MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Leroy Dojo offers training in all Tatsu Do Martial arts, from beginner to master-rank black belts classes. We also have a special curriculum for young children, ages 5 & up. Please see the Class Schedule below and feel free to call or stop by anytime during class hours. Private Lessons are also available upon request.

Kyoshi Fred Merica started his martial arts journey in 1980. He holds several Black Belt ranks including 8th Degree Black Belt in Tatsu-Do Karate, 6th Degree Black Belt in Tatsu-Do Kobudo (weapons), and 1st Degree Black Belt in Tatsu-Do Iai Jutsu (sword).

Kyoshi Merica has developed his skills and knowledge in martial arts for over 40 years. He learned and studied under Shihan David Swede and achieved his 1st Degree Black Belt rank in August of 1985 from Soke William R. Cavalier (the founder of Tatsu-Do). Kyoshi Merica is the senior student of Shihan David Swede and was chosen by Soke William R. Cavalier to join the Tatsu Do Board of Directors in 1995. Kyoshi Merica has attended many seminars and clinics on self-defense, as part of his dedication to the field, and also teaches a number of them himself.

Kyoshi Merica is a life long LeRoyan; Husband, Father of two Daughters, and Grandfather.

Renshi Nathaniel Parker is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Karate, also holds Black Belt ranks in Aiki Jiujitsu (the joining of spirits) with a Daito Ryu focus, Iaido (drawing the sword), Kendo (traditional fencing), and Kobudo (traditional Japanese weapons).

Renshi Parker started in martial arts in 1985 out of the basement of a small ranch house in North Chili, NY. With the support of his father and brother (who also trained to black belt), he earned his own 1st degree Black Belt rank in 1995, at the age of 15.

For 30 years, Renshi has been dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and skill as in both traditional and contemporary martial arts and combat training. He’s studied closely with countless teachers and coaches from different styles and lineages, including Goshin Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan, Matsumura Orthodox Shorinji Ryu, Muy, Aikido, Brazilian Jujitsu, Japanese Jujitsu, Judo and Kyokushin.

Renshi credits Soke William Cavalier with the lion’s share of his learning, and expresses the greatest appreciation for Cavalier’s encouragement to open his mind to different arts and ideas, something that Hanshi, himself, modeled until his passing in the summer of 2024.

Renshi Parker is a secondary school teacher by trade, and lives with his wife and two children in Chili, NY.

Shihan David Swede- 9th Degree

Bob Steffenilla- 5th Degree

Gail Mortimer- 4th Degree

Nancy Elmore- 4th Degree