Our Instructors & Staff Members Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Kenpo and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of Tokyo Joe's Studios of Self Defense Salisbury, MA's instructors and other staff members, starting with:

	Kendall Buhl (Director) Sensei Kendall dabbled in various martial arts disciplines starting in college, in Michigan and Beijing, and while he lived as a radio reporter in Hong Kong and Taipei. But it wasn't until his involvement in Tokyo Joe's Studios of Self Defense that "dabbling" became devotion. Still, even after he became a teacher under Tashi's Mark Warner and Deborah Mahoney, he resisted their suggestions that he start his own school. That changed one day at one of the Tokyo Joe's System legendary Black Belt tests. . “I had always loved watching people get excited about the martial arts, and the progress that they made,” he says. “And then, the first time I watched a student I had introduced to the Tokyo Joe’s System achieve Black Belt, I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life.” He told his wife Caroline and his own teachers that day, and the Salisbury Tokyo Joe's was in the works. Sensei Kendall was awarded the rank of Third Degree Black Belt in November of 2008. In addition, Sensei Kendall is a husband and father of two, a part-time news anchor on WBZ, and a call firefighter and EMT in Ipswich.
	Joe Copello (Chief Instructor) Sensei Joe Copello began training with Grand Master Lamattina and Master Shihan Dave when he was eight years old, and received his black belt at the age of 15. He served in the military from 1995 to 2004. Joe holds a degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing a dual degree in secondary education and history. In the true manner of a martial artist, Sensei Joe describes himself as a "lifelong student."
	Caroline Buhl (Sempai) Caroline Buhl, Program Coordinator, is a former middle and high school educator. During her nine years as a teacher she was known for her enthusiasm, creativity, sense of humor and dedication to her students’ development. These are all qualities that she brings to her role as Program Coordinator at Tokyo Joe’s. Caroline finds the Tokyo Joe’s program a good fit for her. “I like its accessibility, the encouragement and support you get when you’re there.” Caroline is also a wife and mother of two children, both Tokyo Joe’s students. She enjoys Thai kickboxing, yoga, running with her dogs, dancing, reading and gardening.
	Nicole Copello As the Office Manager at Tokyo Joe's, Nicole Copello brings her shining personality and organizational skills to every aspect of the dojo. Nicole has a degree in Paralegal Studies and Software Applications, and worked for a Chelmsford law firm prior to joining the Tokyo Joe's team. Nicole, who has five children of her own, loves the family atmosphere at Tokyo Joe's Salisbury. "It's filled with just good people."
	Dan Lavigne Shodan Dan's extensive involvement with Tokyo Joe's started with him watching his wife and sons' lessons. It wasn't long, though, before this self-described "couch potato" jumped in himself, and with both feet. Dan became known very quickly for his tireless dedication and hard work, and before too long for his excellent ability to help fellow students learn their techniques. Dan received his First Degree Black Belt in November of 2008, and is an integral part of the Tokyo Joe's staff.

For more information about the Tokyo Joe's Studios of Self Defense Salisbury, MA staff or training programs, please contact us at 978-499-8800 or by clicking here.