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 third degree black belt and one of Master Melissa's original students.  He has been training for over 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 19 years and teaching since 2015. Sensei Holzmann is a graduate from the University of Scranton, with degrees in Kinesiology, Coaching, and Nutrition. Sensei Holzmann is also a middle school physical education teacher!