
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Deep Roots - True Tradition - Direct Transmission
We are proudly affiliated with Sifu Greg Pichardo's Phoenix Martial Arts and
Sifu Cass Magda's, Magda Institute Association.



MEET OUR HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Nathan “Mabilis” Marinone brings over 30 years of martial arts experience, having trained extensively in a wide range of systems throughout the United States. He began his martial arts journey in 1993 with Tae Kwon Do and later expanded his training into Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Yang Tai Chi, Indonesian Pentjak Silat, Filipino Kali (Inosanto lineage), Teovel Balintawak, Serrada Eskrima, Modern Arnis, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Catch Wrestling.
Throughout his career, Sifu Nate has been featured in both print and digital media and has taught a diverse range of students, including business professionals, members of the armed services, individuals with disabilities, and everyday men and women seeking personal growth through martial arts. He has conducted seminars throughout the New England region and has earned a reputation as a skilled practitioner and respected instructor along the East Coast.
Over the years, he has earned advanced credentials in several of the disciplines mentioned above and remains actively involved in their continued study and practice. He serves as a senior representative for Sifu Greg Pichardo’s Phoenix Martial Arts Association and is also the Connecticut representative for the Magda Institute Association under Sifu Cass Magda.
Staff Instructors
Guro Jeb Walton began his study of the Martial Arts in 2016 with Sifu Nathan Marinone. In 2024 he received his Black Sash in Filipino Kali and became an Apprentice Instructor in the Phoenix Martial Arts association. In addition to continuing his studies into the Filipino Martial Arts, Jeb also actively trains in Jeet Kune Do. He currently teaches private lessons in Suffield Connecticut.
Guro Masen Mccane began his study of the Martial Arts in 2020 with Sifu Nathan Marinone. Prior to that, Masen has studied Thai Boxing, Panglipur Silat and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In 2025, Masen received his Lakan Isa in Serrada Escrima and currently holds the rank of level 5 in the PMA Buka Jalan Silat program. He is an Assistant Instructor in the Phoenix Martial Arts association and also actively trains in JKD / Kali and Catch Wrestling. He currently teaches private lessons in Higganum Connecticut.
Mr. Travis Walls began his study of the Martial Arts in 2020 with Sifu Nathan Marinone. Prior to that, Travis has studied Boxing and Karate. He currently holds the rank of level 5 in the PMA Kali program and is actively working towards becoming an Assistant Instructor in the Phoenix Martial Arts association.
The Program
The program utilized at PMA of CT was created by M.I.A. director Sifu / Guro Cass Magda in 1988. It is based on the systems used by the Jun Fan (JKD) Clan from 1968 to 1974 and the phase progression of the Filipino Kali Academy of Torrance, California headed by Dan Inosanto from 1975 to 1983.
The program is a synthesis of the JUN FAN MARTIAL ARTS (JKD), FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS (KALI, ESCRIMA, ARNIS) and the INDONESIAN MARTIAL ARTS (PENTJAK SILAT) and forms the nucleus of the curriculum taught as Phoenix Martial Arts of Connecticut. Training methods and techniques from other martial arts are also incorporated and utilized in the training process.
Jeet Kune Do
The JUN FAN MARTIAL ARTS is a compilation of training methods, attitudes, philosophies, combat techniques and concepts conceived, researched and compiled by the late Bruce Lee (LEE JUN FAN) until 1973. It was from this that JEET KUNE DO eventually evolved. Bruce Lee researched and incorporated kicking methods from northern and southern Gung Fu systems, French Savate and Thai Boxing. He incorporated his hand methods from Wing Chun, Western Boxing, various Gung Fu systems and Western Fencing Grappling, locking and throwing are also integral parts of the JUN FAN METHOD. The JUN FAN METHOD is considered to be the explosive precursor to a JKD understanding; or, in other words, the base from which we work towards totality in personal combat.
Inosanto / Magda Kali - Escrima
Encompassing an entire spectrum of weaponry and also featuring sophisticated empty hand concepts, this highly efficient, deadly and combat-proven art enabled the southern Philippines to remain unconquered for almost 400 years. The weaponry and empty hand are taught together; the principles being common to both and interchangeable. Regardless of whether armed or unarmed, the student learns to relate to any situation using the same concepts of body angling, positioning, zoning, and flowing with the opponent. Depending upon speed, footwork and skill rather than brute strength, this fluid, practical method of self-defense is one of the most comprehensive martial arts systems known.
Buka Jalan Pentjak Silat
Known as Pentjak Silat in Indonesia and Bersilat in Malaysia, the differences between these two are subtle. There are over 250 styles commonly practiced in and throughout Indonesia and Malaysia. Both arts involve various complex and intricate empty hand and foot maneuvers, clever and unique multiple joint locking, sweeping and throwing manipulations, and ground fighting. The word “Pentjak” means; the body movements used in the training method and the word “Silat” means; the application of those movements or the actual “fight” Each style of Penjak Silat has its own formal curriculum, history and tradition, some shrouded in secrecy and some open to the public.
Testimonials
"Sifu Nate is a true seeker of knowledge, a superb representative of Serrada Esrima and an phenomenal martial artist. Anyone looking for a quality Martial Artist with incredible skills and great humility should seek him out!".
- Renshi Anthony DiSarro
Senior Instructor in Kosho Kenpo and Serrada Escrima under Hanshi Bruce Juchnik.
“if any of you live in or around Connecticut be sure to pay a visit to Sifu Nate, his martial arts ability and knowledge is second to none!"
– Mike Dwyer
Self Defense Consultant at GKR Karate
"Nate is with out a doubt one of the best martial artists around. He is a true hidden gem with world class talent"
- Guro George Chaber
JKD / Kali / Silat Instructor under Sifu Dan Inosanto and owner of Bethel Academy of Martial Arts
“Sifu Nate is a very talented Instructor with a tremendous amount of knowledge."
– Sa Ba Nim Ron Ortla
4th degree Hapkido Black Belt and owner of The Martial Instinct
“Great opportunity to learn from an amazing instructor!”
– Sifu Dustin Santomenna
Phoenix Martial Arts of Massachusetts /
BJJ Black Belt
“Sifu Nate is a hard working and uber talented martial artist!”
– Sifu Raffi Derdarian
JKD / Kali Instructor and owner of
Derdarian Academy of Martial Arts
“Sifu Nate is a phenomenal martial artists with a wealth of knowledge!"
– Guro Carlos Castro
JKD / Kali / Silat Instructor under
Sifu Dan Inosanto.
" Everyone had a great time at the seminar. Much respect to your knowledge!"
– Professor Travis Passaro
BJJ Black Belt and Owner of
Radius Martial Arts
"If anyone lives out in Connecticut you should seek out Sifu Nate out. Getting to train and know someone like him is definitely
a privilege."
- Chuck Leverone
5th degree Nick Cerio Kenpo Karate and Owner of Evolving Martial Arts
“Sifu Nate is an excellent Teacher and a lot of fun to train with!"
– Tony Dellechiaie
3rd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and
Head Instructor at Britt's Tae Kwon Do
"One of the most knowledgeable Martial Artists I ever met. He knows so much of so many different styles and more importantly can demonstrate them. "
- Sifu Greg Pichardo
Phoenix Martial Arts Head Instructor
“I am so very proud of the work your doing and cant wait to be instructed by one of the premier guro’s in the Filipino arts have to offer".
– Sa Ba Nim Myron Levy
3rd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and owner of Elite Tae Kwon Do
“Thanks again Sifu, it was an outstanding experience and you definitely know your material. Your skills are exceptional!”
– Master Patrick Cassidy
4th degree black belt in the Jo-Ryu-Jujitsu system and owner of Westover School of Self Defense
“Sifu Nate is an amazing Martial Artists and Teacher!"
– David North-Martino
Free lance writer / Author and Black Belt
“Sifu Nate is a fine instructor with attention to detail, articulation and body mechanics. He can move and explain the how and why of it”
– Tuhon Jack Latorre
Pekiti Tersia Kali Tuhon /
Head Instructor at PTI Academy
"GO! Great people and great work out....the execution discipline is right on the money."
- Mark Vincent McKenney
Aikido Instructor
“Sifu Nate is a class act and one of the best Martial Arts Instructors I know.”
– Master Jonathan Leonard
WOTBAG Balintawak Master Instructor
CONTACT US
We are currently a private school located in Enfield Connecticut.
Enrollment is currently by invitee only, with interviews available through referral.
Feel free to contact us for more information.

Deep Roots - True Tradition - Direct Transmission