Sensei Robert Thivierge (sandan or 3rd degree black belt and seen here with Kancho Ninomiya), is the branch chief instructor at the Connecticut dojo. Sensei Thivierge began his karate training in July of 1974 and became an instructor of Kokondo karate in 1978. He also trained in Kyokushinkai until 1982. He competed throughout New England and New York in point, semi-knockdown, and full-contact tournaments.

During the period between 1983 to 1991, Sensei Thivierge continued to teach karate from his home dojo, producing some of New England’s finest and most accomplished black belts. After reading a Black Belt magazine article about “Ninomiya’s Sabaki Challenge” and Enshin Karate, Thivierge called headquarters and was referred to Sensei Richard Ladasky of Danbury. After seminars with Sensei Ladasky and fellow Enshin students, Thivierge’s school became a branch dojo in 1993. He continues to instruct classes, attends and holds Kancho Ninomiya’s seminars when possible and has developed long lasting friendships within the Enshin family.

Sensei Robert Wagner is the dojo’s Senior instructor. Sensei Rob (sandan or 3rd degree black belt), began his training in karate under Sensei Thivierge in 1988. He also holds a brown belt in aikido. He has competed in several world championships as well as the World Oyama semi-knockdown, where he has brought back his share of awards.                                                          Although a true lightweight fighter, Wagner’s speed is only matched by his powerful leg kicks. He has fought a number of different stylists ranging from Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do to Muay Thai and Hapkido. Always outsized, sometimes by as much as 70 pounds, he has managed to end the contest quickly and efficiently. Now retired from competition, Sensei Rob instructs children and adult classes, a beginner swordsmanship class and also attends Enshin seminars and tournaments here and in Japan.