Our Story
Our story actually started out on Front Street in Lincoln, Rhode Island, where Greg Chopoorian and Kevin Notch were both separately looking for a martial arts option for their kids. Both families happened upon Jonathan Pinault's school, USA Karate, and the journey began. The journey brought two friends together after 11 years of training to school ownership, which happened in 2012 in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Under USA Karate, where they served the community for 8 years, rebranded as Bushido Martial Arts & Fitness, now relocated to Smithfield. We expanded in October 2023 to E. Greenwich as Self Defense Northeast, expect more growth as we look to serving more communities in 2024 and beyond!
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Kickboxing/Group Fitness Instructor
Jim Mooney
Sensei Jim Mooney began training in martial arts in 2003 and earned the rank of 2nd degree black belt in American Kenpo. Jim has also trained in Brazilian Jui Jitsu & Muay Thai. As a fitness/kickboxing instructor he focuses on strikes & kicks with an emphasis on core & strength training. He looks forward to challenging you in your next class.
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Program Director-Kenpo
Austin Massud
Sensei Austin Massud started training when he was 5 years old. Currently he is a 4th degree black belt in American Kenpo. Austin has been assisting/teaching for around 8 years. He teaches all age ranges from beginner children to advanced adults. Austin trained in American Kenpo and Brazilian Jui Jitsu under Shihan Jon Pinault. He competed in many tournaments during his training and was part of the demo team. Austin enjoys working with weapons like the bo and nunchucks. “I love getting to see all the progress made by my students as they learn and grow as martial artists.” - Sensei Austin
Sensei Austin is the Program Director for our Kenpo Karate
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Partner/Head Instructor
Kevin Notch
Kevin started his martial arts journey under Shihan Jonathan Pinault in Lincoln, RI in 2001.
Shihan Kevin, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Amercian Kenpo Karate, ranked by the IKCG Organization. His first four black belt Dan Ranks were achieved under Shihan Jonathan Pinault and Hanshi Larry Sullivan in the Sullivan's American Kenpo Organization.
Kevin trained in Muay Thai in Albany, NY from 2011 to 2015. In Krav Maga, under David Kopec since 2018, is Bushido Martial Art's Program Head for Krav Maga, and is currently instructor training in the K.A.M.I. Organization in Israel. Kevin is teaching reality-based self defense workshops all over the U.S. , capitalizing on his business background, with 34 years in the packaging industry, in General Management and Vice President roles.
Meet the Team
Kevin Notch
Managing Partner - Master Head Instructor
Kevin started his martial arts journey under Shihan Jonathan Pinault in Lincoln, RI in 2001.
His first four black belt Dan Ranks were achieved under Shihan Jonathan Pinault in the Sullivan's American Kenpo Organization.
Recently achieving 5th Degree Black Belt Rank under the IKCG, Kevin trained in Muay Thai and Boxing in Albany, NY from 2011 to 2015. In Krav Maga, under David Kopec since 2018, is Bushido Martial Art's Program Head for Krav Maga, and is a certified instructor in the K.A.M.I. (Krav Maga Organization of Israel).
Kevin is conducting reality-based self defense workshops and train -the-trainer programs across North America, capitalizing on his business background, with 34 years in the packaging industry, most recently in Vice President and COO roles.
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Maureen Borino
Partner - Personal Trainer
Maureen began her martial arts journey in 2012, when she joined the Muay Thai Kickboxing classes at our original Smithfield, Rhode Island location. She joined the Kenpo Program in 2017, training under Shihan Greg and Shihan Kevin, and currently holds a 3rd Degree Brown Belt in the art.
Maureen's path brought her to personal training, as a means to help people increase their confidence and to empower them. She holds a NASM Certified Personal Trainer Certification, with specialized certifications in Adaptive Special Needs and Youth Exercise Specialization. Reach out today to inquire how Maureen can help you!
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Greg Chopoorian
Master Instructor - Black Belt Test Board Member
Greg's journey in the martial arts began at the Newport School of Martial Arts where he earned first degree black belt in Shotokan Karate.
He began his second journey at USA Karate, Lincoln, Rhode Island, under Shihan Jonathan Pinault, where he earned his first Four Black Belt ranks in the Sullivan's American Kenpo Organization. Recently, attaining 5th Degree Black Belt under the IKCG Organization, Greg is on our Black Belt Testing Board, is an at-large instructor for us and is training in Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Greg has a career in film and entertainment as a S.A.G. Member, having roles in a number of Netflix, HBO and major films.
Austin Massud
Program Director - Kenpo
Sensei Austin Massud started training when he was 5 years old. Currently he is a 4th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo with an IKCG Certification. Austin has been assisting/teaching for around 8 years. He teaches all age ranges from beginner children to advanced adults. Austin trained in American Kenpo and Brazilian Jui Jitsu under Shihan Jon Pinault. He competed in many tournaments during his training and was part of the demo team. Austin enjoys working with weapons like the bo and nunchucks. “I love getting to see all the progress made by my students as they learn and grow as martial artists.” - Sensei Austin
Sensei Austin is the Program Director for Kenpo Karate at Bushido Martial Arts & Fitness.
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John Agostini
Master Instructor - Kenpo
John Agostini recently achieved his 7th Degree Black Belt Rank under the IKCG, trains in Krav Maga and Amok, and is our Kenpo Instructor on weekday evenings, imparting his expertise to our students.
John began his martial arts training in 1992, and is ranked in American Kenpo in the Cerio and Sullivans American Kenpo Systems. He owned the USA Karate Rehobeth, Massachusetts school in the Sullivan's Amercian Kenpo System.
A US Navy Vietnam War Veteran, with a combined 26 years active and reserve, retired with a rank of Commander. John is an NRA Firearms instructor in Rhode Island/Massachusetts. John lives in Massachusetts with his wife Kim, and has two grown children.
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Sarah Rao
Kickboxing/Group Fitness/Personal Trainer
Sarah Rao is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, with specialized Certifications in Senior Fitness and Adaptive Special Needs Training, who is focused on helping clients improve mobility, range of motion and balance.
Sarah has been a part of the Bushido Family for more than a decade and has a background in Marital Arts and Kickboxing.
A life long Rhode Islander, she currently lives in Lincoln with her two teenage sons, both of whom hold black belts from Bushido Martial Arts. She also has two rescue dogs who keep her busy.
Jim Mooney
Kickboxing/Group Fitness Instructor
Sensei Jim Mooney began training in martial arts in 2003, and earned the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt in Sullivans American Kenpo.
Jim has also trained in Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. As a Kickboxing/Group Fitness Instructor, Jim focuses on strikes and kicks, with an emphasis on core/strength training. He looks forward to challenging you in your next class.