Renshi(Master Instructor) started his martial arts training in 1989. He started teaching professionally in 1993, just a few weeks before receiving his Black Belt. He trained and taught in the Cicero dojo under the guidance of Shihan Jeff Sgarlata and Master Marianne Sgarlata. In 1994 he piloted expanding the teaching of martial arts to the younger students at ages 4-6years old, which has become our current Lil Champion program. In 2002 he open the dojo in Manlius and in 2012 officially became sole owner/operator.
He currently holds the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt in our blended martial arts system. He also holds a Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Shihan Gene Dunn, Level 2 Krav Maga Instructor certification with the Krav Maga Alliance, Guro (instructor) certification under Punong Guro Dan Donzella in the art of Escrima / Arnis(stick fighting) and many other fitness and MMA conditioning certifications. In 2013 he attended Anthony Robbins’s Unleash the Power Within seminar and completed a 12’ fire walk.
He has continued to be a student in the areas of martial arts, leadership and nutrition. He is grateful that his wife, Sensei Tami Button, shares his passion of the martial arts. His personal and dojo mission, “To have a positive impact on everyone I come in contact with through my martial arts, leadership and nutrition knowledge.”
I have always been interested in the martial arts, but never had the opportunity to pursue any formal training. Shortly after my son began taking classes I decided to join in the fun! This was almost three years ago and training has me in the best shape of my life. It has been very beneficial for my overall well being and a great activity to spend time with my son. Sensei Groesbeck and staff are top notch instructors and provide a positive and fun environment in which to learn and train.
My daughter Jaelyn has been training in martial arts close to five years. She is in great shape, more disciplined and respectful due to the Manlius dojo and staff. Great job on the new website.
My 12 year old daughter and 11 year old son are 1st degree black belts training for their 2nd Degrees. I am 43 years old, in the best shape of my life and ready to test for my 1st degree Black Belt. Impact Martial Arts has changed the life of my children and I for the better in a dramatic way! Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit! These are the creeds instilled in the students who study at the Team Manlius dojo of Impact Martial Arts. The entire teaching staff at the Team Manlius dojo: Sensei Groesbeck, Sensei Button, Deshi Mehmedovic and Mr. McDonald are all AWESOME!! They are all very engaging, professional and inspiring. Not only do they teach marital arts and physical fitness but the curriculum also contains character education and anti-bullying strategies. The environment at the dojo is always positive, fun and inspiriting. Believe me it is a place you will want to be and your kids to be!!!