Our Team

Meet some of our amazing Instructors & Staff!

Paul Cervizzi

Grandmaster Paul Cervizzi - Soke

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Paul Cervizzi

Grandmaster Paul Cervizzi - Soke

Presented with the distinguished "IT" award by Sifu Al Dacascos, Danvers, MA 2023
Board of Advisors European Kajukenbo Kenpo Association - 2022
Featured Instructor International Kajukenbo Association- 2022
Recipient of The Golden Life Award at the AL Tracey’s Kenpo’s Historic Gathering of Eagles and Kenpo International Hall of Fame, 2022
Inducted into the Ultimate Warrior Hall of Fame- Sifu Al Dacascos & Shidoshi Ron Van Clief, 2022
Inducted into the Kenpo International Hall of Fame at Gathering of Eagles, Dallas, TX 2017
Inducted into the World Bujutsu Federation - April 2017
Promoted to 10th Dan and bestowed the title of "Soke" by the International 'Alliance' Sokeship Council, September, 2011
Inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame as "Master Instructor of the Year," – March 2000, Ohio
Inducted into the World Martial Arts Federation – May 2000, Massachusetts
Inducted into the World Martial Arts Federation as "Master Instructor of the Year" 2004, Massachusetts
Received Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame "Spirit Award" 2005, 2006, New Jersey
Received Samurai Award from Martial Arts University (IFOJJ) 2005, New Jersey
Awarded Title 'Shihan' (Master) in 2002
Inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2006 New York
Recipient of the Diamond Life Award
Senior Instructor of Jiu Jitsu (Certificate 2006)
Inducted into World Karate Union Hall Of Fame- Pennsylvania , 2009
MASTER OF THE YEAR - Jiu Jitsu
Awarded Title of Shodai Soke of Cervizzi Self Defense System ®, 2009
USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Zenith Award, February 2009, New York
Awarded Most Successful School/Organization of 2013 by The USA Martial Arts Hall Of Fame, at Newark New Jersey, March 2013.
Senior Advisor to CMAA Inc. Competition Team
More Than 45 years of Martial Arts experience
1985 Graduate of Boston College, BA Psychology
1994 Graduate of Massachusetts School of Law, J.D. Law
Admitted to practice law in state and federal court of Massachusetts

Diana Dustin

Shihan Diana Dustin – Executive Director

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Diana Dustin

Shihan Diana Dustin – Executive Director

Sensei Diana has been studying the martial arts for more than 20 years. She currently holds the rank of 6th degree Black belt in Cervizzi's Self Defense and 2nd Degree Black Belt in Japanese Jujutsu. She is the Chief Instructor of the Lynnfield Dojo and is very invested in her students’ martial arts training. Among teaching classes and private lessons, she also enjoys doing our theme nights and vacation weeks. "I find watching the students gain confidence, learn life skills, and transform into the best version of themselves they can be to be the most rewarding part of my job." If you are looking for Diana on Sundays, you can usually find her at Bingo!

Kris Smith-Shihan

Shihan Kris Smith-Chief Instructor

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Kris Smith-Shihan

Shihan Kris Smith-Chief Instructor

Shihan Kris has been studying martial arts for more than 30 years and has been teaching for more than 20 years. She is the Chief Instructor in the North Reading Dojo and currently holds the rank of 7th degree black belt in Cervizzi's Self Defense and 2nd Degree Black Belt in Japanese Jujutsu. She teaches most of the classes and private lessons in the North Reading dojo. Shihan Kris enjoys the outdoors, camping, and going to concerts!

Emily Donnellan

Shihan Emily Donnellan -Sr. Black Belt Instructor

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Emily Donnellan

Shihan Emily Donnellan -Sr. Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Emily began studying martial arts at the age of 14 and is currently a 6th degree black belt in Cervizzi SDS. She teaches group and private lessons at the Lynnfield location. Emily holds a Masters of Arts in Moderate Special Education from Lesley University and a Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Elementary Education from Endicott College. She is currently a Special Education teacher in the Saugus Public Schools.

Alan Klapman

Shihan Alan Klapman - Sr. Black Belt Instructor

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Alan Klapman

Shihan Alan Klapman - Sr. Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Alan is a 6th degree Black belt and has been teaching for over 15 years. He studied martial arts as a child and now as an adult and knows all to well the benefit of studying martial arts both as a child and an adult. Outside of my passion for helping adults and children reap the physical and mental benefits of martial arts training my biggest interests are history, trying to stay fit and spending time with my family.

Shihan Chris Crocker – Winthrop- N. Andover

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Shihan Chris Crocker – Winthrop- N. Andover

Achieved a 6th Dan rank in Cervizzi’s Self Defense System in August 19th, 2018.
Awarded the title of Shihan (teacher of teachers) in 2018.
Designed and executed a successful Instructor Training Program
Created the first master’s club program focused on instruction to black belt levels
Head Coach for CMAA Kata, Weapons, Sparring Competition Team
Designed and instructed the Leadership/Elite Team Program geared towards teamwork, goal setting, character building, and building self-esteem.
Lectured and performed countless classes, seminars, and demonstrations in surrounding communities at schools, youth centers, after school programs, & adult and teen groups.
Created and executed a Street Self Defense program geared toward college students in an urban environment at a Northeastern University
Provided women’s self-awareness and self-defense seminars within the dojo and on site to various women and women’s groups
2015 Became Cervizzi’s Martial Arts Affiliate. Established a martial arts company and assumed students in order to instruct martial arts skills and attributes. Empowering individuals to learn self-defense and become mentally and physically stronger
Top 10 martial arts instructor finalist for a major motion picture filmed in the Boston Area
Founded New Energy Martial Arts in 2021 with programs in Malden, MA and Chelsea, MA focused on providing self-defense and positive growth the urban communities
Published book for 6th Dan training: "Self-Defense Training in The Home: Rise of Family Influence and Impact on the Community"
Published book pertaining to New Energy Martial Arts Kata: “The Legends of Kata”

Master Anthony Scoppa - Senior Black Belt Instructor

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Master Anthony Scoppa - Senior Black Belt Instructor

Anthony started his Kempo training in 1996 and has trained under the tutelage of Soke Paul since 2006. He is a creative thinker and problem solver with a strong attention to detail. Master Anthony has a profound knowledge of concepts, principals and their application in a combat scenario. As a mentor who enjoys the growth and development of those around him, he brings wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable in and out of the dojo.

Sensei Anthony Frizzi - Black Belt Instructor

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Sensei Anthony Frizzi - Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Anthony currently holds the rank of 4th degree black belt-Yondan- in the Cervizzi's Self Defense System. He joined the program in December of 2006.
'After retiring at the end of 2021 from a long career, He joined the team as an instructor,.
"It's an An amazing group of dedicated people that I am proud and humbled to be part of. I find teaching very rewarding. To witness the growth of Ille students as they achieve their goals Is the best part of the process. "
When Anthony is not teaching or training, he enjoys visiting northern New England locations and has an interest n classic cars and trucks.

Sensei Barbara Sweeney - Black Belt Instructor

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Sensei Barbara Sweeney - Black Belt Instructor

Barbara started at 6 years old in Winthrop and then transferred to Lynnfield at 15 years ol, she currently in college for Criminal Justice. With a minor of psychology.
- Working as a Field Training officer at a psychiatric hospital along with Beth Israel Hospital Security and is hoping to pursue a career in law enforcement. Barbara loves going to concerts
and Enjoys making music in a garage band. She loves to teach children and give kids encouragement and self confidence.

Sensei Linda Curtin - Black Belt Instructor

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Sensei Linda Curtin - Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Linda is currently a third degree black belt in the Cervizzi’s Self Defense System. Prior to studying with Cervizzi’s, she earned her first black belt in Kempo Karate in 1985. During the time between now and then, she studied Tang Soo Do and Ed Parker’s American style of Kempo Karate. Linda’s professional career has been in banking. She also worked as a Paraprofessional in the North Andover Schools System. Outside of work and Martial Arts, she enjoys reading, gardening and quilting.

Sensei Vince Beard - Black Belt Instructor

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Sensei Vince Beard - Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Vince is a 5th degree Black Belt and began studying martial arts at the age of 40 at the Cervizzi’s Winthrop Dojo. Initially the martial arts were just another way for him to see and study how exercise can help people, but he soon found a passion in the classes. Sensei Vince has a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise and Health Science for the University of Massachusetts Boston and is also a Marine Corps Veteran. Away from the Dojo, Sensei Vince has run 4 marathons, one being The Boston Marathon, traveled the world with his wife, scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and climbed Mt Kilimanjaro. He also has a passion for cooking.

Seth Winch

Seth Winch - Andover - Senior Black Belt Instructor

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Seth Winch

Seth Winch - Andover - Senior Black Belt Instructor

Seth Winch came to his martial arts journey when his daughter enrolled in our Lynnfield program. Coming from a corporate job he was looking to lose weight, reduce stress and
anxiety. Now he is a full time instructor enriching students lives with the benefits he learned on the way to black belt. As a Yondan (4th degree) and candidate for Godan (5th degree) looks to further his knowledge and that of his students. He also holds a Black Belt in Japanese Jujutsu. Martial arts has freed Seth to pursue his dreams and experience things he only dreamed and wishes his students to realize their highest dreams.

janice corkhum

Janice Corkhum- Special Assistant

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janice corkhum

Janice Corkhum- Special Assistant

Sensei Janice has been studying martial arts for many years, She is a 4th degree Black belt in Cervizzi SDS, and holds a Black belt is Jujutsu. She has completed 6 Boston Marathons, 5 Goofy Challenges and 5 Dopey Challenges at Disney, and loves spending time with her two daughters. She is also a Graduate of Bridgewater State with a B.S. in Management Science and Public Relations.
"You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." - Walt Disney

Nathaniel Jorgenson- Senior Black Belt Instructor

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Nathaniel Jorgenson- Senior Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Nathaniel has been with Cervizzi's Martial Arts since he has been 3 years old. He currently holds the rank of Sandan. Nathaniel enjoys teaching students of all ages, he enjoys teaching our younger students. He currently attends the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Sensei Joe Dhimitri - Black Belt Instructor

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Sensei Joe Dhimitri - Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Joe Dhimitri currently holds a 1st degree black belt and has been studying at Cervizzis for over 10 years. He started his karate journey at the age of 5 after having a much stronger interest in karate over any other sport. He started to Sempai at the age of 9 and has become a prominent instructor over the years. Outside of karate, Joe is a trumpet player in the North Reading High School Band and has a very strong musical connection. He enjoys not only listening to and playing music, but also writing his own arrangements and songs.

Sensei Nicholas Lozada - Black Belt Instructor

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Sensei Nicholas Lozada - Black Belt Instructor

Nicholas currently holds the rank of 1st degree black belt and has been studying at Cervizzi's for over 8 years. He is going into his Junior year at Lynnfield High School. He has played soccer for many years and really enjoys playing football for the Pioneers and also plays guitar in the high school band. Being a child of immigrants, he is very connected with his culture and that plays a large role in his life. "I love teaching to help the young kids who are trying to further their karate experience and make it possible for them to achieve black belt, just like I did" He's never too far from the dojo, when he has a free moment, he also works at Dunkin next door!

Sensei Daniel Lotti - Black Belt Instructor

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Sensei Daniel Lotti - Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Daniel has been practicing martial arts for 15 years. As a 2nd degree black belt and candidate for his 3rd dan Daniel has been a staple at Cervizzi’s Martial Arts in various capacities. Sensei Daniel is extremely focused, driven and dedicated martial artist and instructor. He has applied his martial arts journey to other aspects of his life as well. He earned bachelor’s degree at an accelerated rate from UMASS Lowell and is an experienced data analyst. Sensei Daniel enjoys cross training as well, with long distance running, spartan-like race events, swimming, hiking, weightlifting and escape room challenges.

Sensei Cole DeFelice - Black Belt Instructor

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Sensei Cole DeFelice - Black Belt Instructor

Sensei Cole has been practicing karate for 17 years. As a 2nd degree black belt and candidate for his 3rd dan Cole has been assisting in the day to day operations at the Winthrop dojo for close to a decade. As an original member and now senior instructor of the leadership/elite team programs and sparring club, Sensei Cole is focused on achieving greatness with his students. When he is not teaching children in the dojo he is using his adept knowledge and understanding of child growth and learning in a school setting where he works as a paraprofessional to elementary schoolers.

Sensei Jake McArdle - Jr Instructor

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Sensei Jake McArdle - Jr Instructor

Sensei Jake McArdle - JR Instructor
Started at age 5 and has been studying martial arts for 10 years. Received his black belt in 2022
Enjoys Boy Scouts , Fishing, and spending time with family and friends!

Lisa Roberts - Office Admin

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Lisa Roberts - Office Admin

Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Western New England College
35 years experience with 15 in management.
Held top security clearance as a government contractor & access to COMSEC & NATO.
Certified in energy accounting.
Notary public.

Elizabeth Fisher - Executive Assistant

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Elizabeth Fisher - Executive Assistant

Liz joined our team in April of 2022 with Sensei Diana at our Lynnfield location and is currently at our North Reading location.
Liz brings great administrative experience to the Dojo. She has over three decades of experience working in the court system. Her skills consist of paralegal, payroll, budgeting, inventory, mental health commitments, and many other confidential administrative duties. Liz supports many functions at the Dojo including office functions, marketing, communication, event planning, and registration. She speaks fluent Portuguese and in her free time she loves to travel, work out, and spend time with her two adult children.

Nadia Mounsif - Technology and Brand Adv.

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Nadia Mounsif - Technology and Brand Adv.

With two decades of combined experience in IT, travel, and real estate industries, Nadia has well-rooted technology skills and a strong background in engaging customers, optimizing processes, and growth-focus coaching.

She has two master degrees in network and telecommunications and five different health & wellness coaching certifications.

After over a decade in the IT industry, occupying different roles, Nadia is now managing three Coldwell Banker offices on the north shore and advises and coaches different businesses on leveraging technology to grow and solidify their brand.

In her free time, Nadia enjoys training at Cervizzi's Martial Arts Academy as well as practicing and teaching yoga, writing, and afternoon tea with her four-year old daughter.