America's Best Defense Norwich Instructors
Master Instructor - Charlie McShane
- 4th Degree Master in Pyong Hwa Kunin Tang Soo Do under Master Steve Voelker
- Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Marco DeLima
- America's Best Defense Krav Maga & Muay Thai with Master Paul Garcia
- Level 1 Muay Thai Instructor under Master Tran (11/09)
- Brown Belt in Judo at Norwich Judo Dojo
- F.I.G.H.T. Israeli Martial Arts Instructor (10/08)
with Master Tran, 2009
With over 19 years of experience, Mr. McShane has traveled all over the US and to England to study and compete in martial arts, as well as learn modern teaching and motivational techniques.
Competitive Achievements:
Competitive Achievements:
- 1999 ITSDMGKF World Championships, Watford, England - Gold Medalist: Lightweight Sparring
- 2003 IGTSDA World Championships, London, England - Gold Medalist: Weapons, Gold Medalist: Team Forms
- 2003 AAU US National Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist, Lightweight Gi Division, Houston Texas
- 2003 AAU US National Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist, Lightweight No-Gi, Houston Texas
- 2003 AAU US National Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist, Lightweight Traditional, Houston Texas
with Rickson Gracie, 2004
Master McShane has also instructed the Hartford Police in unarmed techniques, as well as taught a self-defense course at the Navy Base in Groton.
As a full-time, professional martial artist since 1996, Master McShane has trained with instructors like Royce Gracie, Helio Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Rodrigo Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Rener Gracie, Master Hung Tran, Mike Lee Kanarek, Eddie Bravo, Jake Steinmann, Tim Gillett, Marco DeLima, and top USJA instructors Bill Montgomery and Joan Love.
Master McShane is a "Competent Communicator", Awarded by Toastmasters International for public speaking. He also hosted the local TV show "Enter the Dojo."
As a full-time, professional martial artist since 1996, Master McShane has trained with instructors like Royce Gracie, Helio Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Rodrigo Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Rener Gracie, Master Hung Tran, Mike Lee Kanarek, Eddie Bravo, Jake Steinmann, Tim Gillett, Marco DeLima, and top USJA instructors Bill Montgomery and Joan Love.
Master McShane is a "Competent Communicator", Awarded by Toastmasters International for public speaking. He also hosted the local TV show "Enter the Dojo."
Instructor - Kayla Fritz
- Trained in Martial Arts since 1994.
- Certified Instructor Training Program Graduate
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in Hybrid Martial Arts
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do
- Certified Level 1 Muay Thai Instructor under Master Tran (10/10)
- Trained in Israeli Martial Arts
- Amateur Muay Thai fighter
- Specialty: Sparring
Her favorite part of teaching martial arts is being a role-model for girls. She is currently a student at Eastern Connecticut State University.
Assistant Instructor - Angel Ayala
- Trained in Martial Arts since 2007
- Certified Instructor Training Program Graduate
- Red Belt in Hybrid Martial Arts
- Certified Level 1 Muay Thai Instructor under Master Tran (10/10)
- Amateur Muay Thai fighter
- Specialty: Sparring
Mr. Angel excels at working with beginners, from small kids to adults. His favorite part of teaching is working with students during their first months to make their transition into martial arts as comfortable as possible.
Mr. Angel is also an amateur Muay Thai fighter.
Assistant Instructor - Barbara Cedio
- Trained in Martial Arts since 1990
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Hybrid Martial Arts
- Certified Level 1 Muay Thai Instructor under Master Tran (10/10)
- Red Belt in Tang Soo Do Karate
- Specialty: Fitness
Mrs. Cedio sets the example with her hard work ethic and intense commitment. In her 50s and a proud grandmother, Mrs. Cedio shows that
age is not an issue in martial arts training.
Kids Sparring Instructor - Katye Zwiefka
- Trained in Martial Arts since 2007
- Amateur MMA competitor
Boxing Instructor - Eric Moore
- 7 years Amateur Boxing
- Judo since 1983, 2nd Dan Instructor
- Experienced Wrestler
- Teaches Sunday Morning Boxing at ABD Norwich
