Instructors

Nathan Sumner

7th Degree Master Black Belt (Shichidan),

Master Instructor/ Manager

Mr. Sumner has been training in the art of Shaolin Kempo Karate for over 30 years and was promoted to the rank of 7th Degree Master Black Belt in the fall of 2022. In 2002 he took over the chief instructor/ manager duties at the Villari’s location in Williamstown, MA. He trains under 12th Degree Black Belt Master Robert Bombalier, one of Great Grandmaster Villari’s Seven Dragons.

Training students of all ages from Massachusetts, Vermont and New York, Mr. Sumner does his best to make classes informative and fun for all of his students. Besides teaching personal lessons, group classes and clinics at the Williamstown location, he has worked with a number of local schools teaching after-school programs and sharing his knowledge as special guest teacher for countless physical education classes. He’s held self defense seminars in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York state, and has assisted his instructors, at a number of clinics at a variety of locations across New England and in New York State.

Always the student, Nathan attends as many clinics and seminars as possible. These have included teachings on Shaolin Five animal techniques and concepts, Chin Na, Jiu Jitsu, Close Quarter Combat (reality self defense training), sparring and many more topics. He has also had focused training in C.Q.C., breaking, and traditional weapons. In 2021 he earned his Master of Medical Qigong certification through the Qigong Learning Institute in Lake Forest, CA.

Since 2002 Nathan has judged at a number of regional and international Villari’s tournaments that have been held in the Northeast. He has also had tournament success of his own, bringing home trophies in both sparring and breaking.

Deborah Huether

5th Degree Master Black Belt (Godan), Chief Instructor

Ms. Huether has trained in Shaolin Kempo Karate for over 20 years and in 2022 became the first student from Villari’s of Williamstown to achieve the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt.

Assisting with group classes since 2003, Deborah enjoys working with students of all ages at Villari’s. When the responsibility of running an adult class falls on her shoulders, not a student is left wanting. A tough, yet satisfying workout is the norm when she takes over instructor duties. She is most proud of the fact she is the spark behind the dojo’s charity work. She enjoys being in a position to help empower other women and young girls. She is the director of our “Girl Power” program and leads by example by assisting at all of the women’s self defense seminars that the studio hosts.

In 2018, Deborah organized, planned, and hosted the first all women seminar in the Villari’s organization’s history. Bringing together women from all across the country, ranging from white belt to 10th Degree Black Belt.

Never wanting to stop learning, Debbie almost never misses a karate, Qigong or Kempo Fit class. She is a diligent student who spends a great deal of time documenting every technique and concept that she is shown in class or at clinics. Deb has also had great success in the ring, placing in sparring at every tournament she has entered.