NGMA Instructors
- Shihan Michael Woods
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Godan 5th degree Black Belt
Shihan Michael Woods started his martial arts journey at the age of sixteen, at Milford Studio of self defense, under the instruction of Shihan Joe Shuras and Sensei Steve Linnell. After graduating from Bentley College in 1991 he resumed training with Sensei Craig Seavey.
Shihan received the rank of Shodan, 1st degree black belt, in 1993 at Nick Cerio’s Kenpo Karate, and received the title of “Sensei” from Professor Nick Cerio and Shihan Craig Seavey.
Shihan received and currently holds the rank of Godan 5th degree Black belt, and title of Shihan since April 2007, from Shihan Colleen LeMay and Professor Rocky DiRico .
In 2008 Shihan Michael Woods received the rank of Shodan in Small circle Jujitsu and Shodan in Castoldi’s street self defense Jujitsu from professor Dave Castoldi.
May 2008 - Inducted into the International karate Hall of Fame
January 2004 - Inducted into the Rocky DiRico Hall of Fame
October 2004 - Inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall Of Fame as The Kenpo Instructor of the year
Shihan is a title used for chief instructors of yodan or higher with twenty years experience.
- Sensei Philip
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Sandan 3rd degree Black Belt
Philip had always been interested in martial arts. When his family moved to Holliston, his mother noticed the karate school in town. She thought it would be a great way for her son to meet new friends and develop the discipline he had surely been lacking. At the age of 8, Philip was neither the most well-mannered nor the best-behaved boy. Little did he know at the time that martial arts would have such a vast impact on his life.
Philip has learned that martial arts is not about being able to fight, nor is it a hobby or activity to participate in. It truly is a way of life and surely has helped him to become the person he is today.
April 2002 - Tatsu Award
October 2003 - Shodan, 1st degree black belt
May 2006 - Honor Award
May 2006 - Nidan, 2nd degree black belt
March 2006 - Finalist New England Open in Point Sparring and Weapons
April 2006 - Finalist Ocean State Grand Nationals in Point Sparring and Weapons
June 2008 - Promoted to Sensei, teacher
May 2009 - Sandan, 3rd degree Black Belt
Over 10 first place finishes collectively in Point Sparring, Weapons, Forms, Musical Forms, and Self-Defense at World Martial Arts Federation Tournaments
August 2009 - North American Grappling Association (NAGA) Tournament- 4th place Flyweight Division
In addition to karate, Philip is also training in small circle Jujitsu under Professor Dave Castoldi, as well as Brazilian jujitsu/grappling and Muay Thai.
- Ms. Brittany
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Sandan 3rd degree Black Belt
Brittany took her first class at Next Generation Martial Arts at age eight and has been a student there for eight years. Her parents first introduced her to the martial arts because they noticed that she was being bullied at school and realized that this was affecting her level of confidence and self esteem.
From the very beginning, the benefits of tutelage under Shihan Michael Woods were obvious and as Brittany progressed through the ranks, her self confidence blossomed, which has proven to be an asset to her in all aspects of her life, improving her academic and athletic ability as well as encouraging a spirit of dedication to community service and to teaching children. Karate has instilled a sense of discipline, determination, and perseverance in Brittany. Her martial arts training has enabled her to become an honors student at Holliston High School, Sophomore class president and a student athlete who plays basketball and lacrosse. Without her karate training, Brittany, most assuredly, would not be the person she is today.
Because karate has helped Brittany improve her quality of life so immensely, she finds joy in spreading her knowledge of this art to others so they can have an equally fulfilling experience. She has been teaching at Next Generation since she was about eleven years old and has now attained the level of Instructor.
Throughout her training at Next Generation Martial Arts, Brittany has received the Self Control Award (2002), the Tatsu Award (2004), the Instructor of the Year Award (2006), and an Honor Award for Dedication and Commitment (2008). Brittany has also placed first nine times at the World Martial Arts Federation Tournament. She has recently reached the level of 3rd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. Brittany is also training in Jujitsu and has reached the level of orange belt thus far and hopes to continue to progress up the ranks in this new discipline.
Although it is difficult at times to balance her martial arts training with school and other activities, Brittany remains dedicated to the art of karate and plans to continue training throughout her life in the hopes of learning as much as she can in order to become the best she can be.
- Ms. Cassinda
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Nidan 2nd degree Black Belt
Cassinda started karate when she was nine years old because she thought it would be a lot of fun and she would really like it. Since starting, she has participated in many tournaments, earning approximately twelve trophies.
Karate has taught Cassinda many things. Patience was one of those things. She has learned to work through her frustrations, both in the dojo and outside, instead of allowing those frustrations to overwhelm her. Patience, while at times challenging, is always rewarding. Self-confidence has been another benefit of karate. When Cassinda continues to push on, she knows she can do it- anyone who has passed one of Shihan’s green belt tests knows this first hand.
At age seventeen, Cassinda is a second degree black belt, Nidan. This is a major accomplishment that has required a lot of practice and training.
"I have met several wonderful people during this period. These people helped me train, learn and grow. They will be people I never forget. I look forward to continuing my training and bringing knowledge into the next steps of my life." - Cassinda
- Mr. Murphy
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My interest in karate was sparked by watching my daughter’s karate class. I was interested in getting back into shape, so I decided to give it a try.
I enjoy taking classes as well as helping with instruction in the children’s classes. There are inherent benefits that one gets from the dojo including physical fitness, self-esteem and self-defense skills. The most valued to me is the intangible benefit of the camaraderie with other students that is built upon honor and respect.
- Guest Master Instructor Steve Jiava
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5th degree black belt Small Circle Jujitsu
5th degree black belt Castoldi Jujitsu
4th degree black belt Jujitsu America
Sensei Steve Jiava started as a guest instructor at NGMA in August 2009. He is also currently the Executive Director and Lead Instructor of Castoldi's Small Circle Jujitsu. Sensei started studying with Professor Castoldi in 1985 and continues to learn Street Self-Defense from Professor Dave Castoldi and Professor Wally Jay, the founder of Small Circle Jujitsu. He has continued to build upon his technical knowledge and has infused the techniques he has learned with his own personal style and experiences to create Jiava Ryu Jujitsu.
Sensei has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years and has maintained passion and respect for the art. His goal is to pass on his knowledge, experience and style of jujitsu to his students so that they will be able to defend themselves in any compromising situation such as open hand, knife, club or sexual attacks from any direction. Jujitsu helps to build confidence, maintain fitness, strengthen flexibility, and encourage empowerment. Jujitsu is effective for all ages, especially for women and children.
Sensei holds a 5th degree Black Belt in Castoldi's Street Self Defense, a 5th degree Black Belt with Small Circle Jujitsu and a 4th degree Black Belt with Jujitsu America. He is a member of Professor Dave Castoldi's award-winning demonstration team. Sensei was a recipient of Jujitsu America's Ohana Award in 2003.
Please call (508) 904-6590 or email Jiavaryujujitsu@comcast.net for more information