Rising Sun Martial Arts maintains high standards for those who hold teaching grades. Those who teach at our school typically complete a two-year apprenticeship (Shidoin) and a three-year assistantship (Sempai) before earning their full instructor license (Sensei). All teaching grades are certified by the Shidokan International Karate-do/Kobu-do Training and Research Federation. Any grade above Sensei must be approved by Hanshi-Sei Richard Bernard, president of Shidokan International.
In addition to Kyoshi Baker, Rising Sun Martial Arts has a group of highly trained and dedicated instructors.
Renshi Amelia Gallup |
Ms. Gallup began training in 2001. She currently holds the ranks of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate-do and 2nd Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo, as well as the teaching grade of Sensei (Licensed Instructor). In 2014, she won the Grand Championship for Kata at the New England Classic – the first of the year’s Twin State Martial Arts Association tournaments. Ms. Gallup has taught karate and kobudo to children and adults at Rising Sun Martial Arts for several years, as well as assisting at special events such as our Summer Karate Camp.Ms. Gallup is currently working towards a degree in Film Studies at Keene State College. She has been a youth instructor for the NOST (Newport After School Time) and Health Rocks programs. |
| Retired Instructors | |
Sensei Robert Coté |
Mr. Coté began his study of karate under Sensei Ron Treem of the Claremont Budokan in September of 1998. In 2002, shortly after the dojo moved to White River Junction, VT, he began training at Rising Sun Martial Arts. He currently holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate-do, as well as the teaching grade of Sensei (Licensed Instructor). In addition to teaching Women’s Self-Defense at Rising Sun Martial Arts, he has played a key role in the development and implementation of our school’s “Made the Grade” program, which recognizes school-aged children for academic achievement.Mr. Coté holds Associate of Applied Science degrees in Microcomputer Business Management (1993), Accounting (1993), and Computer Assisted Mechanical-Electronic Drafting (1986) through NHTC and NHVTC. He has also completed both the Nursing Assistant Program (2010) and Practical Nursing Program (2012) at River Valley Community College, and is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of New Hampshire, and has been trained in Healthcare Provider CPR. |
Sensei Jill Chastenay |
Ms. Chastenay began training in March of 2004. She currently holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate-do, as well as the teaching grade of Sensei (Licensed Instructor). In 2012, she was a Double Crown Champion in the Twin State Martial Arts Association. That same year she finished third in Kumite and Kata in the IPPONE Women’s Senior Black Belt Divisions. Sensei Chastenay is also co-organizer, developer and instructor for our Summer Karate Camp.
Ms. Chastenay received her Bachelors Degree in Social Science from Keene State College in 1998. She currently works as a Social Studies teacher, and Co-Advisor of Youth and Government and the Recycling Club at Stevens High School in Claremont, New Hampshire. |
Sensei Cathryn Gallione |
Ms. Gallione has been training since November of 2003. She holds the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate-do, 1st Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo, and 1st Degree Brown Belt in Zenkoku Ryukyu Kobujutsu. She currently holds the teaching grade of Sensei (Licensed Instructor) and teaches in both karate and kobudo classes, and has been an instructor in the Little Ninjas program since the program’s first year (2006). In 2013, she became the first member of our school to win the title of Female Black Belt Grand Champion at the Shidokan USA Invitational Tournament. |
Sempai Scott M. Ayen |
Mr. Ayen has been training since Feburary of 1993. He hold the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate-do, 1st Degree Black Belt in Zenkoku Ryukyu Kobujutsu, and is working towards his Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo. He currently holds the teaching grade of Sempai (Assistant Instructor) and has taught in both the karate and kobudo programs at Rising Sun Martial Arts. He has also taught karate at the Newport after-school program (NOST).
Mr. Ayen received his formal education from St. Lawrence University. His major focus of study was in the field of Biology, with a minor in Computer Science. As an IT Professional, Mr. Ayen has worked for a wide variety of companies including a small rural hospital, a leading environmental law school, the Department of the Navy and a small software company. He currently also serves as the dojo’s webmaster. |