Our Instructors

CHIEF MASTER PAUL PRENDERGAST

Founder

Paul Prendergast is a 7th-Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor. He has over 40 years of Martial Arts Experience. For the past 34 years, Master Paul owns and operates two of the most trusted and respected Martial Arts schools in the nation. Master Paul Prendergast teaches an eclectic system of Martial Arts, with an emphasis on Character Development as well as Self Defense.

The base of his award winning curriculum is in the art of Kenpo Karate, Jujitsu, and Submission Grappling.

Master Paul has spoken on various topics and taught Self-Defense and tactics to thousands of people including,

US National Soccer Team, State and Local Law Enforcement, NJ Board of Realtors, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, Toms River New Jersey Public Schools K thru 8th grade, and multiple Rape Prevention and Self-defense clinics to various Organizations.

He currently owns and operates two schools in New Jersey, where over 500 families attend.

Master Paul Prendergast has earned and received rank and certifications from:

Grand Master Art Beins-US Black Cat Kenpo
Professor Wally Jay- Small Circle Jujitsu
Professor Remy Presas- Modern Arnis
Frank Shamrock-Submission Fighting MMA
Jeff Smith-7x World Champion Kickboxer

Master Paul is a 2006 Super Heavyweight NAGA Winner.

MASTER DAVID ZAFFOS

Manager Brick NJ Karate School

Master David Zaffos has been training in the martial arts since the age of 10 and is currently a 5th degree Black Belt under Master Paul Prendergast. David has 30 years of experience. He also holds a degree in English Literature and Creative writing from Montclair State University.

With over twenty years of Martial Arts training his enthusiasm has not dwindled in the slightest. In fact, David’s love of training is trumped only by his passion to share what he has learned with others.

A big believer that a true Martial Artist must be more than simply someone who can fight, David takes great care in making sure the students of Paul Prendergast Karate understand that confidence, respect, and strength of character are essential elements one must acquire through their training.

MASTER ANDREW ANDREADIS

Manager Toms River NJ Karate School

Master Andrew is a 5th Degree Black Belt with over 20 years of teaching experience. Having trained for over 35 years, he shares his passion and enthusiasm with the students. Always motivating, he guides them towards constant self improvement and personal growth.

An Army veteran, serving over nine years with the military and two deployments overseas, students learn from him the importance of Respect, Discipline, and Self-Defense.

Having a family of his own, Master Andrew shares the PPK principals of family values, to help build a stronger community one student at a time.

Sensei Steve Corsentino

Instructor Toms River NJ Karate School

Sensei Steve Corsentino started his martial arts training when he was 12 years old, and is now a 2nd Degree Black Belt under Master Paul Prendergast.

Steve has been an instructor for nearly ten years. He regards the community at Paul Prendergast Karate as his second family, and he enjoys every minute of teaching the martial arts to others.

As a big believer that training and having fun go hand in hand, Steve makes sure that every student is laughing and learning at the same time.

Master Steven Vennettilli

Senior Instructor Brick NJ Karate School

Master Steven Vennettilli has been training in the martial arts since the age of 12. He is currently a 4th degree black belt under Master Paul Prendergast. He holds a degree in business from Ocean County College. He is also an Iraqi war veteran out of the United States Air Force. He served in the USAF for over a decade with the 514th CES/Fire department out of Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst.

As a husband and a father of twin boys, he understands the importance and value of family. With over 25 yrs in the martial arts his passion and desire has never decreased even a bit.

Not only does Master Steve bring energy and enthusiasm to every class he teaches, but he takes a genuine interest in each student that walks through the doors. His belief that once you are a student, you are family, can be seen in every action he takes.

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