Our instructors

Renshi Rob Pushard

Founder & head instructor · 5th degree black belt

As founder of Pushard’s Okinawan Karate, along with his father, Richard Pushard Sr., Renshi Pushard has over 30 years of experience in the art of Isshinryu Karate.

He is a 5th degree black belt and passes his extraordinary dedication on to his instructors and students alike. As a full-time professional martial arts teacher and school owner, he knows the importance of continued training and growth. Renshi studies directly with Kyoshi John Hughes of New Jersey. He is also a certified Defensive Tactics instructor for CATC in Augusta, Maine.

Sensei Rebecca Pushard

Co-owner · Tiny Tigers and Little Dragons head instructor · 1st degree black belt

As the Tiny Tigers and Little Dragons head instructor, Sensei Pushard introduces our younger generation to the fun and excitement of martial arts training. In addition to being co-owner of Pushard’s Okinawan Karate, she is a 1st degree black belt, a Certified Level 1 CDT, a 2003 I.W.K.A. kata and kumite women’s world champion, and has been a fitness kickboxing instructor for almost eleven years.

Sensei Robert Henderson

Senior instructor · grappling coach

Sensei Bob began his martial arts career over sixteen years ago when he trained with Renshi Pushard at his dojo in Chelsea, Maine. He is the senior instructor at Pushard’s Okinawan Karate and has recently started up our grappling classes. Sensei Bob brings his awesome enthusiasm, as well as martial arts expertise, to all of our students.

Sensei Paul Thompson

Instructor · 1st degree black belt

Sensei Paul is a 1st degree black belt and is the youngest member of our instructors’ team. His eagerness to learn has been the key to helping him develop into a very well-respected instructor, working with all students, Phase 1 through Teens.

Senpai Dai Farruh Nunuzov

Lead instructor, Extreme Karate Training

Senpai Dai Farruh’s introduction to martial arts began early in his childhood, learning wushu and yoga. His real martial arts training started at age 17. For several years he practised a number of different styles, such as taekwondo, kung fu and ninjitsu. In 2004 he was introduced to Isshinryu Karate by Renshi Rob Pushard, and he is now the lead instructor for our Extreme Karate Training programme.