Instructors

2/7 Sensei Caitlin Carvalho: Adult all-ranks class

Sensei Carvalho (pictured front row, second from left) has been practicing at Northampton Karate since 2009. She has instructed kids, teens, and adult classes and is currently the head teacher of one of the adult all ranks classes. Caitlin has a degree in Fine Arts from UMass and runs two small businesses in the area: interior painting and a craft business selling handmade clothing. She has lived in the area for almost 25 years and has three adult sons who also all trained at the dojo for over a decade. She is also an avid lover of dogs. She holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt

3/7 Sensei Jason Foster: Children's class

Sensei Foster has over 15 years of combined martial arts training starting as a child and picking up again as an adult. He serves as one of the primary children's instructors. Jason lived in Asia for 7 years where his appreciation for martial arts and the culture was enhanced. He graduated with a business degree from Emory University, and as an entrepreneur, is involved with several different ventures. Jason enjoys traveling and riding his motorcycle. He has attained the rank of 4th degree black belt.

4/7 Sensei Anna-Maria Goossens: Children, teens, and black belt instructor

Sensei Goossens is the owner and Shi Han of Northampton Karate. She has been practicing Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate and been a member of Northampton Karate since 1996, including studying under dojo founder Sensei Jeffrey Brooks. She has been instructing for over 20 years in various classes, both empty hand and weapons. In her professional life she is the public relations director and front of house/box office manager for the UMass Amherst Department of Theater. In her free time Anna-Maria likes to crochet and is learning to spin. She holds the rank of 4th degree black belt.

5/7 Sensei Steve Parsons: Adult all-ranks class

Sensei Parsons (back row center) has many years of martial arts training and has been a member of Northampton Karate since 2012. He is one of the dojo's all-rank adult class instructors. In his professional life, Steve owns a lawn care and plowing business. Steve is also an avid traveler. He holds the rank of 4th degree black belt.

6/7 Sensei Jonathan Schwab: Adult all-ranks instructor

Sensei Schwab has been practicing and teaching Shorin-ryu Karate for over 20 years, and studied under dojo founder Sensei Brooks for many years. His experience has included teaching a number of classes, and he is the former Shi Han of the dojo. Jon currently teaches one of our all-ranks adult classes. As a pediatrician at Northampton Area Pediatrics, he has always had an interest in exercise, strength, fitness, and how these activities improve both the mind and body. His other interests and activities include reading, community service, numerous sports and spending time with his children. He as attained the rank of 5th degree black belt.

7/7 Sensei Betsy Sullivan: Teen class assistant

Sensei Sullivan has been a member of Northampton Karate for over 20 years, studying under dojo founder Sensei Jeffrey Brooks. She has taught classes at all levels and currently assists in the teens class. She recently retired as a school teacher. Betsy is a cyclist and avid traveler. She holds the rank of 4th degree black belt.