Our Instructors

	Sensei Sharyl Geisert Owner/Director of White Tiger Karate sgeisert@metrocast.net Congratulations to Sensei Geisert for receiving the award, “Top 20 Women You Should Know” for her outstanding commitment to the safety and well being of her community. Sensei Geisert studies Bill Gregory's Kajukenpo and Pai lum Kung Fu under Grandmaster Georganne Verigan and is a part of the kajukenpo curriculum team. Her resume also includes studying Shaolin Kempo, Tae kwon Do, Chin na, Tai Chi, and is a certified instructor in Women's Rape Prevention by AWSDA, the American Women's Self-Defense Association. In addition to being involved in the martial arts, "Sensei Sharyl", as known by her students, has trained and competed in a multitude of athletics including Olympic training in the javelin and Olympic weight lifting where she placed 10th in the world. Sensei Sharyl has been in the teaching field for 30 years. Through teaching karate, she has helped to empower many individuals to attain higher standards for themselves and those around them. It is her desire to pass on the excitement martial arts offers as well as to live by example with joy and a respectful attitude toward others. Compassion and helping people has been a life long journey and commitment for Sensei Sharyl. She has had the pleasure of serving others as teacher, coach, trainer, fire fighter/emergency medical technician, and youth care specialist. "I love to share" says Sensei Sharyl. "If someone has the desire to learn what I have it is an honor to pass it onto them, if it helps with inner growth, even better." Her educational expertise allowed her to use her joy of sport with the undeniable power of its healing benefits. Sensei Sharyl credits recreation & athletic involvement to a healthier self-image, improved self-esteem, and a deterrent to drugs, smoking, alcohol, and other negative behaviors. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Health and her Master's of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Understanding the power behind the martial arts, Sensei Sharyl completed her master's thesis studying the benefits afforded women participants in the martial arts. Not only did the study positively affect the individuals but it forever made changes in Sensei Sharyl and her co instructors. In addition, Sensei Sharyl has raised the bar in the martial arts world of training with her unique blend of teaching traditional martial arts with her educational background in therapeutic recreation. Karate is an avenue to uplift the student as a whole. She has become a leader in issues such as ADHD, ADD, behavioral issues, anger management, and physical adaptations. She is recommended by such professionals as Riverfront Medical Group and Genesis Behavioral Health.

	Sensei Suzanne Plante “Sensei Sue” began her martial arts training after observing her son’s enjoyment of karate. During her first year, Sue stood out in her dedication to learning and sharing her knowledge of the martial arts. This unselfish attitude and devotion earned her a spot on the Special Winning Attitude Team (SWAT) where she was able to assist her fellow students of all ages in reaching his or her goals. In 2005, she was awarded the title “Sempai” (head student) for her teaching ability, her outstanding efforts toward helping fellow classmates as well as assisting individuals outside of the martial arts. Upon earning her black belt Sempai Sue was awarded the title of Sensei which means “Teacher” as she had already established herself as that amongst her peers. The personal benefits Sensei Sue has experienced in the martial arts include a shared passion with her son, mental stimulation, improved focus, and better health. In addition to teaching karate, she is dedicated to educating and empowering women by teaching them effective no nonsense ways of self-defense. As a certified AWSDA Rape Prevention Instructor, she can do just that by holding women-only self-defense classes. Sensei Sue has continued to expand her training to include parent/child self defense where she teaches children how to protect themselves from human predators as well as educating parents about the dangers our children face today. Sensei Sue attended and graduated from Northeast Institute of Whole Health in December, 2008 where she studied massage therapy. Sensei Sue successfully completed her National Examinations, her NH state licensure and is now a licensed massage therapist (LMT). She also has her certification in advanced aroma therapy where she uses natural health and fitness through the use of essential oils to aid in a more sound mind and body. Anyone who has had Sensei Sue work on them knows she is a gifted healer. You can book a massage with her at Whitten Chiropractic’s in Concord or through the studio. Sensei Sue trains with Sensei Sharyl under the direction of Grandmaster Georganne Verigan in Bill Gregory’s Kajukenpo and Pailum Kung Fu. She also has a background in Shaolin Kempo Karate, Tai Chi, Ba Qua, and enjoys practicing Filipino knife fighting.

	Sifu/Sempai Marianne Kelly Sifu Marianne began her martial arts training years ago in California where she earned her 1st degree black belt in Kempo karate and Tae Kwon Do. Her love for the martial arts and desire to gain internal strength led her to also study Ju-jitsu, Krav Maga, Tai Chi, and Yoga. Upon moving to New Hampshire, her training led her to Sensei Geisert where she became part of the White Tiger Karate family and began her training in Bill Gregory’s Kajukenpo and Pai Lum Kung Fu. Sifu Marianne’s natural teaching ability, athletic prowess, and hard work were evident. Within a few months she was invited to be a part of the Special Winning Attitude Team (SWAT) shortly thereafter she earned the title of Instructor and in 2008 she was awarded the title Sempai which means Senior Student or one who is experienced. After receiving her second degree black belt in kajukenpo and first level black in Pai Lum Kung Fu Sempai was awarded the title Sifu which means teacher. Sifu Marianne leads her own program at the Pines Community Center and is also a part of the Bill Gregory's Kajukenpo Pai Lum curriculum team. She credits the martial arts as having opened doors for her and that it brought balance to her life. Sifu Marianne also states how she has seen it make a significant positive impact on students, how it helps the practitioner become more disciplined and dedicated in their daily lives, and how it helps them to be happier, healthier, more joyful individuals. In addition to teaching the martial arts, Sifu Marianne also works at one of the local schools instructing children with special needs. Regarding teaching in any aspect, she says, “I enjoy sharing knowledge and seeing students light up when they understand. It is a wonderful thing." In addition to teaching Sifu Marianne is presently in grad school pursuing a Master's degree in education.

	Sempai Cheryl Gardner Sempai Cheryl's martial arts journey began in the seats as she watched her son participate in karate. Seeing the benefits and excitement of his classes inspired her to try it, too. Her drive and determination were impressive. Under the guidance of Sensei Geisert, Sempai spent hours before or after class practicing and if not in the dojo you would find her outside at the park training by herself or with other students. It paid off with excellent form and power. She has exploded into a formidable warrior despite her small stature. In tournaments, Sempai Cheryl has blown away the competition. She proves size does not matter. It is intent, determination, and technique. Sempai Cheryl holds a first level black belt in kajukenpo karate. She is a regular in the women's self defense classes assisting at every seminar, is an active leader in all the charities White Tiger Karate puts together, is a lead instructor in karate, and teaches tai chi classes.

	Instructor Aaron Little Aaron Little is a true warrior serving the U.S. army for the past 10 years and a martial artist for 27 years. His credentials include 2nd degree black belt in both WTF and ITF Tae Kwon Do, 1st degree black belt in Uechi Ryu karate, brown belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, five years law enforcement defensive tactics training, and level four combatives instructor. Aaron leads our kicking and grappling classes with an old school approach, hard work with great benefits. He also assists in our women's self defense classes and children's classes.

	Instructor Daren Robinson Daren is a model student and teacher with his kind heart and empathy for others which led him to be nominated for White Tiger Karate’s Humanitarian award. He earned his place on SWAT where he made every student feel good. As Daren grew as a martial artist so did his responsibilities as he was awarded the title Assistant Instructor. A year later he earned his Instructor title and shortly after that was given permission to teach summer and after school programs in the area. Daren is presently at college studying to be a pediatrician. We are very proud of this young man's integrity and his positive energy not to mention his knock out kicks! We look forward to his return trips back in the dojo during vacations and holidays.

	Yoga: Pam Noyes Pam is a delight to learn from. She is caring, loving, and well-informed in the art of Yoga. Pam focuses on strong alignment, core muscle toning, strength, and flexibility, and she provides comprehensive instruction in all of these aspects. Classes are appropriate for all levels, and will leave the body feeling warm, worked, and relaxed all in the same breath. Come discover your strengths as you allow the practice of Yoga to enhance your body, mind, and spirit. Visit Pam at riversongyoga.net for information.

	Muay Tai Kick Boxing & Adult Aikido: Nita Tomaszewski Nita learned from the BEST Muay Tai fighter ever, Alex Gong, her son. Alex won numerous Championships Worldwide and like his mother, a wonderful human being and teacher. With his guidance and Nita's passion for the art she learned from and taught for Alex in his San Francisco gym. She continues the tradition at White Tiger Karate teaching Muay Tai Kick boxing to the beginner level up to the elite athlete. She is the “True Teacher” of this incredible martial art following the traditions instilled by the practitioners of Thailand. There are no belts or ranks in this martial art as a true Muay Tai practitioner will tell you, “You win or lose the battle.” Nita is also the head instructor for the adult Aikido class and studies other forms of traditional Japanese Budo.