First Class Gymnastics in Jessup. He also runs all Team ADK's practices preparing our students for upcoming tournaments and events.

Sensei Jill Calpin

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Jill one of the hardest working Black Belts around brings great dedication, respect and humor to American Dojo Karate. Her hunger for knowledge can only be out done by her passion to spread her knowledge to others whether it be helping other high ranking students or taking new students on their first night in class. Sensei Jill's son Corey is also a Black Belt and shares the same drive and passion for the martial arts as she does.

Sensei Kristoffer Weary

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

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Sensei Colleen Ducas

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt

Sensei Gail Kuchwara

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt

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Sensei Christine Cohen

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Christine has dedication and determination that shows through in all aspects of her martial arts and her every day life. She may be small in stature but she has the strength and power of 10,000 men. Her endurance and stamina are only surpassed by her strive for total excellence in everything she does. She is a member of ADK's Aiki Kai and the speed and dexterity of her lightening fast hands can be seen in her amazing control one of her favorite weapons, the nunchuku.

Sensei Shauna Ruddy

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Donna Martin

Rank: Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)

Mother of Dale Martin, this karate mom didn't want to be left out of the action her kids were doing, so she jumped right in. Everyone in the Martin family takes karate, proving true that the family that kicks together sticks together. With excellent form and dedication she reached the top.

Sensei Hodaya Bushwick

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black)

Sensei Hodaya has a personality as dynamic as her amazing flexibility and sky high kicks. She began teaching at the rank of Nikyu (second-degree brown belt) when she was placed in charge of the girls karate program at the Scranton JCC. She has also ran karate programs at Camp Dina / Dora Golding for Girls. She is a member of ADK's Aiki Kai and with her high kicks and fast legs one of ADK's Best fighters.

Sensei Len Nole

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Wendy Nole

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Elijah Gallahger

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Eli came to us as a brown belt from another Goshin school. It was immediately obvious that he deserved a higher rank. His power and knowledge have aided him in many of his endeavors in life and have been a great asset to American Dojo Karate.

Sensei Dale Martin

Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

One of the most promising black belts, Dale seems to have a machine-like work ethic. He has proven himself physically with his power and stamina. Emotionally his humbleness, approachability, loyalty and determination are just some of the things to marvel at. It was once said that a man is not measured only by his stature but by the purity of his heart. Sensei Dale then has the pure gold under his chest.