Master Ron Jones – 6th Dan – Owner
Master Ron Jones is Chief Instructor and owner of Mercer Academy of Martial Arts. Master Jones began his training in the Korean Art of Tang Soo Do in 1980 in Trenton, NJ. Grandmaster J.C. Shin, President of the World Tang Soo Do Association, was Master Jones’ first instructor, and from whom he received his first Dan black belt. He also trained with Master Charles Irwin and Master Denis James for many years while at Shin karate then went on to train under the late Master Denis James and the American Korean Karate Association. Master Jones was the first student of Master James to receive a 4th Dan black belt. While teaching for and training under Master James, Master Jones started the Jones Karate Club at the YWCA Princeton, as well as Center Stage Karate in Florence, NJ.
Master Jones, now a 6th Dan black belt, is a dedicated and inspiring teacher of karate. He brings the teachings of his various instructors into the dojo, continuing in the tradition of a true martial artist. Along with his energy and enthusiasm in the classroom, he is a Master at recognizing a student’s strengths and encouraging each student to reach his/her full potential. His commitment and dedication to his students and to the martial arts world have helped hundreds of students lead a more disciplined and focused lifestyle, and have in turn inspired Master Jones to continue his pursuit of success in the martial arts field.
Master Jones also trained Gracie jiu-jitsu with Phil & Rick Migliarese at Balance Studios in Philadelphia. Master Jones received his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu from Phil Migliarese in 2005. Phil Migliarese is the only certified teacher in Philadelphia to teach the full Gracie Jiu-jitsu curriculum, having been authorized to do so by Relson Gracie and Helio Gracie on March 1, 2002
Master Laurie DeUmberto – 5th Dan
Master DeUmberto began her martial arts training in January 1989, under the late Master Denis James, Master Ron Jones and Master Charles Irwin. In October 2003, she became the second woman at the Mercer Academy to reach the Master rank, 4th dan. She was the first student Master Irwin trained in over 35 years of teaching to win a black belt Grand Championship trophy in forms competition. She has since won a total of 3 grand championships: at the 2000 Garden State Championships, at the 2001 Tri State Open, and at the 2003 Keystone State Martial Arts Championship.
Master DeUmberto is an experienced instructor at the school since 1993 teaching children’s classes at all levels. Master DeUmberto has also been passing her knowledge to her tournament students since she began running a tournament program at the school. The program has been highly successful and still is, winning numerous trophies at all levels and ages in forms, weapons, and breaking. Master DeUmberto feels her greatest achievement is the accomplishments of the students. She is extremely proud of their success!
Greg Giordano – 4th Dan
Mr. Gregory J. Giordano began his martial arts training in 1997 under Master Denis James and Master Charles Irwin. Mr. Giordano was awarded the rank of 2nd Dan by Master Ron Jones, in December, 2004.
He began his teaching in 2000 by assisting Master James with children’s classes and presently teaches the adult class on Wednesday nights (alternating with Mr. Murray). His classes focus on self-defense, kickboxing and conditioning.
Mr. Giordano has trained in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, under Master James and has attended seminars with Phil Migliarese of Balance Studios and Japanese Jiu-jitsu with Sensei Tom McDermott. He has weapons training in the use of sword and staff with Master Charles Irwin and sword with Sensei Rob Rivers. He has also attended boxing class with Boxer Jim “Rocky” McCray and has practiced self-defense in the other styles. Mr. Giordano continues to train under the direction of Masters Jones and Irwin. He has special interest in weapons training and heavy breaking.
Mr. Giordano is a practicing trial attorney in central New Jersey, and the father of four.
Mike Gorski – 2nd Dan
Mr. Gorski began his martial arts training in the Korean Art of Tang Soo Do in Trenton under Master Charles Irwin at Shin Karate. Mr. Gorski continues his training at the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts under Master Ron Jones, Master Charles Irwin and Master Laurie DeUmberto. He began his teaching in 2006 by assisting Master DeUmberto with her tournament program. Mr. Gorski also assists Master DeUmberto with her Wednesday night beginner and advanced kids classes. Along with assisting Master DeUmberto with her tournament program, he is an active member of the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts’ tournament team and has competed in numerous tournaments placing in Weapons, Forms and Board Breaking.
Mr. Gorski earned his 1st degree Black Belt in 2008 and presently teaches kids classes on Friday nights (alternating with Master DeUmberto). Mr. Gorski enjoys teaching and is passionate about the Martial Arts. He continues to expand on his training in weapons and self-defense. Mr. Gorski also trains in our Brazilian ju-jitsu program here at the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts.
Mr. Gorski is married and has 2 children. Both his children Jared and Kayla also train here at the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts and his wife Michelle is involved in the women’s self defense program.
Mr. Gorski is a Lieutenant with the Mercer County Department of Corrections. He has been with the County for 13 years and is one of the Team Commanders for their emergency response team. He is one of the counties instructors for C.E.R.T, PR-24, straight baton/expandable baton and Firearms for his department and has taught at the Mercer County Police Academy and the Camden County Correctional Academy.
Steve Sagnip – 3rd Dan
Mr. Sagnip started training in 1997 under Master Denis James achieving his 2nd Dan rank in October 2005. Mr. Sagnip has taught a beginner adults class more than three years, and continues as an assistant instructor under Master Jones and other advance black belts in order to advance his own teaching skills.
He has competed in numerous tournaments earning 1st place trophies in Weapons, Forms, and Board Breaking. Mr. Sagnip believes in explaining the purpose of technique is critical to mastering the technique. A typical class may include drills in traditional marching techniques, katas, standup self-defense, ground/mat grappling, trips and throws, falling techniques, and “basic” free sparing and grappling.
Mr. Sagnip believes in advancing his own skills. He has trained in Yoshitsune Jujitsu and currently also trains in Isshinryu.