Matt Dorsey

Master Instructor

Sensei Matt Dorsey, 8th degree Black Belt Isshin Ryu karate, is the master instructor of Martial Arts America. Matt started his martial arts training as a teenager and continued ever since.  After graduating from R.I.T. in 1981, Matt decided to pursue his passion of teaching martial arts and has taught thousands of student in the Rochester area and has produced over 300 black belt students.  With almost 40 years of martial arts experience, he oversees the 3 branches of Martial Arts America (Brighton, Penfield and Webster), and also teaches seminars at martial arts schools around the country.

Kelly Williams

Head Instructor

Sensei Kelly Williams is a 6th degree black belt, the head instructor, co-owner and managing director of the Martial Arts America schools. Mrs. Williams has had over 20 years of martial arts experience and has been a multiple year National Champion in the AAU (Amatuer Athletic Union) Karate program.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education and is a dedicated teacher (sensei) to hundreds of students at the Penfield location.

Andrew Ragazzo

Instructor

Sensei Andrew began his training with Martial Arts America in 1999. He first became and assistant instructor while in high school. Sensei Andrew attended Canisius College and graduated in 2010 with a degree in Childhood Education and Special Education. Working for time at our school since 2012, he is the Head Instructor and General Manager of our Brighton branch.  Sensei Andrew is currently a 4th degree black belt.

Mark Cardona

Instructor

Sifu Mark Cardona is the head kung fu instructor, teaching teens and adults at the Webster Martial Arts America location.  Mark has over 30 years experience in kung fu as well as various other styles.  Mark has the ability to make people feel immediately comfortable in the classes.  He also has a high expectation of effort from his students and encourages them to give their best in every class.

Jon Emerson

Instructor

Jon Emerson is a 2nd degree black belt and teaches the karate classes for children at the Webster branch and also teaches children and adults at the Brighton branch.  A former school teacher, Jon started karate shortly after seeing how much his son was enjoying the lessons.  Jon’s easy-going personality and caring for his students make him a favorite instructor around the dojos.

Monika Winkelman

Director, Penfield Branch

Monika Winkelman is a 5th degree black belt and the program director and fitness kickboxing instructor of the Penfield branch of Martial Arts America. Her previous career as a psychologist gives her the perfect background to understand the needs of the students and their families.  Monika also directs general operations for the Martial Arts America organization.

Monika started her karate training after her son, Aaron, enrolled at the school. With her husband (Bryan) and two children (Aaron and Ben) also earning black belts at Martial Arts Americal, she really makes karate a family affair.

Jackie Dorsey

Instructor

Jackie Dorsey is a 7th degree black belt with over 35 years of martial arts experience.  She teaches classes at the Penfield branch and is known for her engaging personality along with her dynamic teaching style which motivates students to reach their highest potential.  She’s also a nurse practitioner and an Associate Professor at MCC’s Collge Nursing Program.

Mike Cwiklinski

Instructor

Having started karate training in the 1980’s (at Sensei Matt’s first dojo), Mike Cwiklinski took some time off karate but returned with a vengeance to earn his black belt in 2006 and his 3rd degree in 2011! Sensei Mike’s enthusiasm, skill and work ethic are inspirational to his students.

Dylan Boccardo

Instructor

Dylan Boccardo is an instructor at the Brighton location and is a 3rd degree black belt.  He started his karate there when he was 8 years old and enjoys teaching children and adults.  He is currently attending college at MCC.

Corinne DerCola

Communications, Special Events, Retail

Corinne DerCola is the communications director and special events/retail coordinator for all branches of Martial Arts America. She writes our emails and monthly newsletter, help with organizing all special events and makes displays for our dojo pro-shops. She earned her black belt in Spring 2005 and is an avid runner (completing marathons in 2002 and 2005). She is the very proud (and busy) mother of 10 year old Jack!

Bryan Winkelman

Instructor

Bryan is a 6th degree black belt and one of the instructors at the Penfield branch. He has almost 20 years of martial arts experience – in Isshin ryu karate, as well as Kyusho (pressure points) and Self Defense.  He loves teaching and his passion for martial arts shows though in every class.

James Cornell

Head Instructor - Penfield

Sensei James Cornell is the Head Instructor for our Penfield location.  He started his karate training at 4 years old and became an assistant instructor as a teenager.  He became a full-time member of the Martial Arts America team in 2014 and is currently a 4th degree black belt.