Ron Jones, 6th Dan - Owner

Master Ron Jones is Chief Instructor and owner of Mercer Academy of Martial Arts. Master Jones began his training in the Korean Art of Tang Soo Do in 1980 in Trenton, NJ. Grandmaster J.C. Shin, President of the World Tang Soo Do Association, was Master Jones' first instructor, and from whom he received his first Dan black belt. He also trained with Master Charles Irwin and Master Denis James for many years while at Shin karate, then went on to train under the late Master Denis James and the American Korean Karate Association. Master Jones was the first student of Master James to receive a 4th Dan black belt. While teaching for and training under Master James, Master Jones started the Jones Karate Club at the YWCA Princeton, as well as Center Stage Karate in Florence, NJ.

Master Jones, now a 6th Dan black belt, is a dedicated and inspiring teacher of karate. He brings the teachings of his various instructors into the dojo, continuing in the tradition of a true martial artist. Along with his energy and enthusiasm in the classroom, he is a Master at recognizing a student's strengths and encouraging each student to reach his/her full potential. His commitment and dedication to his students and to the martial arts world have helped hundreds of students lead a more disciplined and focused lifestyle, and have in turn inspired Master Jones to continue his pursuit of success in the martial arts field.

Master Jones currently trains Gracie jiu-jitsu with Phil & Rick Migliarese at Balance Studios in Philadelphia (www.balancestudios.net), and Bryan Bentley at Mercer Academy. Master Jones received his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu from Phil Migliarese on April 20, 2005. Phil Migliarese is the only certified teacher in Philadelphia to teach the full Gracie Jiu-jitsu curriculum, having been authorized to do so by Relson Gracie and Helio Gracie on March 1, 2002. Balance Studios is home to both the Philadelphia Astanga Yoga Shala and the Philadelphia Gracie Black Belt Jiu-jitsu Academy.

Master Jones also is training Thai Boxing with Thai Boxing/Boxing coach Charlie Vinch who also teaches at Balance Studios.  

LAURIE DEUMBERTO, 4th Dan

Master DeUmberto began her martial arts training in January 1989, under the late Master Denis James, Master Ron Jones and Master Charles Irwin. In October 2003, she became the second woman at the Mercer Academy to reach the Master rank, 4th dan. She was the first student Master Irwin trained in over 35 years of teaching to win a black belt Grand Championship trophy in forms competition. She has since won a total of 3 grand championships: at the 2000 Garden State Championships, at the 2001 Tri State Open, and at the 2003 Keystone State Martial Arts Championship.

Master DeUmberto is an experienced instructor at the school since 1993 teaching children’s classes at all levels. Master DeUmberto has also been passing her knowledge to her tournament students since she began running a tournament program at the school. The program has been highly successful and still is, winning numerous trophies at all levels and ages in forms, weapons, and breaking. Master DeUmberto feels her greatest achievement is the accomplishments of the students. She is extremely proud of their success!

VALERIE LAYNE, 5th Dan

Master Layne began her martial arts training in 1988 under the guidance of Master Denis James, Master Ron Jones, and Master Charles Irwin. She is the first woman at the school to achieve the rank of 4th Dan, and the first student to be promoted to 5th Dan.  She holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has trained at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California, and with Phil and Rick Migliarese at their Relson Gracie school in Philadelphia.

Master Layne is experienced in teaching children and adults, and currently teaches classes for the adult program. She is also certified as a health/fitness specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine, which is recognized as the gold standard.

RON KUBINSKI, 3rd Dan

Mr. Kubinski is a third degree black belt at Mercer Academy of Martial Arts, having trained in Martial Arts for 14 years and taught for 8 years.

The roots of his training are in Tang Soo Do and consist of forms, self-defense, and drills.  Ron achieved his black belt in 1996 from the American Korean Karate Association. 

He has progressed in weapons, ground fighting, and practical self-defense through training with many instructors, members, and friends.

Greg Giordono, 3rd Dan

Mr. Gregory J. Giordano began his martial arts training in 1997 under Master Denis James and Master Charles Irwin. Mr. Giordano was awarded the rank of 2nd Dan by Master Ron Jones, in December, 2004.

He began his teaching in 2000 by assisting Master James with children's classes and presently teaches the adult class on Wednesday nights (alternating with Mr. Murray). His classes focus on self-defense, kickboxing and conditioning.

Mr. Giordano has trained in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, under Master James and has attended seminars with Phil Migliarese of Balance Studios and Japanese Jiu-jitsu with Sensei Tom McDermott. He has weapons training in the use of sword and staff with Master Charles Irwin and sword with Sensei Rob Rivers. He has also attended boxing class with Boxer Jim "Rocky" McCray and has practiced self-defense in the other styles. Mr. Giordano continues to train under the direction of Masters Jones and Irwin. He has special interest in weapons training and heavy breaking.

Mr. Giordano is a practicing trial attorney in central New Jersey, and the father of four.

STEVE SAGNIP, 2nd Dan

Mr. Sagnip started training in 1997 under Master Denis James achieving his 2nd Dan rank in October 2005.  Mr. Sagnip has taught a beginner adults class more than three years, and continues as an assistant instructor under Master Jones and other advance black belts in order to advance his own teaching skills. 

He has competed in numerous tournaments earning 1st place trophies in Weapons, Forms, and Board Breaking.  Mr. Sagnip believes in explaining the purpose of technique is critical to mastering the technique.  A typical class may include drills in traditional marching techniques, katas, standup self-defense, ground/mat grappling, trips and throws, falling techniques, and “basic” free sparing and grappling. 

Mr. Sagnip believes in advancing his own skills. He has trained in Yoshitsune Jujitsu and currently also trains in Isshinryu.

Edward Rankin Gainsborg, Jr., 1st Dan

Edward Gainsborg started his training in martial arts in the mid 1980’s while a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute. While in college Ed was a member of VMI’s intramural karate club and varsity fencing team. It was this combination that naturally lead to his interest in kendo and then finally iaido, which he has continued to study and practice privately for the past twenty years.

Edward resumed his formal martial arts training in 1999 at James Karate with Master Denis James. He continues to train today at the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts under the instruction and guidance of Master Ron Jones and Master Charles Irwin. Ed has also trained recently at the Virginia Academy of Kempo-Karate with Sensei Rob Rivers.

Mr. Gainsborg is an active member of the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts’ tournament team and in the past six years he has won over fifty trophies in Forms, Weapons and Breaking at both the local and national level.

Edward Gainsborg currently holds a 1st degree black belt from the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts and he leads the iaido study group class here at the dojo.

Kelly Wittkop

Kelly Wittkop started training in 1996 when she was 8 years old under the instruction of the late Master Denis James.  She has trained under the instructions of Master Charles Irwin and Master Ron Jones since 2001 and participated in tournament training for 2 ½ years.  Kelly earned her rank of 1st Dan in 2003 after 8 years of training.  When she reached the rank of purple belt she began assisting in the beginner kids classes with Master James.  When the Little Dragons program first began in 2004 Kelly was one of the first assistants and has now worked her way up to Head Instructor of the Little Dragons Program.  Through working with the Little Dragons, Kelly realized her passion for working with small children and is pursuing a career in Pre-K Special Education.  She is currently attending Mercer County Community College and will be transferring to The College of New Jersey in 2009.

Mike Gorski - 1st Dan

Mr. Gorski began his martial arts training in the Korean Art of Tang Soo Do in Trenton under Master Charles Irwin at Shin Karate.  Mr. Gorski continues his training at the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts under Master Ron Jones, Master Charles Irwin and Master Laurie DeUmberto. He began his teaching in 2006 by assisting Master DeUmberto with her tournament program. Mr. Gorski also assists Master DeUmberto with her Wednesday night beginner and advanced kids classes.  Along with assisting Master DeUmberto with her tournament program, he is an active member of the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts’ tournament team and has competed in numerous tournaments placing in Weapons, Forms and Board Breaking.

Mr. Gorski earned his 1st degree Black Belt in 2008   and presently teaches kids classes on Friday nights (alternating with Master DeUmberto).  Mr. Gorski enjoys teaching and is passionate about the Martial Arts. He continues to expand on his training in weapons and self-defense.  Mr. Gorski also trains in our Brazilian ju-jitsu program here at the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts. 

Mr. Gorski is married and has 2 children.  Both his children Jared and Kayla also train here at the Mercer Academy of Martial Arts and his wife Michelle is involved in the women’s self defense program.

John Biancamano - 2nd Dan