Michael Polito began his martial arts journey in a Chinese art called Fu Jow Pai (Tiger Claw System). He then transitioned into an Okinawan art called Okinwan Kenpo Karate and trained under Kyoshi Joseph Mansfield and Master Teruyuki Higa, who was a direct student of Shigeru Nakamura, founder of Okinawa Kenpo. Michael continues his training in Okinawan Kenpo with his current teacher, Kyoshi Gerry Senese. In 1986 while continuing his training in Kenpo Karate, Michael also began a long journey of training in Kyokushinhkai/World Oyama Karate led by Soshu Shigeru Oyama, direct top student of Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushinkai. Michael’s direct teacher was Shihan Michael Skinner of New Paltz NY., (Bushiken dojo). I learned a great deal of my Japanese karate from Shihan Skinner over the many years. Michael achieved black belt degrees in both World Oyama and Okinawan Kenpo. He also trains in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (Japanese Swordsmanship) and teaches it to his students under the auspices of his teacher Norboru Kataoka Sensei.
Michael now leads his own school called East Wave Dojo and teaches a blend of both Okinawa Kenpo and Oyama Karate, Okinawa Kenpo in the lineage of Seiyu Oyata being its core style.
Karen Hawkins has been a martial arts practitioner for over 30 years. She began her training in Japan, where she was born. In 1999 she began her study under senior students of Taika Seiyu Oyata. She was asked to translate for Taika Oyata during national and regional seminars and public demonstrations. She holds a 4th Dan in the International Ryu-Te Renmei.
George Pruitt started his formal martial arts training in late 1981 in Ryukyu Kempo under Kyoshi Joe Mansfield, receiving his black belt in 1986. He also trained under Sifu/Guru Tom Bolden who trained under Modern Arnis Grand-master Remy Presas. George Pruitt cross trained under Fujian White Crane and other Southern Kung fu students over the years. He has continued his Ryukyu Kempo/Ryute Instruction under Kyoshi Gerald Senese to present day.
Michael Sibilia has been practicing and teaching Yang-style Tai Chi for over 35 years, having trained primarily under one teacher who preferred to be thought of as a guide, in a traditional long-term master–student relationship. The depth of study has gratefully provided a commitment to preserving the integrity, internal structure, and subtle principles of the art in the tradition he strives to maintain.
In addition to Yang-style Tai Chi, Michael has studied Xingyi, Pa Qua, Chi Kung, and Chen-style Tai Chi, as well as maintaining a Theravāda Buddhist practice, which has informed a deep appreciation for mindfulness, discipline, and inner cultivation. These complementary studies enrich Michael’s understanding of movement, intention, and awareness.
While drawing from this broad background, Michael’s teaching focuses primarily on Yang-style Tai Chi and Chi Kung, emphasizing alignment, posture and center through balance leading to a calm, clear mind. Students are guided toward a practice that supports health, balance, and clarity, both in class and continuing into the world around us.
Barbara Barushka Strnadova began her training in 1996 and includes extensive study in ATS, tribal fusion, fusion, folkloric, egyptian and cabaret styles, as well as African, hip hop, and modern dance. Barushka has studied under legendary artists including Carolena Nericcio, Paulette Rees-Denis, Suhaila Salimpour, Heather Stants, Jill Parker, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Mardi Love, and swing instructors Emily Vail and Linda & Chester Freeman. These influences continue to inform her evolving artistry and approach to movement as a form of healing and storytelling.
Barushka is the director and choreographer of both The Luminelles and The Luminelle Collective, which she founded prior to co-founding The Bleeding Hearts Belly Dance Co. She also produces immersive annual stage shows, including Saffron Salon and Luminary Café, and is available for custom performance work. In addition to performing, Barushka is a passionate teacher, offering classes that welcome all levels and celebrate the sensual, empowering, and sacred nature of dance.
Her mission is to elevate consciousness and uplift through the transformative art of belly dance.
Michael Polito began his physical training started at a very young age. Always involved in sports such as; track & field, soccer, and football etc. He spent many years in body building and competing in bench press and dead lift competitions. He also become heavily involved in calisthenics and gymnastic conditioning. Over the past years he has attained black belts in two different styles of karate and has been practicing the martial arts for over 40 years. Michael has been a personal trainer for over 30 years working in a variety of different gyms in the Hudson Valley. He continues to search out mentors and teachers to further his knowledge on the human body. Recently he established the Movement Arts Collaborative which offers many different modalities of movement including; martial arts, dance, strength, and movement classes. Michael teaches movement and karate classes at the Movement Arts Collaborative. He also offers personal training, and conducts seminars.
MEET BRIAN DEXTER
Licensed Acupuncturist & Massage Therapist
Over 30 years of experience, Brian received his training at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing, China and the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy New York, NY, Furthermore, he has studied and worked alongside Master Healer Ken Kobayashi of the Natural Remedies Center (New York, NY), to learned Master Kobayashi’s family style Acupuncture and Shiatsu. Brian has also received certification in Zheng Gu Tui Na certification with Master Tom Bisio.
Brian’s internal martial art studies include Qi Gong with Master T.K. Shih, Yang style Tai Chi Quan with David Yee, Ba Gua Zhang, Northern Wu Tai Chi Quan, Xing-Yi and Qi Gong with Master Frank Allen and Tina Zhang of the Wu Tang P.C.A., Brian has also traveled to Beijing, China to study classical Cheng style Ba Gua Zhang and Northern Wu style Tai Chi with lineage holders Liu Jing Ru and Li Bing Ci.
Brian is a formal disciple of Frank Allen and Tina Zhang of the Wu Tang P.C.A. and has traveled to Beijing, China to study classical Cheng style Ba Gua Zhang with direct lineage holder Grandmaster Liu Jing Ru.
Brian also holds a 3rd degree black belt in Karate under his first martial arts teacher Sensei Anthony Zeno