My name is Bill Antonitis, and I started this site in 2010.
I have trained in Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu karate since 1987 under Ed DeCosta and began studying jiu-jitsu in 2009 with Jay Bell. Lucky enough to grow up with the martial arts, I have felt their positive influence throughout my life and am especially interested in sharing these experiences with others. I teach writing and literature at the high school and college levels, and I try to apply martial arts principles to all my lessons.
Not only do I have 25 years of experience teaching and training, but I am also a professional educator with a Master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I have worked over the years to harden my body, sharpen my mind, and develop my spirit and look forward to sharing what I have learned with you. Thanks to my efforts, I can help you exceed your martial arts goals.
My Shohei-Ryu Karate style is second to none when it comes to practical self-defense and character development. The lasting relationships I share with my young students—not to mention their improved grades and ever-increasing confidence and integrity—show that I care about the academic and moral education of every child.
I offer a wealth of experience to adult students as well: over the years I have trained with world-class athletes as well as weekend warriors and hobbyists. Some masters I have learned from include Shintoku Takara, Tsutomu Nakahodo, Hiroshi Inada, Royce Gracie, Rodrigo Gracie, Marco DeLima, Mark DellaGrotte, and Rob Khan.
Testimonial
I’ve known Bill Antonitis for years and can say that he is not only a dedicated martial artist, but a great guy with a super attitude. Sensei Bill has been studying Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu Okinawan Karate since childhood with one of the most authentic schools in the U.S. Bill has also spent time with high-level Okinawan masters to constantly refine his 
own training and understanding. I’ve seen Bill in teaching mode and was impressed with his patience, technical knowledge and ability to communicate with each student.
More recently, Bill has become more diverse in his training by studying other arts, including Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. This is an important indicator of the mentality of martial artists, their ability to stay open minded, and their desire to learn and expand their own abilities! I would highly recommend Sensei Bill to anyone interested in learning Shohei-Ryu/Uechi-Ryu Karate.
Mark Flynn
Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) Shohei-Ryu Karate
Purple Belt and Certified Coach Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Owner/Head Instructor of ZenQuest Martial Arts Center in Lenox, MA
My Promise to You
Many martial artists are talented, but not many instructors can use their talent to meet the needs of a wide variety of students. I will teach you and your children to:
- avoid conflict but to defend yourself and your family if in danger
- train hard but safely and at your own pace
- receive support from and offer guidance to your training partners and peers
- handle bullying and other bad situations
- resist peer pressure
- become more assured and self-confident
- give respect to parents, teachers, and peers
- avoid outburst and bad decision making
- enjoy learning about a new culture and tradition
- get better checkups at the doctor’s office
- develop the lean, fit body you always wanted
- better manage stress
- improve your work/life balance
- live a healthy, happy, and meaningful lifestyle
I blend the best of the old and the new to help you grow as a martial artist and in life. Training in martial arts is fun and rewarding. I have worked with children and adults with who suffer from obesity, diabetes, Down Syndrome, autism/Asperger’s, Tourette syndrome, physical handicaps, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, and severe emotional disabilities. Martial arts helped these brave students to overcome their difficulties time and time again.
How to Begin Your Journey
If you would like to learn more about Uechi-ryu/Shohei-ryu karate, or how to bullyproof your child with jiu-jitsu, please contact me.
I am the head karate instructor and children’s jiu-jitsu instructor at Gracie Farmington Valley in Tariffville, CT. I also offer private lessons at my home dojo in Meriden, CT.
Please call 860-325-0839 or e-mail bill@graciefv.com for more information. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Bill Antonitis Head Karate Instructor Kid’s Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Gracie Farmington Valley 2 Tunxis Road, Suite B5 Tariffville, CT 06081 860-325-0839 bill@graciefv.comPS – Here’s a video of some things we practice every day!
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