Skills & Expertise
Master Brian Pontillo: Owner and Master Instructor
Master Brian Pontillo, 7th Degree Black Belt, has 31 years of experience in the martial arts. He was taught by Grandmaster Sun Hwan Chung, 9th Degree Black Belt and founder of Moo Sool Do. Master Pontillo was a 7 time state Tae Kwon Do champion in forms and sparring. He competed in 6 National Championships and in the 1st Olympic Festival in Mexico City as a member of the U.S. Tae Kwon Do team.Master Pontillo also is a certified personal trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He has extensive knowledge of core, balance, strength and power training. Master Pontillo has dedicated his life to studying all aspects of the mind, body and spirit and imparting this wisdom to his students.
In addition, Master Pontillo is an Advocare advisor. This is a complete line of nutritional supplements that encompasses energy, weight loss, athletic performance and wellness. He is committed to providing as many resources as possible to help his students attain all of their health and performance goals.
Mr. William Petrocy: Master's Assistant
Mr. Petrocy is a 4th Degree Black Belt and has been a student of Master Pontillo's for 14 years. He is a full-time instructor and teaches children's and adult classes. He is also an excellent aerobic kickboxing instructor. Mr. Petrocy is an exceptional all-around martial artist. He has competed and won tournaments in forms and sparring, as well grand champion. A gifted athlete, Mr. Petrocy combines gymnastic training with his martial arts background to develop creative routines.Mr. Fred Giertz: 3rd Degree Black Belt
Mr. Giertz has been a student at SIDEKICKS Martial Arts Studio, Inc. since its inception. With his mixed martial arts & grappling training, Mr. Giertz brings a unique set of skills to his classes. Mr. Giertz specializes in the Hap Ki Do class and realistic self-defense techniques. He is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer.Ms. Kim Faiman: Little Kicker Instructor
Ms. Faiman is a 1st Degree Black Belt instructor. She teaches the "Little Kickers" class of 3-4 year olds. Ms. Faiman is excellent with children of this age group. Parents are always impressed that she can relate to the children and maintain discipline. Ms. Faiman is also Master Pontillo's office assistant.Mrs. Gretchen Verbeke: Certified Personal Trainer
Mrs. Verbeke has taught aerobics and has an extensive fitness background including competitive tennis. She is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She has been studying kickboxing since 1997 when the program was first introduced at SIDEKICKS Martial Arts Studio, Inc. Mrs. Verbeke trains most of the parents who workout during the children's classes.There are also a number of assistant black belt instructors who help lower ranking students when necessary within a class. Adult assistants include: Tracy Chase, Jody Tavalieri, Maria Lico, Paul DeRiemaker and Mark Udell. Youth assistants include: Christopher Scott, Alexander and Colden Gosselin, Avery Udell, Andrew Ralph and Thomas Campion
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