Staff
CNY Karate Staff Member Biographies
We pride ourselves on experienced and certified instructors. Our staff has been hand-selected with each instructor having completed a rigorous training program in the psychology, methodology and philosophy of teaching. We are confident that these men and women are the finest instructors available at any martial arts school for children’s programs and adult programs at any ability level.
JOHN NELSON
MANAGER OF CNY KARATE
Belt Level: 5th Dan
As fulltime manager of CNY Karate, instructor John teaches several classes, including the Children’s Class, Little Samurai Class, Junior Class, and Adults Class. He recognizes and emphasizes karate’s ability to help people improve their confidence: “I teach karate to help people with self-confidence, self-esteem and health. What I like most about teaching is when a person feels better about themselves.”
JONATHAN KING
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR - RENSHI
Belt Level: 6th dan Kanjem, 5th dan Kobudo
With 20 years of training to his advantage, Senior Instructor Jonathan teaches the Junior Blackbelt Class and Colored Belt Class on Tuesday nights. Jonathan respects “the physical and mental challenge of the art.” When teaching, he appreciates seeing students have a learning breakthrough: “What I like most about teaching is when I see something a student has been struggling with really ‘click.’” Outside of the dojo, he is a manager for Wegmans.
GREGORY W. MACIDYN
INSTRUCTOR
Belt Level: Rokudan
Instructor Greg teaches the Early Bird Adults class and values helping others attain their goals. In his own words, he teaches “to help others and to deepen [his] knowledge of the martial arts.” In addition to his work as a karate instructor, Greg is also a senior mechanical engineer.
SUSAN EHLERS
INSTRUCTOR
Belt Level: Rokudan
Instructor Susan teaches the Early Bird classes and assists with the Monday and Wednesday Childrens’ Classes. In addition to her role as an instructor, she is a library technician.
DAWN M. ARNEY
INSTRUCTOR
Belt Level: Nidan
Instructor Dawn assists with children’s classes on Monday and Wednesday. She sees that being an instructor is a mutually beneficial process. By “sharing with others what I have learned, and by teaching, we can both expand our knowledge.” She also enjoys witnessing students’ newfound confidence and determination in the dojo. “Their faces light up because they’ve done their technique with precision, and you can see their minds working on what they can do next.” Outside of her work as an instructor, Dawn is an accountant.
PAUL CHAPIN
INSTRUCTOR
Belt Level: Yondon
Instructor Paul teaches Adult Classes on Thursday night, assists with Friday night classes at St. Lukes, and teaches all classes on Saturday. Paul “enjoy[s] seeing students grow prosper, and learn,” and sees students become more confident as they achieve their goals. His love of teaching extends beyond the dojo; he is also a science teacher.
ROLLY MABITAD
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
Belt Level: 1st Degree Blackbelt
Instructor Rolly teaches Little Samurai classes on Thursday and Northside Karate Program on Saturdays. Teaching karate allows him to instruct students while also improving upon his own skills. He says, “I teach karate because I learn something every day from the mistakes I made during class.” When it comes to the students, “The little kids I teach make me laugh and I love it.” Rolly is also an Uber driver and a self-professed “video game nerd.”
CHRISTIAN LABATTE
AAU COACH
Belt Level: Nidan
AAU Coach Christian is passionate about karate and personal fitness. As a coach, he works to “enrich the lives of the athletes” and appreciates “watching the athletes develop.” In addition to karate, he enjoys lifting weights, working out, and biking. He is studying at Onondaga Community College and is employed part-time at Delta Sonic.
NICHOLAS LABATTE
AAU COACH
Belt Level: Sandan
AAU Coach Nicholas has several years of coaching experience, and his dedication to his role is clear. He says, “I really enjoy working with the kids and using my skills to help them improve,” and that “seeing members succeeding and reaching their goals is always a joy.”