Our Instructors

Growing up, I was always curious about and fascinated by the martial arts.  My favorite TV show was Kung-Fu, and I loved Bruce Lee movies.  I grew up during the 1960's and 1970's, and martial arts schools were few and far between.  In 1982, I tried Taekwon-Do for the first time and knew it was for me.

I was interested in this art initially for self defense.  During training I quickly realized that I loved all aspects of Taekwon-Do, and training was never boring.  I love and appreciate learning at every level, and I am a student first.  I noticed that I also had a gift for teaching Taekwon-Do techniques simply and effectively.  What had started as a way to learn self defense had become a way of life.

I have worked hard to perfect my teaching methods, and enjoy watching students excell even further than I did when I was at their level.  I enjoy being an instructor and am very fulfilled in having such a positive impact on students' lives.

I am passionate about learning, which makes me passionate about teaching.  My college degree is in economics, and I keep current in that science by teaching high school students at a private school.  I also keep current in Taekwon-Do by training with local senior ranks weekly.  I hope I can have the opportunity to transfer some of my passion for Taekwon-Do to you!



Mr. DeSousa was born in Cambridge MA on June 18th, 1960. Mr. DeSousa graduated from Newton North High School in 1978. He started his Martial Arts career while serving in the U.S. Airforce in 1982.

MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE TIME LINE

- Started Taekwon-Do Training at Pease AFB, NH - 1982
- Assistant Instructor at Hwang’s School of Taekwon-Do in Dover, NH  1987-1990
- Attended 1st General Choi Seminar in Hartford, CT - 1988
- Won the Presidential Fitness Award for Taekwon-Do 1990
- Opened first School with a partner in Newmarket, NH  1990
- Won a Gold Medal in Sparring and a Silver Medal in Board breaking K.A.T.U. Tournament - 1992
- Attended 2nd Full Day Training seminar with General Choi in Manchester, CT - 1994
- Promoted to Head Councilor at Grandmaster Hwang’s Summer Camp - 1994
- Completed Instructor’s Training Course - 1994
- Taught the University of New Hampshire Self Defense Course from 1993-1997
- Coached a team in Power Breaking in the Jr World Championships in Warsaw, Poland.  
  One of my students won the gold medal.
- Assistant Coach for the USA JR Taekwon-Do Team in Warsaw, Poland - 199
- Assigned as Regional Director for the State of New Hampshire for KATU TKD - 1995
- Earned Class A Tournament Referee Certificate - 1996
- Attended 3rd  Full Day Seminar from General Choi in Phoenix, AZ - 1997
- Received Instructor of the Year Award for (K.A.T.U.) organization - 1998
- Attended all Day Training Seminar with Rhee Ki Ha (VP/ I.T.F.) - 1999
- Earned 4th Dan - July 2000
- Received Class A teaching Certificate - April 2003
- Re-located to North West Arkansas - May 2003
- Opened Northwest Taekwon-Do – December 2003
- Received 5th Dan Black Belt November 2007
- I train with the AMA masters, and bring their wisdom and experience to every class I teach.