Instructors at Agostini's Academy of Martial Arts and Fitness

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INSTRUCTORS


Renshi John D. Agostini Born in February 17, 1959. Graduated High School: Saint Raphael Academy in 1977, in Rhode Island. Attended Bryant College and graduated in Business Administration in 1981. Opened Nick Cerio’s Kenpo of Cranston, Inc. in October 1994. Has remained at location since. Sensei Agostini holds rank in the following systems: Nick Cerio’s Kenpo Jujutsu – 5th Degree Isshin Ryu Karate – 1st Degree Bushin Ryu Kenpo – Renshi Bushin Ryu Kobujutsu – 3rd Degree (Japanese/Okinawan Weaponry) Shotokan Karate – 1st Degree Sensei John has a great ability to learn and retain Martial Arts. But better than that he has a fantastic ability to convey the Martial Art he is teaching to the students. You can see this by watching his students during class training sessions. Renshi Agostini’s relentless determination to learn Martial Arts is obviously seen by watching perform his self-defense, empty-hand kata and kobudo. His normal training sessions run 4 hours twice a week with master Hachidan David Lindsay.
Sensei Russell Landy Born in August 18, 1941. Graduated from Hope High School in Rhode Island. Went to the Marine Corp on August of 1960 and early discharge on February 1966. Vietnam War Veteran. Sensei Landy holds rank in the following systems: Nick Cerio’s Kenpo Jujutsu – 3rd Degree Kodokan Judo – 2nd Degree Kobujutsu Ikky – 1st Degree Isshin Ryu Karate - Ikkyu Sensei Landy is the Chief Instructor at Nick Cerio’s Kenpo of Cranston, Inc. and Renshi Agostini’s right hand. His strong character displays patience, humbleness and tenacity while running all the children’s programs. Sensei Landy is an essential part of Nick Cerio’s Kenpo of Cranston, Inc. Whether on the tatami showing techniques or off the tatami teaching a young child responsibility. He always trying to improve or direct some person towards a goal. He is a true Martial Artist! Sensei Russell Landy and Sensei Ray Randal instruct CLCF Judo program at Nick Cerio’s Kenpo of Cranston, Inc., Rhode Island. Sensei Landy also trains with Renshi Agostini and Hachidan David Linday.
Sensei Raymond Randall Current Rank: Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt), 2004, Ukes: Sensei Russell Landy, Jessica Brown, Examiner: Peter Contardo, Shichidan (7th degree) Sensei Russ at the same time earned Nidan (2nd degree). Uke: Ryan Ponder (grandson). Earlier Ranks: Nidan, 1991, Uke: Tom Randall (son) Examiner: Allen Thompson, Sandan, et al. Shodan (1st degree), 1981 Brown Belt, 1979 White Belt, 1975 Years in Judo: Started in 1975 at age 38; 30 years as of March 2005 Clubs: Kent County YMCA in Rhode Island, student, instructor, competitor Rhode Island Judo, student, instructor, competitor Pilgrim High School Judo Club in Rhode Island, head instructor CLCF Judo Club, co-instructor with Sensei Russ, student Comments: Joined Judo, because "It looked like gymnastics to me." Two sons, Steve and Dave, and daughter, Karen earned Brown Belts; one son, Tom, earned Shodan (1st degree); my wife Carol earned title of judo mom. My former student Andrei Alvarez, Shodan, is head instructor for the Toray Judo Club and my former student Steve Smith, Shodan, is an instructor and still actively competing. "One of my most memorable experiences in judo was preparing myself for my Nidan promotion with my sons Tom and Steve."
Sensei David Lindsay David Lindsay has been training in the martial arts since 1980. He received his first Black Belt in 1986. After receiving his black belt in Jujutsu, David starting training with Dr. Robert McKittrick at Brown University in Rhode Island, in Isshin-Ryu Karate. Dr. McKittrick is considered to be the foremost Isshin-Ryu expert in the U.S. David received his Black Belt in 1989 in Isshin-Ryu. David also trained with Professor Vee and Soke Professor Richard Petronelli in Vee-Arnis-Jitsu; Kyoshi William Madison in Tengu-Ryu Bujutsu and Kenjutsu; and other instructors in other styles. David's teaching focuses on the grappling styles utilized in Kuntao Jujutsu. David holds the following rank: 6th Degree Black Belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate; 4th Degree Black Belt in Kumi-Uchi Jujutsu, 6th Degree Black Belt in Nihon-Ryu Jujutsu, 4th Degree Black Belt in Vee-Arnis Jitsu; 2nd Degree Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate; 1st Degree Black Belt in Tengu-Ryu Bujutsu-Kenjutsu; 1st Degree Black Belt in Uechi-Ryu Karate; and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Goju-Ryu Karate.
Sensei Joseph Franco Born: October 6, 1960 Graduated High School: La Salle Academy 1978 Attended University of Rhode Island. Graduated 1983 Received BA in Political Science and Minors in History, Science, and Business. Sensei Joseph Franco presently holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Nick Cerio's Kenpo Jujitsu. He began his studies in Cerio's Kenpo as a teenager and had the opportunity to studey under Professor Cerio for about a year and a half. He also studied under some of Professor Cerio's other black belts. It wasn't until the age of 39 that he began his study of Martial Arts again in ernest. It was very ironic that he met yet another one of Professor Cerio's black belt students, Sensei John Agostini. He feels very fortunate to have met Sensei Agostini along with Sensei Landy. They were very inspiration in his commitment to his studies of Martial Arts. Sensei Franco is presently studying for his Dan Rank in Isshin-Ryu and Kobojutsu.
Micheal O'Brien Born: December 4, 1997 Graduated High School: June 1996, Cranston Hich School West. Attended College at the University of Rhode Island. Graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in History Holds Rank in: Nick Cerio's Kenpo Jujitsu Karate. While attending college I primarily focused on my academic studies and a part-time job. This did not leave much time for exercising and personal health. For weeks my family and I would routinely pass by Nick Cerio's Kenpo Jiu-jitsu Karate on our way to a local church. For weeks I did not think much about any type of karate or gym membership, it just held no interest to me. One day I took a look at myself and realized a change was needed. Remembering all th talks with a friend of mine about his martial arts experience. I decided to try to lose some weight and learn to defend myself should the need arise. Due to the location of Nick Cerio's Kenpo (formerly Rolfe St. In Cranston) I walked in to see what it was like. There I was met by Renshi John Agostini who explained the style that was taught and obligations required of any student. Over the years I have grown to appreciate both Renshi Agostini and Sensei Russell Landy. My knowledge of Kenpo continues to grow to this day. I have also begun to train in Shotokan and various weapon forms, favoring the sai. Since last year I was also asked by both Sensei Land and Renshi Agostini to assist in the instruction of students who are just beginning their martial arts training. It is throught this instruction beginner and intermediate children that I myself have learned a deeper understanding of the roots to Nick Cerio Kenpo Karate. I have enjoyed my time with both Renshi Agostini Sensei Landy and look forward to years under their careful and faithful devotion to the arts.

Martial Arts

Students and enthusiasts of Martial Arts have many reasons for their interest. Some are drawn to the physical fitness and weight-loss aspects of training. Others seek to add discipline and self control to their lives. While still others are concerned about safety and self-defense.

Fitness

Fun, weight-loss, muscle gain, teamwork, personal coaching and the motivation to get in the best shape of your life! The training we do in our school is excellent for all around fitness and body conditioning. If your goal is weight-loss, stay in shape, or get toned, these classes are for you at Agostini's Academy of Martials Arts & Fitness, Inc. in Rhode Island.