Tom Updegrove is a graduate of Temple University and Founder of the Martial Posture Studio. Tom has studied Martial Arts for over 35 years and is currently a 7th Degree Black Belt. He teaches the adults in the Kenpo, Kickboxing, Grappling, and Tai Chi classes. His teaching style is ultimately student guided. What he recommends to new students is “set goals, the road to mastery is laden with many pitfalls, goal setting is done by anyone who has achieved mastery in some field.” He has studied under Great Masters such as Ed Parker, founder of the Ed Parker Kenpo Karate System, Joe Lewis, a Kickboxing and Karate Legend and Royce and Relson Gracie, masters of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu System. Tom recommends to his students – “Take the slow boat” because mastery takes time, energy and, more importantly, patience.
Ishmael Payne has studied martial arts under 7th Degree Black belt Tom Updegrove since 1989 and has been teaching since 1997. Ish’s style of teaching is very technique intensive and he will make sure that students understand the 'whys' and 'whens' that make techniques work. “Mastering the martial arts is all about hard work, determination, and developing good inner qualities. Before conquering any opponent you must first conquer the negative qualities within such as self-doubt, anger, stress, etc.”
Ed Lopez has studied under Tom Updegrove and Ishmael Payne since 1996. He is currently the Senior Instructor of our award winning children’s program, is an assistant coach for our demonstration team, and is also an instructor for beginner adult classes. As Manager of Martial Posture, Ed is looked up to as a role model and friend to all of our students. Though still young he shows the maturity and professionalism of instructors twice his age.
Amanda Mauri has studied under Tom Updegrove and Ishmael Payne since 1997. She is currently a Junior Black Belt Instructor in our award winning children’s program. Her specialty is teaching young children in our Bear Cubs and Basic Training Programs. Her gentle and compassionate demeanor along with her knowledge of proper basics makes her the perfect teacher for young beginner students.
Alex Hunter has studied under Tom Updegrove and Ishmael Payne since 1997. He is currently a Junior Black Belt Instructor in our award winning children’s program. He is a highly talented martial artist and is looked up to by all of our kids for his friendly personality and his high flying, acrobatic tricks.
The S.T.O.R.M. Team (Student Team Of Role Models) is a team of young, advanced students that assist in teaching all of the beginner children's classes. They are not only selected for their skill, but also their love for teaching and wanting to help others achieve the same levels of success that they themselves have accomplished. These young assistants are trained on a weekly basis on how to help build the student’s confidence, respect, focus, and control. They are looked up to by all the other children as role models. T heir qualities and good hearts are an example of the benefits of martial arts training.
