Ernie Kirk
(Head Instructor /
Owner)

Mr. Kirk is a former schoolteacher who has been training in the Martial Arts for over 30 years. He is a Sixth Degree Black Belt and Lead Trainer for Premier Martial Arts International, holds a Sixth Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a Fifth Degree Black Belt in Hapkido, a Black Belt in Krav Maga and Goju-Kai and holds advanced brown Belts in both Judo and Aikido. Besides having Kickboxed for 15 years, he is also experienced with knife defenses and attacks, the kuboton and restraint and control techniques as used by various police departments. Ernie Kirk is a Certified Contact Weapon Defense and Control Instructor. Having worked security at nightclubs for ten years, along with training and instructing police officers, Mr. Kirk knows the most effective self-defense techniques to use in real-life situations.

Mr. Kirk has demonstrated defensive tactics, weapon defenses and weapon retention for Law Enforcement Officers at the DTOA (Delaware Tactical Officers Association) Conference October 2006. The DTOA Officer Survival and SWAT Conference included Law Enforcement and Military personnel from PA, MD, DE, NJ and NY. He has instructed US Army Rangers in advanced defensive tactics which included knife defenses, multiple attackers, empty hand to weapon transitions, tactical ground fighting and restraint and control techniques. He has also provided instruction in advanced defensive tactics, restraint & control, weapon retention, multiple attackers, weapon defenses, adrenal response training to various Law Enforcement agencies including Tactical Response Units as well as the Federal Air Marshal Service. He has instructed HRSO (High Risk Security Operators) in CQC (Close Quartered Combatives). Some of the departments he has trained have been Delaware State Police, ChiChester SWAT, West Chester SWAT Delaware Warrants Unit, US Probation and Pretrial Services Units, US Army 111th 56th (SBCT).

Mr. Kirk is an internationally certified instructor recognized by the National Association for Professional Martial Artists, is an internationally certified Rape Awareness and Prevention Instructor and a Rape Defense Instructor. He conducts frequent seminars and workshops for businesses, organizations, local Domestic Violence Centers and the community. This includes MOMS clubs, Hebrew Academies, local public and private schools, Patton Middle School on a yearly basis, Universities & Colleges including Widener, Temple, Drexel, Pre-Schools & Daycares, High schools and Brownie and Boy Scout troops.

Mr. Kirk has taught actor David Morse known for his recent roles in the Bruce Willis’s film 16 Blocks, BAIT, The Green Mile, The Negotiator, Twelve Monkeys, St. Elsewhere and The Rock. Mr. Kirk worked with Mr. Morse, the stunt coordinator and stuntmen on the set, teaching them how to perform combatives, real life defenses and fight scenes. He also trains Preston Elliot from WMMR and has been featured on both WMMR and Y100 radio numerous times. In fact Preston Elliot has lost over 50 pounds due to his training with Premier Martial Arts. He currently trains Disc Jockeys from WMMR's morning show including Preston Elliot, Kathy Romano, Casey Boy, Marissa Magnatta and WMMR Disc Jockeys Jaxon and Markus.

Mr. Kirk has appeared in various local newspapers and national magazines (including Tae Kwon Do Times & Karate International), he was twice featured on the cover of Martial Arts Success Magazine, the Discovery Channel teaching self-defense techniques to both women and children. Has appeared in the New York Times, FOX News, Discovery channel, Mainline Magazine, Philadelphia Inquirer and local NBC Channel 10 news.

Mr. Kirk and his Staff attend seminars around the country in order to provide better service to their students. Mr Kirk is the former Krav Maga Wordwide Regional Director and head of the Krav Maga Advisory Board. He has taught National Krav Maga Instructor licensing and certifications around the country.

Mr. Kirk is currently the Lead Trainer for Premier Martial Arts International. Mr. Kirk is responsible for the training and certification of over 100 Martial Art schools in the US and Canada. He is also responsible for the training of instructors from the growing number of PMA schools in the UK. Mr Kirk has taught seminars for Martial Arts School owners, employees and students at: NAPMA (National Association of Professional Martial Artists) International conventions, MAIA (Martial Arts Industry Association) International conventions and the Martial Arts Super Show and World Conference, United Professionals conventions and regional seminars. He frequently conducts self Protection and Martial Arts Seminars around the country, England and Poland. He has been invited to Thailand and Columbia to teach Krav Maga Seminars.

Mr Kirk is available for Private Lessons, Seminars and Krav Maga Instructor Certification.

Stephen Plyler
(Head Instructor)

Stephen has been training in the Martial Arts for over 15 years and has been teaching Martial Arts since he was 15. He has become proficient in Ed Parker's Kenpo (which he holds a Brown Belt), Mixed Martial Arts (has trained for 10 years) and is a 4rd degree in Premier Martial Arts. He received his brown Belt in Krav Maga in 2002 and he has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Stephen also trains Preston Elliot from WMMR and has been featured on both WMMR and Y100 radio numerous times. In fact Preston Elliot has lost over 50 pounds due to his training with Premier Martial Arts.

Stephen's students know him as an extremely knowledgeable, articulate, and energetic instructor. The kids love him because he's a big kid too! The adults love him because no one challenges them better!

"Stephen Plyler has the entire package, not simply as Martial Artist but as an Instructor and (most importantly) as a Human Being. In addition to amazing physical tools, born to hard work and inspiring dedication, Stephen epitomizes what an instructor should be through unbridled passion and zeal, knowledge, compassion and kindness. Train with him and become your very best. In a word... AWESOME!"
~Jeff Jimmo, Premier Martial Arts Trainer, Bas Rutten Instructor, and Sambo Champion

Matt Maquire
(Instructor)

Bio to come

Carl Edwards
(Instructor)

Mr. Carl has been on staff since April of 2009. As one of the main Youth Instructors, his classes are high energy and focused on the fine tuning of basics.

Coming from a more traditional background, Mr. Carl emphasizes the importance of discipline, respect and courtesy. His adult classes , whether Krav Maga Basic or Intro to Sparring, are also high energy and high intensity.

Mr Carl is a Black Belt in American Kenpo (Ed Parker System) and currently pursuing his 2nd Degree Black Belt in Ryukyu Kempo & Small Circle Jiu-Jitsu.

His martial arts training began at the age of 8, when he began boxing at his local boys club. After 5 years, his interests shifted to the Eastern Disciplines. While training over the years to follow, he became proficient in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and earned a Candidate Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Although he has not abandoned his Traditional Styles, Mr. Carl fell in love with Krav Maga when he came to Premier, claiming that "...it's conditioning, simplicity and practical application is unmatched."

Sam Bressler
(Instructor)

Bio to come

Gerry Walsh
(Krav Maga - Instructor)

Gerry began training in Krav Maga in 2003 under Jason Mark (one of Ernie Kirk's senior instructors). "Once I discovered Krav Maga, I was instantly hooked. It's simple, intense and effective." Gerry trained regularly, constantly improving his technique, until reaching the level of brown belt in 2007. "After surviving one of Ernie's 15 hour belt tests, you know you've earned it".

Gerry has been involved in motorsports since the mid eighties accumulating numerous victories and championships as both a driver and team manager. Along with driving, Gerry also serves as an instructor for various racing and driving school organizations. It was this ability to effectively transfer knowledge that led Gerry to obtain his Krav Maga instructor certification in 2006. Gerry's Krav classes are an effective blend of fitness, technique and aggressiveness.

Along with teaching Krav Maga, Gerry also works with Delaware County S.W.A.T. units assisting in hostage and rescue training.

What are Gerry's goals for the future? - "I gotta get my daughter into Krav before she starts dating."

Andrea Morrison
(Health Fitness Professional)

Think energy. Think stamina. Think Andrea. She puts her personality, humor, and spirit into every training session. Her results have helped individuals of every caliber – from first time exercisers to college and professional athletes. Andrea has her degree in Exercise Science and her personal training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She also holds a group exercise certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. A former college softball player, Andrea has been involved in fitness for more than 6 years. With experience in injury rehabilitation, sports conditioning, weight loss, and general fitness, Andrea is more than capable of working with men and women of all ages to achieve their fitness and lifestyle goals. She prides herself on being available to her clients for support as well as her ability to come up with exciting and challenging workouts. Why run when you can hula hoop? Why do a pushup when you can do a ball slam? Mixing your passions with Andrea’s knowledge is a sure way to have fun, achieve your goals, and see what you’re really made of.

Mr. D.
(Krav Maga - Instructor)

Mr. D. is a certified Executive Protection Specialist and High Risk Security Specialist with operational experience in Latin America and Haiti. Operating as a Protective Security Agent and Security Detail Team Leader in areas that are often consider to be some of the most violent places in the Western Hemisphere has allowed Mr. D. opportunities to appreciate the simple effectiveness of Krav Maga.

In addition to teaching advanced Krav Maga, in 2005 Mr. D. received his advanced instructor certification from Mr. Nicholas Hughes, founder of Fight Survival Training (F.I.S.T. ). As an advanced Krav Maga and F.I.S.T. instructor Mr. D. has passed his knowledge of Self Protection and Defensive Tactics on to countless civilians as well as Law Enforcement and Military personnel. Mr. D. has instructed the Delaware State Police, Troopers of the Pennsylvania State Police, Indiana Emergency Response Teams, local Law Enforcement, Private Security Agents and U.S. Army Rangers stationed at Fort Indiantown Gap on specialized techniques and tactics such as Edged Weapon Defenses, Impact Weapons, Multiple Attackers, Ground Fighting, Gun Defenses and Close Quarter Combatives.

Jim Haag
(Instructor)

Jim is a former college wrestler with training in various martial arts. He holds a second degree black belt in Tai Kwon Do. He trained for a black belt in Hapkido with the legendary Ji Han Jae, the founder of modern Hapkido. He is a certified instructor in Premier Martial Arts, and has been teaching in the Premier system for 3 years, and other systems for 3 plus years. Jim is currently the manager and lead instructor in our Toughkenamon (Kennett Square) location, for both Premier Martial Arts and Krav Maga.

Joe Condello
(Judo Instructor)

Joe Condello is a 5th degree Black Belt and World Class Judo Instructor and Champion. He started Judo at age 15 and trained for 10 years under 9th degree All Japan Champion Takahiko Ishikawa. He was a national competitor and competed at many major tournaments around the country. Joe has trained with many of the worl level judoka of the time. He also is a tournament director for the annual Liberty Bell Classic, held in Philadelphia, PA.

Jason Mark
(Instructor)

A class with instructor Jason Mark is like no other. His experience as a law enforcement officer and medic contributes to his warrior attitude and teaching style!

Jason first came to Krav Maga PA & Premier Martial Arts after he read about it in a magazine. He was looking for a realistic defensive system that would be useful to him as a police officer. "After the first class I could tell that this was the best thing going for police officers or anyone else needing to defend against a violent attack."

Jason began his Krav Maga instructor training with the Force Training Division. He specializes in training for emergency services personnel and has been working in the field for 17 years, in both Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services. He is a member of his department's Special Response Team. Jason is both a Pennsylvania certified and nationally registered paramedic and has worked for hospital-based services as well as air ambulance services. Jason is also licensed to teach Krav Maga to civilians.

Chase Trinh
(Kickboxing
SanShou Instructor)

2006 USKBA World San Shou/San Da Middle Weight Champion

2005 USKBA Nat�L San Shou/San Da - 3rd place � Middle Weight

1996 US Wushu-Kungfu Federation National Ranking
1st � Other Traditional Forms
2nd - Traditional Northern Forms
3rd � Open Weapons Forms

1996 US Kuoshu Federation National Ranking
1st� 2 Man empty hand set

Patrick Watt
(Instructor)

Bio to come

Candice Gongora
(Thai Boxing Instructor)

Bio to come

Chris Lindquist
(Kettlebell Instructor)

Dr. Christopher Lindquist has been studying the art of fitness for over 20 years. At Colgate University, he became an Academic All-American in Football and a Patriot League Scholar Athlete in Track and Field. He is a proud member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and has a strong passion for Physical Fitness Training, Snowboarding, and Mixed Martial Arts. In 1997, he earned his veterinary medical degree and has been running his own veterinary hospital since 2004. Chris’s knowledge of anatomy and physiology, combined with his experience in the field of physical fitness, has allowed him to develop extensive insight into the key elements of physical performance.

In 2006, Chris began training in Krav Maga with Ernie Kirk at Premier Martial Arts. During this time, he was introduced to the traditional Russian weight known as a kettlebell. He quickly realized that no other single training tool could rival the kettlebell’s ability to simultaneously develop muscular strength and power, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Furthermore, he instantly recognized the value of the kettlebell with respect to its application to training in Krav Maga and Mixed Martial Arts. After attending The Art of Strength Essential Kettlebell Clinic with Anthony DiLuglio in April, 2008, at the original Punch Gym in Providence, Rhode Island, Chris became a Russian Kettlebell Certified Instructor under Pavel Tsatsouline.. He has also trained with multiple RKC Masters, Seniors, and Team Leaders around the United States. Chris has dedicated himself to mastering the ancient art of kettlebell training and is now incredibly excited to share his knowledge and experience with others. He leads his kettlebell training classes at Premier Martial Arts in Glen Mills from noon to 1 pm, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Chris has a true passion for physical training and is always willing to schedule private training sessions if desired. For more information, contact him today at training www.centeredstrength.com.

The combination of kettlebells, circuit training, Krav Maga, and proper nutrition has allowed Chris to lose almost 30 pounds. In addition, the functional movement screen, associated corrective strategies and Z-Health techniques have helped him to heal multiple ailments including chronic back pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tendonitis

Most importantly, kettlebell training has also taught Chris the power of the present moment. With the cessation of thought that often occurs during training, he has found an inner spaciousness that has transformed his life. He has found lasting inner peace and greater fulfillment in life through his Training for Being. Visit his blog at www.centeredstrength.com/blog, as he explores this aspect of his training more deeply.

Jerry Berkowitz
Curt Norcini
Phil Laplante
Dave Kabula
(Krav Maga - Instructors)

Bios to come

Don Shuler
(Krav Maga - Instructor

Started training in Karate at 19. Received his black belt at 21. Has spent time training in Tae Kwon Do and Kenpo. Started training in Krav Maga 2 years ago and was hooked from day one. I would like to continue to train and receive my black belt in Krav.

Melissa Escaro
(Program Director)

Melissa Escaro is a graduate of the University of Delaware, where she received her Bachelors degree in Psychology. She continued her studies at Widener University where she received her Masters in Clinical Social Work, and shortly afterwards became a Licensed Social Worker. During these years, Melissa worked at several agencies including The Renfrew Center (a residential facility for women with eating disorders), Brandywine High School Wellness Center, Child INC., and Holcomb Behavioral Health. Her experiences at these agencies have allowed her to work with a variety of different individuals.

Melissa is a former contestant for the Miss Delaware Scholarship Pageant. During her involvement in this program, she promoted her platform: Eating Disorder Awareness and Education and volunteered numerous hours of her time educating the public about eating disorders and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Melissa was the former Program Director and Manager of Krav Maga PA in Philadelphia. She received her Fitness Certification in 2002 and currently teaches fitness classes at the Glen Mills location. She has been training in Krav Maga and Premier Martial Arts and has her basic instructor certification in Premier Martial Arts. Melissa received her certification through YogaFit in 2006 and currently teaches yoga classes at Glen Mills, PA. She is also a certified Life Coach. Melissa takes great pride in her position as Program Director aims to create a great experience for all new students.