SENSEI
Those who made the road before
Marilyn Fierro
Isshinryu lineage: Tatsuo Shimabukuro → Don Nagle → Ed McGrath → Nick Adler → Marilyn Fierro
Marilyn Fierro has trained with Hanchi Nick Adler, 9th Degree Black Belt, since 1974 and began teaching in 1976 opening the Smithtown dojo in 1978.
Sensei Fierro teaches and lectures at local schools, health clubs, camps and for various organizations. She is a writer. Over the years her articles have been published in Black Belt, Official Karate, Action MA, MA Weapons, Samurai, and Isshinryu magazine amongst others. Through her studies with Master Adler she is well versed in both Isshinryu Karate and Kobudo (Weapons). She is also a member of AAU, USA Karate, OIKKA, IWKA. She holds the rank of Black Belt in Kobudo with IKKF and the OKKF. She is a diligent student as well as instructor and attends many seminars cross training to enhance her own art.
Her innovative approach to Women's "Attack Prevention" has brought much local publicity. She and her demonstration team starred on the Lois Wright show in Easthampton earning an award as an educational film. She is the Producer of the TV show "Taking Charge". These shows are available for sale.
Marilyn Fierro inducted into the World head of family Sokeship Hall of Fame as Master Instructor in September 1996. In April 1997 she was the second woman ever to be inducted into the NY Jewish sports Hall of Fame and the first Karate-Ka inducted into Don Nagle's Hall of Fame September 1997. On July 31, 1998 Sensei Fierro was the first woman to be Inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame. May 1, 1999 Sensei Fierro was inducted into the OIKKA Hall of Fame (Master George Iberl & Master Angi Uezu).
In September 2002 Sensei Fierro became an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University where she taught an innovative program called "Personal Development Through The Martial Arts". She also taught at Long Island University Karate Instructor program as Adjunct Professor.
Today Marilyn Fierro is the Chief Instructor at Smithtown Karate Academy and is a eight degree black belt with Masters Nick Adler and Angi Uezu.