Our Instructors & Staff Members

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Kenpo and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of Martial Arts & Me's instructors and other staff members, starting with Joseph Pazzaglia:

Joseph Pazzaglia  (Fourth Degree Black)  Joe Pazzaglia Biography Was promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt by Grand Master Larry Tatum on June 13th 2009 in American Kenpo and is also recognized as a 2nd degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and began his journey at the Johnstown Zen-do-Kai in 1983. Here he received his tutelage from 9th degree Black Belt Mike Campos. During this time he competed in tournaments throughout New York and successfully placed in both kata and kumite (fighting). Mr. Pazzaglia soon joined the U.S. Army in an attempt to proudly serve his country. Mr. Pazzaglia was honorably discharged shortly thereafter after sustaining a significant injury. Mr. Pazzaglia returned to the area and resumed his training with 5th degree Black Belt Sensei Steve Holden at Sabi-Katei Martial Arts School. After many years of training and intense study it was here that Mr. Pazzaglia received his Shodan (Black Belt). Mr. Pazzaglia has had the honor and privilege of working with Hollywood martial artists such as 6th degree action film star Jeff Speakman, who is known for his role in movies such as "Street Nights" and "Perfect weapon". Mr. Pazzaglia has also had the opportunity to train with Bruce Lee's number one student, Danny Insanto. As of May 2004 Martial Arts & Me has affiliated with the Larry Tatum Kenpo Karate Organization. - Mr. Tatum is a 10th degree Grand Master and one of the foremost authorities today in Kenpo. Mr. Tatum has been known to do choreography for fight scenes in movies, and providing seminars throughout the world. - Mr. Pazzaglia currently receives much of his tutelage from Grand master Tatum and One of his East Coast Representatives Franscico Vigoroux. Mr. Vigoroux is a 7th degree Black Belt under Grand Master Tatum and his reputation and expertise in American Kenpo preceeds him. - Mr. Pazzaglia continues to remain active by running the tournament circuit, but also spends much time traveling to teach, participate in, and provide seminars. - He has participated in several seminars in Las Vegas with actor/stunt choreographer Benny "The Jet” Rodriquez, who has been involved in films such as "Pearl Harbor and Spider Man" - In 2007 Mr. Pazzaglia had the fortunate opportunity to meet and train with the legendary Bill "Super Foot" Wallace at the Lake Placid Olympic center in upstate N.Y. Mr. Wallace is best know for his roles as the villian in the Chuck Norris movies Delta Force, and A Force off One" - In 1996, Mr. Pazzaglia attended a qualifier in Albany N.Y. for the 1997 Pan-America Games. Mr. Pazzaglia received first place in his division, as a result earning the opportunity to compete against 26 other countries on team U.S.A. - In 1997 Pan-America games held in Manzinillo Mexico. During the games he received a Bronze medal while competing as a Brown belt in the Black Belt division. - Mr. Pazzaglia is available for Seminars, Demo's, Body Guard/Personal Security, Private lessons and woman's self- defense etc. Mr. Pazzaglia has also been recognized for his highly inspirational and motivational Woman's Self-defense programs. He has provided the increasingly popular "Be your own Hero/Kids at Risk!" seminar in the Gloversville, Johnstown, and Mayfield school districts. This seminar has a strong "Don't do Drugs" theme and helps teach kids how deal with peer pressure and make good decisions. - Mr. Pazzaglia is also the creator of the Tiny Tigers "Kids at Risk" Program. A program designed to prepare and teach kids how to deal with child abduction situations. - Mr. Pazzaglia is also a certified Defensive Systems International Instructor, Certifying him to train Law enforcement. Correction Officers, State Police etc. - Mr. Pazzaglia has been an employee of the New York State Division for Youth Tryon Limited Secure Facility for 15 years and has also been the "Crisis Management and Physical Restraint Trainer" for nearly 10 years. He was also the founder of Johnstown Neighborhood Watch Organization back in 1996. "RaO.C. Residents opposed to Crime”. - Mr. Pazzaglia is also the President & CEO of The Professional Security Training Institute. Mr. Pazzaglia works with and provides extensive training in Less than Lethal Force, Defensive Tactics, and Secuirty Specialist training to Security, Law Enforcement, and Military personnel. - He currently owns & operates a school located on 40-42 Main Street in Johnstown, NY.

Mary Hallett  (Second Degree Black) On June 13th 2008 Mrs. Hallett was tested in front of 5 board members from the L.T.K.K.A and Vigoroux Kenpo Karate. After a grueling ninety minutes of testing, the board unanimously voted and promoted Mrs. Hallett to Second Degree Black Belt (NIDAN). It was the general consensus of the board that this was one of the most amazing tests any of us had witnessed in a long time! Sensei Hallett received her Shodan (Nidan) on March 19th, 2004. She is currently employed by Wells Nursing Home and Cataract Care Center Ambulatory Surgery as an LPN. Mrs. Hallett began her journey in 1995 with 5th Degree Black Belt Steve Holden at Sabi Katei. While there Mrs. Hallett studied Shotokan and at which point several years later Mr. Holden felt a new direction was necessary. At this point Kenpo was introduced into our system. It was at Sabi-Katei where here foundation for good basics where created for her future training ethics, one of these being to simply "Never give up!. In 1999, Mr. Holden acted on an opportunity to oversee the daily operations and instructions for one of Mr. Speakman's schools in Albuquerque New Mexico. As result Martial Arts & Me was created by Sensei Joe Pazzaglia and other dedicated martial artists. Mrs. Hallett continues to work and train hard, honing her skills in Kenpo, Shotokan, and Aikido. Mrs. Hallett has also had the opportunity to train with highly recognized martial artist such as Kenpo greats like Jeff Speakman, Richard "Huk" Planas, John Sepulveda, actor Jeff Speakman, and Grand Master Larry Tatum. Mrs. Hallett has also received training and direction from 9th degree Black Belt Mike Campos, and has received certification in the Zen Do Kai's Defensive Systems International. 1 Employed as licensed practical nurse. 2 Actively pursuing her degree as a Registered Nurse. 3 Certified kick-boxing Instructor. 4 Developed an extensive aerobics program for senior citizens. 5 Developed and provides an extensive dynamic self defense program for senior citizens. 6 Has been honored and received accolades from "The Business and Professional Womans Club of Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamilton counties". Sensei Hallett is routinely involved in many seminars and demonstrations provided by Martial Arts & Me and plays a vital role in our day to day functions. Mrs. Hallett is an avid runner and tournament competitor and regularly competes in both successfully.

John Viscosi  (Green Belt) "Mr. Viscosi has been training for nearly 5 years and routinely helps out with the teaching responsibilites and seminars at Martial Arts & Me. Mr. Viscosi has been studying American Kenpo for nearly 5 years, and has also had several years of training in Shotkan Karate and Aikido."

Dave Smith  (3rd Brown Belt) Mr. Smith is a retired Phy-Ed teacher,and has been studyinng the arts for nearly 8 yeaers now. Mr. Smith routinely helps out with afterschool programs and teaching kids and beginner classes as well.

Francesco Bianco  (3rd Brown Belt) Francesco Bianco is our most recent addition to our teaching staff at Martial Arts & Me. Francesco Bianco has been studying the Arts since he was 7 years old and is now 15. He is the youngest student in our advance class and shares some of the teaching responsibilities at Martial Arts & Me. Francesco has successfully competed in tournaments throughout New York state and will also be Representing Martial Arts & Me in the Dublin Ireland Open International Tournament in November 2010. Francesco also plays football for the Gloversville Huskies.

For more information about the Martial Arts & Me staff or training programs, please contact us at 518-762-1533 or by clicking here.