Our Instructors & Staff Members

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Taekwondo and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of Branchburg Martial Arts, a TaeKwonDo Academy's instructors and other staff members, starting with Erik Barbolt:

Erik Barbolt  (2nd Degree Black Belt) Senior Certified Instructor - Black Collar Erik Barbolt, owner and Head Instructor, has been training in the martial arts since 1997. His accomplishments include non-deadly force training as a CDT Tactical Master Instructor and he also ranks as a 1st degree black belt in Haidong Gumdo under the U.S. Haidong Gumdo Association. Mr. B currently trains with Mr. Malefyt, 6th degree with the U.S. ITF (International TaeKwonDo Federation). Mr. Barbolt is known for his exciting teaching style and friendly classroom manner. Opening this academy was a long term goal for him. He was also recently inducted into the 2009 Martial Arts "Hall of Fame".

Terry Besch  (Senior 1st Degree Black Belt) Instructor - Red Collar Ms. Besch started her TaeKwonDo training one Saturday morning in 1969 on the stage of a local high school auditorium, and was hooked! She trained through college and after a move to New York City received her first Black Belt in 1978. After a 20 year break Ms. Besch returned to regular training and earned a Black Belt again in June of 2007.

Karla Dehncke  (1st Degree Black Belt) Assistant Instructor - Blue Collar Karla began training in January 2005 as a means for a good workout. While she enjoys every aspect of the training, board breaking is her favorite activity and has earned the nickname "Buzzsaw" among her training partners. She tested for her black belt on October 11th 2008.

Anthony Monaco  (Senior Red Belt) Assistant Instructor - Blue Collar Like many of us, Anthony always had an interest in the martial arts. Since his first class he has participated in two demonstrations, a tournament, Summer Camp, and has begun assisting in the beginners classes. Already showing an ability to jump we are expecting great things from him.

Vinny Monaco  (Senior Red Belt) Assistant Instructor - Blue Collar Vinny was introduced to the martial arts by attending a Karate birthday party. We were lucky enough to have him attend our program. Not only does he train well but always goes the next step to help other students and around the academy. He is kind and patient with the students and has made a great addition to our team.

Dylan Chow  (Black Belt) Haidong Gumdo Assistant Instructor Dylan's enthusiasm for this sword art is obvious. But few students know he has also earned a second degree black belt in TaeKwonDo. He splits his focus well between the two arts and is always eager for a challenge.

Connor Depalma  (Senior Red Belt) Student Leader - Red, White, and Blue Collar

For more information about the Branchburg Martial Arts, a TaeKwonDo Academy staff or training programs, please contact us at 908-707-8400 or by clicking here.