Our Head Instructor
Sifu Nathan "Mabalis" Marinone
Sifu Nate has been training in the martial arts since 1993, dedicating more than three decades to the study and teaching of a diverse range of disciplines.
Drawing from decades of training and study, he has developed an approach that values both technical skill and a deeper understanding of the martial arts. As founder and head instructor of Phoenix Martial Arts of Connecticut, he works closely with students in a private training environment where personal attention and long-term development remain the priority.
Rank & Credentials
Sifu Nate holds Full Instructor credentials under Sifu Greg Pichardo in Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Kali, and Buka Jalan Pentjak Silat. He serves as a senior representative for the Phoenix Martial Arts Association, with affiliated schools in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. He is also an Instructor and Connecticut State representative for the Magda Institute Association under Sifu Cass Magda.
Additionally, Sifu Nate holds advanced rank in Wing Chun Kung Fu, Cabales Serrada Escrima and in Teovel Balintawak Arnis.
Staff Instructors
Our leadership team consists of dedicated practitioners who began their journey as students here. Today, these skilled individuals serve as staff instructors, helping to guide the next generation at Phoenix Martial Arts of Connecticut.
Guro Jeb Walton
Guro Jeb Walton began his martial arts training in 2016 under the instruction of Sifu Nathan Marinone. In 2024, he earned his Black Sash in the Phoenix Martial Arts Kali program and was recognized as an Apprentice Instructor within the Phoenix Martial Arts Association. While continuing his studies in the Filipino Martial Arts, Jeb also actively trains in Jeet Kune Do. He currently offers private instruction in Suffield, Connecticut.
Guro Masen Mccane
Guro Masen McCane began training under Sifu Nathan Marinone in 2020. Prior to joining Phoenix Martial Arts, he studied Muay Thai, Panglipur Silat, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2025, he earned the rank of Lakan Isa in Serrada Eskrima in Guro Bruce Juchnik's Majaphait Association and currently holds the rank of Level 5 in the Phoenix Martial Arts Buka Jalan Silat program. He serves as an Assistant Instructor within the Phoenix Martial Arts Association. He currently offers private instruction in Higganum, Connecticut.
Mr. Travis Walles
Mr. Travis Walls began training under Sifu Nathan Marinone in 2020. Prior to joining Phoenix Martial Arts, he studied boxing and karate. He currently holds the rank of Level 5 in the Phoenix Martial Arts Kali program and is actively working toward becoming an Assistant Instructor within the Phoenix Martial Arts Association.