About RI Self-Defense Center

Our Dojo was founded by Grand Master Soke Eugene Coutu, 10th Degree Black Belt, in 1987 as Kenpo-Kobudo Karate. In 2009, Soke-Dai Michael Orsini, 8th Degree Black Belt, took over the dojo and changed the name of the School to RI Self-Defense Center. Although our principal style is still Kenpo-Kobudo Karate, we now offer other forms of training as well (jiu-jitsu, grappling, weapon defense, women's self-defense, and Street Wise Self-Defense). Michael Orsin continues Soke Coutu's tradition of instilling real confidence and moral values through practical and realistic self-defense training.

RI Self-Defense Center has small class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios, no yearly contracts, and no gimmicks. We believe every student can succeed with time, practice, hard work, and patience. We take pride in our students and consider them family. Come see what we are about!

Family Tree

9th Degree
Don Culp

8th Degree
Soke-Dai Michael Orsini (Active)

7th Degree
Alan Reedy (Active)

5th Degree
Tom Sotis
Alan Fortes
Michael Beaver (Active)
Chris Gentile (Active)
Robert Card (Active)
Brian Hawkins

4th Degree
James McKenzie
Leroy Mattatal

3rd Degree
William Giardina
Greg Grutter
John Griffin
Michael Benson
Anna Sirago
Diane Isabella
Merry Hayes (Active)

2nd Degree
Andrew Fortes
Jeffery Sausier
Kevin Barrett
William Purcell
Michael Cianci
Ray Tomasso
Lenny McDonald
Carlene Parrillo
Michael Martufi
Dan Cook
Tom Marfeo
Derek Coyne
Ian Dillon
Frank Reedy (Active)
Ryan Franklin (Active)
Lisa Borges (Active)

1st Degree
Steve Coelho
Amanda Dolan
Candace Sousa
Michael Day
Bob Brassard
William Hallbauer III
Matthew Cesario
James Garis
Earl Barlow
Rob Gruttadauria
Michael Reilly
John Andosia Jr.
Asa Spring
Kurt Deion
Kyle Santos
Michael Perez (Active)
Joe Parillo (Active)
Nathan Mellor
Vaughn Thurber
Michael Tarateta (Active)

This page is devoted in Honor and Loving Memory to Soke Coutu's Friend, Hero and First Instructor, Frank Cerio. 1943 – 2004