instructors

Master Melissa Mertz​
Master Melissa Mertz is our head instructor and owner of The Dojo Paramus. With over 40 years of experience in the Martial Arts, Master Melissa is a 5th degree black belt in Isshin-ryu karate. She was taught by her father, Professor Ronald Allen Mertz of Tiger Karate Society since she was a little girl.
[email protected] 
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​​Sensei Barone
Sensei Barone is a second degree black belt and one of Master Melissa's original students.  He has been training for 20 years and teaching since he was 14. Sensei Barone is known for his agility and high, soaring jumps. 

Sensei Holzmann
Sensei Holzmann is a second degree black belt who has been training under Master Melissa for 18 years and teaching since 2015. Sensei Holzmann is a physical education teacher, as well as a graduate from the University of Scranton, with degrees in Kinesiology, Coaching, and Nutrition.

Sensei Kane
Sensei Kane is one of Master Melissa's original students 20 years ago. She is the highest ranked instructor after Master Melissa and is a 4th grade school teacher. You can find her in the Dojo any time she has a break from school.

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Sensei McAuliffe
Sensei McAuliffe has been training for over 15 years. He is a second degree black belt and one of Master Melissa's first adult ranking students. He specializes in self defense and kumite.