At East Coast Training Systems our main style is American-Filipino Kun Tao. We are the only studio of our kind in the Middlebury/Greater Waterbury area. American-Filipino Kun Tao is a unique blend of techniques and concepts ranging from striking to throwing to ground fighting to the use of weapons. The main focus of American-Filipino Kun Tao is self defense, but we also train in aspects of competition. Our studio has produced World Champion Martial Artists, World Record Holders, and Community Leaders. Our approach to Martial Arts training is more than learning how to kick and punch. It is about building self confidence, reaching new goals, reinforcing quality character traits, and creating a family atmosphere!
MARTIAL ARTS
Grand Master Drew Serrano- President, Head Instructor- Grand Master Serrano holds an 8th degree Black Belt in American-Filipino Kun Tao and a 10th degree Black Belt in the Kar-Do-Jitsu Ryu Federation. He has been training in the martial arts for over 40 years. He is a recognized authority of Martial Arts Breaking (featured on ESPN2, Discovery Channel, David Letterman and more), is the co-founder of the United States and World Breaking Association, and a member of numerous MA organizations.
Instructor Daniele Serrano- Vice-President, Lead Instructor- Mrs. Serrano holds a 3rd degree Black Belt in American-Filipino Kun Tao and a 5th degree Black Belt in the Kar-Do-Jitsu Ryu Federation. She is a former record holder in Martial Arts Breaking and leading Self Defense competitor. She is the co-creator of Escape Alive, a World/National Official for the USBA/WBA, and "Action on Film" Award winner for "Best Breakout Female Action".
Instructor Daniel Padin- Instructor- Mr. Padin holds a 3rd degree Black Belt in American-Filipino Kun Tao (AFKT). In addition to AFKT Mr. Padin has trained in Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do. He is an experienced fighter and World Champion Breaker. He also brings his real life experience as a Correctional Officer for the State of CT adding to the effectiveness of the self defense training at ECTS.
Instructor Azaleah Majarocon- Instructor- Ms. Majarocon holds a 3rd degree Black Belt in American-Filipino Kun Tao and has been training in AFKT since 2008. She is a dedicated practitioner and committed to furthering the skills of our students. She has shared her knowledge with hundreds of women through our Escape Alive self defense program.
Instructor Tracy DiGiovancarlo- Instructor- Mrs. DiGiovancarlo holds a 2nd degree Black Belt in AFKT. She started her journey in AFKT by organizing a self defense for her and her friends with ECTS back in 2009. She has been a committed and dedicated student ever since. Among her accomplishments are multiple wins in self defense and breaking. She is also one of the lead instructors for Escape Alive, the program that started it all for her.
Instructor Jonathan Tanguay- Instructor- Mr. Tanguay holds a 1st degree Black Belt in American Filipino Kun Tao. Mr. Tanguay started in AFKT in 2009 at the former Blue Line Martial Arts Studio. He joined ECTS in 2012 and has continued training consistently ever since. As a 1st degree Black Belt he helps teach younger children and is part of the ECTS Leadership Team. Mr. Tanguay is also an Eagle Scout. Hi sister Autum is also a student and a Brown belt.
App Black Belt Siddhartha Thapa- Mr. Thapa started in AFKT in 2014 at ECTS. He has trained consistently throughout the years. As an Apprentice BB he helps teach younger children and is part of the ECTS Leadership Team. Mr. Thapa also excels academically.
Instructor Samantha Austin- Instructor- Ms. Austin holds a 1st degree Black Belt in American-Filipino Kun Tao has been training in AFKT since 2007. She is a World Champion and USBA/WBA Competitor of the Year. Her talents were featured on an episode of Nickelodeon's "Studio 10" in 2013. Outside of the studio she excels academically and is an accomplished dancer with Brass City Ballet. She currently attends Hofstra University.
App Black Belt Scott Austin- Mr. Austin started in AFKT in 2011 at the former Blue Line Martial Arts Studio. He joined ECTS in 2012 and has continued training consistently ever since. He has competed and placed well at various tournaments in the North East and FL. As an Apprentice BB he helps teach younger children and is part of the ECTS Leadership Team. Mr. Austin also runs cross country in High School.
App Black Belt Eldin Bukalo- Mr. Bukalo started in AFKT in 2009 at the former Blue Line Martial Arts Studio. He joined ECTS in 2012 and has continued training consistently ever since. As an Apprentice BB he helps teach younger children and is part of the ECTS Leadership Team. Mr. Bukalo also swims competitively.
App Black Belt Omer Jalaludin- Mr. Jalaludin started training in AFKTF in 2009 under Master Serrano. As an App Black Belt he not only continues to train toward his Black Belt, but also helps teach lower ranks at the studio. He is also an instructor for the Escape Alive program.
Apprentice Black Belt Selana Kurutan- Assistant Instructor- Ms. Kurutan has been training in AFKT since 2007. She is a leader both inside the studio and in the community. She excels academically and has won numerous awards for her work and volunteerism. She has competed since a young age in breaking, fighting, and self defense.
