Black Belt Instructors
Our black belt instructors have combined decades of experience teaching the Martial Arts and have all been certified by our Headmasters (see Our Lineage). In addition to providing a safe and structured environment for our students to learn, we adhere to the principle that it is better to adapt the Martial Arts to the individual, and not the other way around. The students’ strengths and personalities shine through in their practice of these styles.
Our senior instructors all share a passion for improvement and success, and they are ready to share that passion with all who walk through our doors.
Headmasters
Hanshi Christopher Marsh
Shihan Marsh began studying Kenpo in 1986, earning his shodan (1st degree) in 1991. He spent more than 25 years instructing at the Independent Karate School, and was the chief instructor for much of it. He holds the rank of shichidan (7th degree) in both Kenpo and Enshudo Jiu Jitsu, and has been a ranked USFA fencer. He continues to study Kenpo with world famous black belts. A graduate of Merrimack High School, and the University of New Hampshire, he leverages his skills as a teacher at one of the top high schools in the country to handle the school's curriculum and instructor certification. In 2019 he was named the heir to the Independent Karate School’s specific brand of Kenpo.
Kyoshi Michael Susalka
Michael Susalka serves as a senior instructor for IMAS. Mr. Susalka began practicing at the IKS in 1982, received his shodan in Kenpo in 1988. He currently holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree) in Kenpo and a shodan in Enshudo, and has been an active instructor through various periods between 1988 and the present day. He obtained a BS from the University of NH in Physical Education: Pedagogy in 1993. He was a ranked USFA fencer while attending UNH. His experiences as a teacher-in-training, an instructor at the IKS, and a father of two have had significant influence on the development of his instructional style.
Kyoshi Adam Burpee
Adam D. Burpee joined the IKS in 1990, earned his shodan in Kenpo in 1994, his shodan in Enshudo in 1994, and currently holds the ranks of rokudan and sandan (3rd degree) in Kenpo and Enshudo, respectively. Mr. Burpee previously owned and operated a successful franchise of the IKS in Milford, NH from 1997 to 2003, when he closed the Milford school to answer the call to serve in the U.S. Army. As an Army veteran with combat experience, as well as a successful career in the Federal Civil Service, Mr. Burpee brings extensive outside experience to the IMAS.
Renshi-Level Instructors
High-level instructors with in-depth knowledge of our style and our school, and are in tune with each of our students needs.
Jeffrey Maistrosky
Shihan Maistrosky has been active in our community since 1989. In that time, he has progressed through the arts of Kenpo and Enshudo, and is a senior instructor in both. He is an alumni of Bishop Guertin High School, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Notre Dame du Lac. He uses his skills in finance and general organization to maximize the effectiveness of numerous organizations (notably the Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship Foundation) , and also serves as our lead contact for Community Service related projects. Shihan Maistrosky holds 6th degree black belts in both Kenpo and Enshudo.
Brendan Cirillo
Shihan Cirillo joined the school in 1992 and excelled in group and private classes. As an Uchi-Deshi level instructor he worked with Hanshi Marsh to develop our modern instructor curriculum and training. He has taught thousands of students over the last quarter century, from white belt to black belt. In addition to his leadership experience Shihan Cirillo was promoted to 6th degree black belt in 2003, and has continued to share his expertise decades later.
Andrew Berry
Sensei Berry started under Kyoshi Burpee in Milford. After earning his black belt in Kenpo he began to teach classes, quickly become a favorite of the children in the school. He rose quickly to Uchi-Deshi, and then 5th degree in Kenpo as well as a 1st degree black belt in Enshudo.. Sensei Berry is a foundational instructor for the dojo, lending his leadership and expertise to nearly every class, including many of our specialty classes.
Zac Cone-Roddy
Sensei Cone-Roddy joined the Hudson dojo in 1993. After earning his black belt in 1999 he became a core instructor for the school. This dedication led to his elevation to Uchi-Deshi in 2003. A veteran of countless tournaments, volunteer initiatives, and classes, Sensei Cone-Roddy was elevated to a Renshi level instructor. He holds a 5th degree black belt in Kenpo.
Mark Barchard
Sensei Barchard joined the Hudson dojo in 1988. A fierce competitor and champion board and brick breaker, Sensei Barchard has helped design our breaking curriculum and trains people to improve, compete, and even referee breaking. Despite being busy owning his own contracting company, he finds time to help the school. His two children are also instructors at the school. Sensei Barchard holds a 5th degree black belt in Kenpo.
Uchi-Deshi
Derived from the term “inner student” and used to refer to students who literally lived at the dojo.
These instructors show exceptional dedication to our school.
Hannah St. George
Sensei St. George joined the dojo in 2004, earning her black belt in 2010. As the dojo passed from the Independent Karate School to the Independent Martial Arts School she stepped up to help bolster our curriculum. Her work includes spearheading our Women’s Self-Defense initiative, as well as training opportunities geared towards women and girls. She holds a 3rd degree black belt in Kenpo.
Kevin Tipa
Sensei Kevin Tipa joined the school in 1990 and turned his natural athleticism towards the art. He became one of the fastest and most powerful kickers in dojo history, sharing his insight and training with countless students. He continued to train, teach, and contribute, earning his Uchi-Deshi in 1998. Sensei Tipa holds a 5th degree black belt in Kenpo.
Mark Somerville
After earning his black belt in 2014, Sensei Somerville quickly developed a passion and skill for teaching. As an Uchi-Deshi he is a fixture in every class, working with students of all ages and ranks. Having started as an adult in the Merrimack dojo, he brings deep insight into working with our other adult students. Sensei Somerville holds a 3rd degree black belt in Kenpo and a 1st degree black belt in Enshudo.
Sunish Oturkar
Sensei Oturkar joined in 1992 and became an Uchi-Deshi level instructor in 2003. In addition to being a charismatic instructor and traditional weapons instructor, the dojo benefits from his education. Sensei Oturkar earned an MBA from Harvard University, and continues to help the school grow and thrive. Sensei Oturkar holds a 4th degree black belt in Kenpo.
Tim Philbin
Sensei Philbin is a frequent blog contributor, putting his degree from Holy Cross to good use. He is also a fierce competitor and dedicated martial artist. He shares his experience and expertise in self-defense whenever possible, and is a major contributor to both our Enshudo and grappling classes. Sensei Philbin holds 3rd degree black belts in both Kenpo and Enshudo
Shaun Sullivan
Sensei Sullivan has devoted his life to helping others. He has spent time fighting forest fires - including time as a smokejumper. He also devoted himself to building a school for orphans in Rwanda, and is now a firefighter and advanced EMT in Portsmouth. Shaun is a gifted instructor who connects with students of all ages. Sensei Sullivan holds a 4th degree black belt in Kenpo.