Master Joe’s journey began in the backyard of his Vermont home, where his father first introduced him to the idea of martial arts. He was just a boy when he stepped onto that imaginary mat—but something about those early lessons stuck. During that first “class,” Joe managed to land a punch that bloodied his father’s nose—an accident that marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to the discipline and spirit of martial arts.

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In 1969, Joe found his way to a real dojo under Sensei George Chartier in Laconia, New Hampshire. His first experience training in Sikaran was one of pain, sweat, and deep admiration. He trained relentlessly, soaking in every moment with Sensei Chartier, Master Louis Lagarejos, and the black belts who inspired him. He didn’t realize it at the time, but Sikaran was becoming more than just a practice—it was becoming his way of life.

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In 1976, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army, taking with him not only discipline and determination, but a growing passion for Sikaran. Though far from home, he shared his knowledge wherever he was stationed—teaching in Washington, Kentucky, Louisiana, and even Germany. In 1985, the Army brought him back to Vermont, and with it, a chance to return to the Sikaran temple in New Hampshire. Wearing a brown belt and feeling like a beginner once again, Joe trained under Master Chartier and Grandmaster Lagarejos. Within three years, he earned his Shodan rank and, in 1986, founded the Mount Anthony Karate Center.

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That same year, Joe met Lisa—the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. They married in 1987, surrounded by their Sikaran family. But life brought both joy and hardship. In 1993, Joe suffered a serious neck injury in a swimming pool accident that left him temporarily paralyzed. After 18 months of therapy, he fought his way back. He retired from the Army in 1995 after 20 years of service and, not long after, reopened the Mount Anthony Karate Center, unable to imagine life without Sikaran.

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The years that followed were filled with growth, training, and transformation. Joe trained tirelessly—traveling over the mountain to learn from mentors like Master Chartier, Sifu Crane, and Master Sheldon Bedell. Students became teachers, and Joe became more than an instructor—he became a Master. Losses came too: the passing of Grandmaster Lagarejos in 2005, Master Chartier soon after, then Master Bedell, the closure of the temple, and finally the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the school to close.

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In June 2024, Joe faced his greatest personal loss—the passing of his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Lisa. Her love and unwavering support had been part of every chapter of his journey, both on and off the mat. For a time, Joe considered stepping away from teaching altogether. But in the quiet that followed, he felt the call of Sikaran once more. With his granddaughter now by his side, and Lisa’s spirit guiding every step, Master Joe chose to rebuild. Today, the Mount Anthony Karate Center stands open once again—ready to pass on a legacy of resilience, discipline, and heart to all who walk through its doors.