USAMA Lead Instructors

Master Ed Harding, 4th Dan Black Belt
Master Edward (Ed) Harding is the lead instructor at USAMA holding a fourth degree black belt in Okinawan Shorei-Ryu, which he began studying in 1995 under Renshi Eric Cranston. Under the instruction of Renshi, Master Ed won the 1998 state championship. He took over the USAMA dojo at Iron Rail Gymnastics Academy in 2001. Sensei has been teaching people of all ages and ability levels, as well as offering private lessons focusing on children with cerebral palsy.
Master Ed is a diversified martial artist who has been practicing for 32 years. He also studied Byrnes Tang soo do, which is located in Malden Massachusetts, where he earned a rank of red belt. Ed also studied Kendo for 5 years where he earned the rank of 3rd kyu brown belt, Shudokan for 3 years where he earned a purple belt, while also training in Shintoyoshin Jiu Jitsu.
Furthering his desire to assist people through functional movement, Ed attended North Shore Community College in Danvers, graduating with an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Ed was president of the class, graduating with high honors. He completed clinical rotations in pediatrics at the North Shore Education Consortium in Beverly, in geriatrics at the former Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center in Cambridge, and in outpatient rehabilitation at Cummings Physical Therapy in Revere. Ed also has extensive experience working in various skilled nursing facilities and geriatric environments throughout the North Shore. Ed now is the CEO and Co-owner of HD Physical Therapy located in Wakefield Massachusetts.
Master Edward (Ed) Harding is the lead instructor at USAMA holding a fourth degree black belt in Okinawan Shorei-Ryu, which he began studying in 1995 under Renshi Eric Cranston. Under the instruction of Renshi, Master Ed won the 1998 state championship. He took over the USAMA dojo at Iron Rail Gymnastics Academy in 2001. Sensei has been teaching people of all ages and ability levels, as well as offering private lessons focusing on children with cerebral palsy.
Master Ed is a diversified martial artist who has been practicing for 32 years. He also studied Byrnes Tang soo do, which is located in Malden Massachusetts, where he earned a rank of red belt. Ed also studied Kendo for 5 years where he earned the rank of 3rd kyu brown belt, Shudokan for 3 years where he earned a purple belt, while also training in Shintoyoshin Jiu Jitsu.
Furthering his desire to assist people through functional movement, Ed attended North Shore Community College in Danvers, graduating with an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Ed was president of the class, graduating with high honors. He completed clinical rotations in pediatrics at the North Shore Education Consortium in Beverly, in geriatrics at the former Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center in Cambridge, and in outpatient rehabilitation at Cummings Physical Therapy in Revere. Ed also has extensive experience working in various skilled nursing facilities and geriatric environments throughout the North Shore. Ed now is the CEO and Co-owner of HD Physical Therapy located in Wakefield Massachusetts.

Sensei Deena Bridger, Shodan
Sensei Deena is the chief instructor of the children's class here at USAMA. She has been practicing Shorei-Ryu for over twenty years. She has trained with the best of the best! She started her training under Renshi Cranston and has trained with all subsequent instructors of the USAMA dojo. Sensei Deena is the first female Shodan to come out of the USAMA dojo. Deena is the utmost example of what a Shorei-Ryu Hon-Shin-Do karateka should be; both in her character and dedication. Deena is the mother of two daughters, both of whom hold rank at the USAMA dojo as well.
Deena's tenure at the USAMA is unrivaled. She has worked with children of all ages and backgrounds, molding them not only into great martial artist but into responsible, kind, and disciplined beings. Deena continues to inspire and touch the lives of her students, and fellow karateka, with her unwavering humbleness and big heart.
Deena lives a stone's throw from the dojo (which many of the instructors envy). She is a licensed Optician and medical professional. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, watching football, dining and dancing.
Sensei Deena is the chief instructor of the children's class here at USAMA. She has been practicing Shorei-Ryu for over twenty years. She has trained with the best of the best! She started her training under Renshi Cranston and has trained with all subsequent instructors of the USAMA dojo. Sensei Deena is the first female Shodan to come out of the USAMA dojo. Deena is the utmost example of what a Shorei-Ryu Hon-Shin-Do karateka should be; both in her character and dedication. Deena is the mother of two daughters, both of whom hold rank at the USAMA dojo as well.
Deena's tenure at the USAMA is unrivaled. She has worked with children of all ages and backgrounds, molding them not only into great martial artist but into responsible, kind, and disciplined beings. Deena continues to inspire and touch the lives of her students, and fellow karateka, with her unwavering humbleness and big heart.
Deena lives a stone's throw from the dojo (which many of the instructors envy). She is a licensed Optician and medical professional. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, watching football, dining and dancing.
USAMA Assistant Instructors
Sempai Jennifer Tambling, 3rd Kyu Brown Belt
Sempai Jenn has been teaching for over a decade at USAMA. She ran the Salem, NH dojo under Sensei Ed for many years while assisting Sensei Deena at the Wenham location. Jenn recently reached the rank of 3rd kyu brown belt, ushering in a whole new level of training. Jenn has also studied under all of the past masters at USAMA. Jenn is a fantastic role model as she is both strong in physical endurance and character. As Sensei Ed's younger sister, she's used to being tossed around and is all the stronger for it. She is a fast learner and her kiai will stun the room! Her intensity has won her numerous tournament titles. Jenn is also a ninja in the kitchen as she is a chef by trade. Jenn lives in Nashua, NH, enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her family. |