The Learning Center for Martial Arts has been in business for nearly 25 years. In the late 70’s Steve Schatvet, Steve Giampa, and Vinnie Guerrini, after many years of studying Shotokan Karate in Sharon under Don Murnane and his son Brian, broke away and began teaching in backyards, at schools, and at campgrounds. Along with many of his loyal students, Steve Schatvet opened the first Learning Center for Martial Arts school. At a time where it was rare to see a martial arts ‘business’, the school simply was a group of students collecting wherever and whenever they could. These main areas were the Norwood Civic Center, the Norwood Congregational Church, Norfolk Southwood Hospital, Canton’s Kennedy Elementary, and Mansfield’s Robinson Elementary.

As time went on Steve Schatvet along with many of his top students Vinnie Guerrini, Mike Hebert, Marshall Wolff, and Paul Curtin began studying under Professor Nick Cerio of Nick Cerio’s Kenpo. The Learning Center, although still in various locations, was now centered in Norwood’s First Congregational Church and in Mansfield’s American Legion Hall. By the mid-80’s the school had well over 300 students and a staff that was second to none.

By 1990, Steve Schatvet had separated from Professor Cerio and was looking to expand on the training. He began seeking out professionals in their art, to bring new ideas into the school. These individuals included:

Sensei Kenny Wagner (Boxing/ Kickboxing)
Sensei John Cabrall (Jui Jitsu/ Judo)
Prof. Thomas Sotis (Analytical Combat)
Master Bob McKittrick (Isshin-Ryu)
Peter DeBlaiso (Tai Chi Chu’an)

Through the 1990’s student Cody Robyn began training as an assistant instructor and later as full time instructor at the Norwood Learning Center, currently located at 1044 Washington Street. By 1995, Cody began intense training for his Black Belt. Around the same time, John Hagman, a former student of the Murnanes and Steve Schatvet, returned and began training for his 2nd degree Black Belt. In April of 1996, both tested and received their rank and were working well together running classes at the school.

Shortly after Steve Schatvet decided it was time to focus on one school alone and to sell the Mansfield School. John Hagman and Cody Robyn quickly decided this was to be their new home. In February 1997, they took over the Mansfield Learning Center now located on 30 Crocker Street. A former dance studio, this school was the perfect setting to teach martial arts. In the tradition headed by their instructor, John and Cody decided to also seek out professionals in their art to add to an already successful program. These individuals included:

Shihan Paul Curtin (Eclectic Karate)
Sensei Greg Morgan (Filipino Stickfighting)
Professor Tom Sotis (AMOK! Knifefighting)
Sensei Ed Melaugh (Small Circle Jui Jitsu)
Grandmaster Remy Presas (Modern Arnis)
Master George Dillman (Ryukyu Kempo)
Shihan Evan Pantazi (Kyusho Jitsu)

As our instructors and students became more and more adept to the various styles, it became necessary to define a style that would not only add to the system already being taught, but to format it in a way that would invite more as we continue to learn. That system is called American-Te®.

In 2003, the Mansfield Learning Center took full control of the Norwood Learning Center, thus bringing them back together.  The Norwood Dojo remains at 1044 Washington Street in South Norwood.  The Mansfield School is now located at 397 Oakland Street in Mansfield near the Foxborough/ Mansfield line.

The Learning Center for Martial Arts has some of the highest-ranked, most qualified instructors around. For information about of system American-Te®, please click here.  For Instructor Biographies, please click here.  For scheduling information, please click here.