ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS

meet our team

DFMA has several instructors that teach classes at our main location at 650 Main Street in South Portland Maine.

Kyoshi Andy Campbell is the Owner and Head Instructor, Renshi Joe Lunn teaches daytime classes, Sensei Connor assists in Karate and teaches BJJ, Sensei John Pinette owns the CHOI Institute and teaches Cage Fighting fundamentals founded by Master Choi, Sensei Ras Hylton teaches MMA and Karate, and Sensei Geneva Howard teaches Karate and Weapons (Bo/Jo).

All of these talented Martial Artists and classes are available to all our members!

OWNER / MASTER INSTRUCTOR (KARATE)

kYOSHI ANDY CAMPBELL

Kyoshi Andy Campbell has been the Owner / Master Instructor of Dragon Fire Martial Arts since February 2000.

He holds an 8th Dan in the art of Shotokan Karate, has studied for 43 years.

He has competed at the national level and won 28 world titles and 4 World Grand championships, as well as being multiple time Maine State Champion, and multiple time Triple Crown Winner.

His style of teaching is relaxed and fun, yet he instills discipline and self confidence in every class.

KARATE INSTRUCTOR

rENSHI jOE lUNN

Renshi Joe Lunn has been an instructor at Dragon Fire Martial Arts since 2000 and holds a Second Degree Black Belt (Nidan) in Shotokan Karate. Renshi Joe Lunn started training Shotokan Karate when he was Nine years old and has been involved in Martial Arts for most of his life.

He teaches daytime classes at DFMA, has a quirky, fun teaching style, and is excellent with children. His focus today is to use his years of experience to pass on the traditions and benefits of Karate to the next generation.

KARATE INSTRUCTOR

sensei john goff

Sensei John Goff started martial art journey 18 years ago. In 2010, he earned his first black belt. He currently holds the rank of Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in Shotokan Karate and was promoted to Dai Sensei in 2015.

As an instructor, Sensei John Goff enjoys teaching the principles of Kata's and specifically focus's on the Bunkai (application / building blocks / story) of the techniques embedded within the forms. He brings a fun, positive, and encouraging tone to his classes, emphasizing the physical and mental aspects of karate.

Outside of karate, John has spent over 26 years in the field of education. He has taught third grade, fifth grade gifted and talented science and served as an adjunct education professor for the University of New England. He is the author of two books, One Bad Thing and The Takeover. He is currently working on his doctoral thesis at Northeastern University.

A life-long New Englander, John enjoys all types of sports and follows all of the Boston teams. He is an avid reader, enjoying fantasy, martial arts and the books of Stephen King.

CHOI INSTITUTE / CHOI'S CAGE MMA

sensei jon pinette

Sensei Jon Pinette is an instructor at Dragon Fire Martial Arts and teaches MMA / CAGE FIGHTING, with classes in STRIKING, KICKBOXING, and GRAPPLING based on MASTER CHOI's system of self defense.

Sensei Jon Pinette has studied martial arts since 1987 and holds a NiDan Rank (2nd Degree Black Belt) in Taekwondo and a ShoDan Rank (1st Degree Black Belt) in Karate. He has competed numerous times in international competitions, acquiring (among many medals and trophies) an International Gold Medal and a National Gold Medal in Taekwondo.

Sensei Jon Pinette met and began training MMA under MASTER CHOI in 1993 (info below) and received his Black Belt from MASTER CHOI after 10 years of dedicated training. Sensei Jon Pinette was one of 25 people to achieve a Black Belt in Choi Shin-do (Highest New Way) before MASTER CHOI passed away in 2005.

Before MASTER CHOI's passing, Sensei Jon Pinette competed and won many boxing matches in America and Canada.

Sensei Jon Pinette owns and operates the CHOI INSTITUTE and continues to teach technical striking based on the biomechanics and science he learned from MASTER CHOI.

His Mixed Martial Arts classes are open to all levels of martial artists from beginners to pro fighters.

* MORE ABOUT MASTER CHOI *

MASTER CHOI earned a full scholarship to the Kyung Hee College in Korea (Korea's prestigious National Sports Academy) where he went on to earn a PhD in Biomechanics and Physiology. Not only was MASTER CHOI a scholar, but he was also an exceptional athlete. He played on the National Soccer Team and competed in full contact fighting. He proudly won the Korean National Taekwondo Championship 4 years in a row and held the title of all Asian Kickboxing Champions from 1969 to 1972. He had a distinguished government career training the Korean Army Special Forces and served as an instructor to the personal bodyguards of the Korean president.

Sensei Jon Pinette is continuing to honor MASTER CHOI's Legacy at the CHOI INSTITUTE by training MMA at Dragon Fire Martial Arts - Come join a class today to be a part of this legacy!

Classes are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 6pm.

KARATE / BJJ / MMA INSTRUCTOR

sENSEI RAS HYLTON

Sensei Ras Hylton is a 2nd degree Black Belt (Nidan) under Kyoshi Andy Campbell. Sensei Ras found his home at Dragon Fire studying Shotokan Karate after years of studying multiple Martial Arts disciplines. He attained Black Belts in both Kenpo and in Taekwondo. He is a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Sensei Ras has trained in Muay Thai and wrestling for cage fighting and has competed in MMA since 2015, earning 10 victories and 1 title as a professional. Ras specializes in MMA competition training with the Choi Team, but can be found helping in the BJJ and adult karate classes regularly throughout the week. Our friendly giant is motivational and knowledgeable, providing patient teaching, and a quick smile, all with 20+ years of martial arts experience.

KARATE / BO / JO INSTRUCTOR

sensei Geneva howard

Sensei Geneva Howard is a 2nd Degree Black Belt (Nidan) in Karate and teaches Karate and Weapons as Dragon Fire Martial Arts. She is very proficient with the Bo/Jo and has won several first place medals throughout her years competing.

KARATE / BJJ INSTRUCTOR

sENSEI cONNOR mCbRADY

Sensei Connor McBrady has been an instructor at DFMA since 2012, has a Black Belt in Karate and a Blue Belt in BJJ. Sensei Connor McBrady's classes are detailed and safe for all ages and abilities.

He teaches grappling concepts, different holds and ground defense as well as Karate classes focusing on wide range of applications for the strikes, blocks, kicks and holds in his curriculum.