O-Sensei Lou Desmarais has spent his lifetime practicing and propagating the martial arts. He started as an amateur boxer in 1946 and fought to distinction in both the US Navy and US Marine Corp. His love of teaching the martial arts begins here, as he trained numerous golden glove champions. During his service O-Sensei served in the Korean War before returning to his home town of Nashua.

In the early 1970s he began training at the United Studios of Self Defense, where he met his partner, Victor Nastasia. After years of training together they opted to strike out on their own and found the Independent Karate Schools in 1979.

Over the years O-Sensei has trained with many world renowned martial artists. These include: Jiro Sakano, Kendo Grand Master; Michael DePasquale, Jyu Jitsu Master; Jeff Smith, world light-heavyweight kick-boxing champion; Professor Nick Cerio and Edmund Parker, Kenpo Masters; Cynthia Rothrock, national karate champion and well-known movie celebrity; Ed Melaugh, Soke Dai of Small Circle Jyu-Jitsu; Mike Pabst, Aikido Master; and Larry Garron Jr., Jyu-Jitsu Master.

O-Sensei holds black belts in Kenpo (8^th degree) and Hakko-ryu jujitsu (1^st degree). In 1996 the Nick Cerio International Martial Arts Association granted him the title of O-Sensei (Great teacher) and 10^th degree black belt of his style, Enshudo jujitsu.