At Dojo of Modern Karate of Branford and East Haven, we offer classes in both Shotokan Karate (Japanese) and Taekwondo (Korean). Students learn both styles combined into one exciting program, and ultimately will earn black belt status in both Shotokan Karate and Taekwondo.

We offer various programs for different age groups and experience levels.

Tiny Tigers Program for ages 3-5
Children's Beginners Program for ages 6 and up
Adult Program for ages 16 and up
Separate Intermediate, Advanced & Black Belt programs
Sparring and weapons programs

Sensei Alphonse Gambardella Jr (Master Instructor)

Started training in the Martial Arts 1983
Established the Dojo Modern Karate LLC in 1996
Head Martial Arts instructor for the East Haven Recreation Department
Promoter of the CT Shoreline Karate Championships
Currently a Fifth Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and a Fourth Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.
Inducted into three different Hall of Fames for excellence in teaching.
2004 -nominated as Sports Person of the Week by Shore Publishing Newspaper
Head Coach of Team Gambardella
Head Coach of Team Off the Line
BS Degree from SCSU in Business Management

Jennie Marie Distasio (Head Instructor)

Started training in the Martial Arts 1999
Currently a First Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and Taekwondo
Chief instructor and Developer of the Tiny Tiger Program
2005 & 2006 seasons rated number one in Connecticut in the
advanced woman division on the KRANE Tournament Circuit.
2003 she was nominated as Sports Person of the Week by the Shore
Publishing Newspaper
Captain of Team Gambardella.
AS Degree in Early Childhood Education