Our Sensei
A certified 4th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate under Grand master Larry Tatum and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, Mr. Pazzaglia started training 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).
In 1989 Mr. Pazzaglia would play his part in Honoring this great nation by joining the U.S. Army. Unfortunatley, Mr. Pazzaglia would received an honorable discharge after sustaining a serious 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. Steve Holden was notorious for his amazing fighting ability and a being one of Mike Campos's protoge's
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 Mr. Tatum.
- 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 played the Goblin in Spider Man"
- 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 an honorary Bronze medal for 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, school programs etc. Mr. Pazzaglia has also been recognized for his extremely inspirational and effective 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. These seminars have a strong "Don't do Drugs, and anti-bullying/gangs" message and help teach kids how deal with peer pressure, child predators and much more...
- 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 nearly 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. "R.O.C. Residents opposed to Crime”.
- He currently owns & operates a school located on Main Street in Johnstown, NY.
