Meijin Nastasia holds the rank of Judan (10^th degree black belt) in Kenpo Karate. He is the Highest ranking Kenpo Black belt at the Independent Karate Schools. Meijin Nastasia co-founded the IKS in 1979 with O-Sensei Desmarais. He still serves as the President of the School and its financial officer.

Meijin Nastasia has a reputation for immense self-discipline and dedication. All of the black belts of the IKS look to Meijin Nastasia as the pinnacle of technique and use him as the model of achievement. A retired engineer, he teaches full time at the dojo. He teaches the adult classes during the week, and gives countless private lessons to children.

Though he is the highest ranking black belt at the school, he thinks nothing of taking time out and working with students of all ranks. Over the years he has developed and implemented a highly successful demonstration series for "After School" programs throughout Southern New Hampshire, karate lessons through Kids College, a martial arts program for Rivier College, Self-Defense for Women clinics, and countless civic and youth groups.

In 2004 after the 25^th anniversary of the school’s founding the rare title of Meijin was given to then 'Hanshi' Nastasia. The masters of the IKS felt that his tireless work ethic, immense martial arts skills, and unfailing humility warranted such a distinction.

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.

Hanshi Peter M. Desmarais

Peter M. Desmarais has spent most of his life involved in the Martial Arts. The son of Lou and Julie Desmarais, he joined his father in studying karate in the early 1970s. He is a graduate of Merrimack High school and St. Anselm's College, and is a Subcontract Specialist for BAE Systems.

In 2003, for recognition of his devotion, vision, and accomplishments, Meijin Nastasia and O-Sensei Desmarais gave Mr. Desmarais the title Hanshi, and made him the Headmaster of the entire Independent Karate School System. Firmly believing that actions speak louder than words, Hanshi Desmarais eschews his formal title for the humbler moniker, "Sensei Pete."

A member of the Merrimack High School Hall of Fame and a recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Young American award, Sensei Pete is highly respected for his involvement in civic affairs. In 1988, Peter married Kim Smith at the St. Anselm Abbey, and they currently live in Merrimack.

Sensei Pete is the owner and Headmaster of the Independent Karate School of Merrimack, which is located in the V.F.W. Hall on Daniel Webster Highway. The school meets every Tuesday and Thursday evening. Sensei Pete is currently an 8^th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, having received his training from Meijin Nastasia.