Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate
Traditional Martial Arts • Billerica, Massachusetts

Build Confidence.
Develop Discipline.
Learn Martial Arts.

Kenpo Karate & Kenjutsu Training for Kids and Adults

Train in a supportive traditional martial arts environment where students build confidence, improve fitness, learn practical self-defense, and develop skills that last a lifetime.

30+ Years
In Our Billerica Location
2012
Zanshin Established
40+ Years
Martial Arts Experience
10th Dan
Founder & Head Instructor

Find Your Path

Two Zanshin youth students practicing a kick with a training shield in the dojo
Kids Martial Arts

Give your child skills that last a lifetime.

Build confidence, discipline, focus, respect and physical fitness while learning practical martial arts and self-defense in a positive, supportive environment.

EXPLORE KIDS CLASSES →
Guided Training

Learn with instructors who train alongside you.

Whether you're completely new to martial arts or building on years of experience, Zanshin emphasizes hands-on instruction, practical self-defense and steady progress at every level.

EXPLORE ADULT CLASSES →
Zanshin instructor working one-on-one with a youth brown belt on a self-defense technique
A family of four who train together at Zanshin
A Dojo For Families

Train together. Grow together.

Martial arts can be an individual journey without being a solitary one. At Zanshin, children, teens and adults share the same community and can grow through training together.

One family. Four students. One dojo. That kind of connection is part of what makes a long-term martial arts school feel like home.

More Than A Karate Class

Traditional Kenpo Karate and Kenjutsu training with an emphasis on practical skill, personal growth, and a lineage carried forward through generations of martial artists.

Zanshin's six codes of conduct displayed in the dojo: effort, loyalty, sincerity, etiquette, character, and self control
What We Build

Training develops more than technique.

The values displayed on the dojo wall are part of the culture students train in every week. Progress is measured not only in stronger technique, but in the habits and character developed along the way.

EFFORT • LOYALTY • SINCERITY • ETIQUETTE • CHARACTER • SELF CONTROL
Wide view of the Zanshin dojo beneath the phrase Hard Doesn't Mean Can't
A Zanshin Mindset

“Hard” Doesn't Mean “Can't.”

Some things are difficult. That's why they're worth learning. Martial arts teaches students to work through challenges, improve through repetition, and discover what they're capable of doing.

Kenpo + Kenjutsu

A broader traditional curriculum

Zanshin's training includes empty-hand Kenpo as well as traditional weapons work. Browse a few of the weapons and training tools maintained in the dojo.

Traditional sword and long-weapon display at Zanshin
Traditional weaponsSword and long-weapon training are part of the broader Zanshin curriculum.
Large wall rack containing a range of traditional martial arts weapons
Depth of trainingThe dojo maintains a wide range of traditional training weapons used across different levels and disciplines.
Traditional martial arts training equipment and weapons inside the Zanshin dojo
Preserving the traditional artsWeapons training helps connect modern students with the wider martial arts tradition.
Swipe on touch devices or use the arrows.

Find A Class

Schedule as of 09/14/2026

Our weekly schedule is designed to give students multiple opportunities to train. Beginners and new students are welcome.

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
4:30–5:15 — Kids Kids Kids —
5:15–6:00 Kids Kids Kids Kids Kids
6:00–6:45 Kids Kids Adult Kids Adult
6:45–7:30 Adult Adult Brown / Black Adult —
7:30–8:15 Brown / Black — — — —

On smaller screens, swipe the schedule left or right to see the full week. Private lessons may also be available by appointment.

Start With A Free Week

Try Zanshin for one week at no cost and get a feel for the training, instructors, and dojo before deciding whether to continue. If you choose to enroll, your monthly tuition includes unlimited regular classes with no long-term contract.

Unlimited ClassesTrain as often as your schedule allows during the month.
No ContractsNo long-term commitment or annual agreement.
Month-to-Month TuitionSimple, straightforward monthly billing.
Current Introductory Offer

One Week Free Trial

Come train with us and see whether Zanshin is the right fit for you or your family.

Single Student

$180 / month

Unlimited regular classes for one student, billed month-to-month with no contract.

Family Tuition

$220 / month

Unlimited regular classes for two or more students from the same family — adults and children included — billed month-to-month with no contract.

Military, veteran & first responder discounts are available. Ask us for the current discount rate.

Clear pricing, no surprises.

A Tradition Carried Forward

Zanshin's walls tell part of the story: instructors who have earned their rank, students who have progressed through the system, and decades of milestones and recognition.

Zanshin martial arts awards, plaques and historical photographs
Recognition & historyA collection built over years of training, teaching and participation in the wider martial arts community.
Framed photographs of Zanshin black belts
Students who stayed the courseThe black belt wall reflects years of individual progress and commitment.
Zanshin certificate and rank wall
Standards and progressionRank, instructor credentials and continued study are visible throughout the dojo.
Zanshin test board with two students receiving new belts
Milestones matterTesting is a chance to demonstrate progress and have that work recognized by the instructors and community around you.
Swipe on touch devices or use the arrows.

Our Instructors

Soke Paul Parent, instructor at Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate

Soke Paul Parent

Founder & Head Instructor, 10th Dan

Soke Paul Parent is the founder and head instructor of Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate. A direct student of Professor Nick Cerio, Soke Parent has dedicated his life to preserving and teaching the traditional arts of Kenpo Karate and Kenjutsu.

With over 40 years of martial arts experience, he brings unparalleled expertise in both empty-hand techniques and traditional Japanese sword arts. His teaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, respect, and the development of both body and mind.

Our Teaching Staff

Renshi Jon Matos, instructor at Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate

Renshi Jon Matos

Senior Instructor, 6th Dan
Renshi Kevin Matos, instructor at Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate

Renshi Kevin Matos

Senior Instructor, 6th Dan
Shihan AJ Bonaccorsi, instructor at Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate

Shihan AJ Bonaccorsi

Senior Instructor, 5th Dan
Sensei Todd Schernig, instructor at Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate

Sensei Todd Schernig

Instructor, 4th Dan
Sensei Joe Zuccaro, instructor at Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate

Sensei Joe Zuccaro

Instructor, 3rd Dan
Sensei Steve Norman, instructor at Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate

Sensei Steve Norman

Instructor, 2nd Dan

Our Story

Nick Cerio lineage display and historical martial arts memorabilia inside Zanshin
Lineage & Independence

Deep roots, with a system of our own.

Nick Cerio's Kenpo Roots

The school began as a Nick Cerio's Kenpo school, establishing the foundation of punches, kicks, self-defense techniques, and forms that remains central to our underbelt curriculum today.

The Kensho Ryu Chapter

After Professor Nick Cerio passed away, one of his senior instructors created Kensho Ryu Kenpo. The school merged into that system, which continued to feature Nick Cerio Kenpo and preserve that lineage in its training.

Zanshin Becomes Independent — March 2012

In March 2012, Soke Paul Parent made the decision to go independent and established Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate. Zanshin continued to feature Nick Cerio Kenpo while developing its own identity, curriculum, and advanced material.

Our Curriculum Today

From white belt through brown belt, the core syllabus remains relatively consistent with that lineage in its punches, kicks, self-defense techniques, and forms. Like most living martial arts systems, some material has been refined over time. Much of the material that is distinctly Zanshin is incorporated into the black belt syllabus rather than the underbelt curriculum.

Preserving the Past, Continuing to Evolve

Today, Zanshin honors the traditions that shaped the school while continuing to grow as its own system. Kenpo, Kenjutsu, practical self-defense, discipline, and respect remain central to the way we train and teach.

Questions Before Your First Class?

Here are a few of the things new students and parents ask us most often.

How young can children start?

Kids classes begin at age 4.

Do I need martial arts experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and prospective students are encouraged to try a class before committing.

What should I wear?

Comfortable workout clothing and sneakers are perfect for your trial week.

Are there contracts?

No. Tuition is month-to-month and classes are unlimited.

What Students & Families Say

People come to Zanshin for different reasons — practical self-defense, confidence, discipline, family training, and a place to keep progressing.

★★★★★ 5.0 on Google  •  44 reviews
“Great place to learn self-defense and the various disciplines of Karate, Kenjutsu, Kenpo and the teachings of Professor Nick Cerio.”
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“The efficient effective electrified self defense that goes with this style of American kenpo has increased my awareness discipline and confidence.”
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“My son takes Karate classes at Zanshin karate and we are so happy with this place… they're great with kids.”
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Read Our Google Reviews

Ready To Get Started?

Whether you're looking for martial arts for yourself or your child, we'd love to have you visit the dojo and find the right class for you.

Exterior of Zanshin Kenjutsu Kenpo Karate at 530 Boston Road in Billerica, Massachusetts

Location

530 Boston Road
Billerica, MA 01821

Phone

(978) 201-2930

Email

zanshinbillerica@gmail.com

Head Instructor

Soke Paul Parent
Founder, 10th Dan