Sensei Thorne is the Chief Instructor and Director of the Cranston Studios of Self Defense (specializing in Kensho-Ryu Kenpo Jiujitsu Karate Kobudo).

Sensei Thorne started Boxing at the age of 13 at the O’Rourke Gym, in Providence, R.I. (1974-1977). An affinity for Boxing continued into his tour of duty as a Fleet Marine Force, Field Corpsman (1978-1986). In fact, Sensei Thorne, would Box in both welterweight and middleweight divisions, and in 1980 won the Fleet Middleweight Championship 34 MAU/MSSG FMFLANT.

In 1982, while stationed at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, Sensei Thorne, was introduced to Grand Master Bo Kong Young, and began the study of Tae Kwon Do. He went on to compete in Black Belt division fighting with great success regionally, ultimately winning the World Tae Kwon Do Federation National Championship on March 22, 1986, in Pittsburgh, P.A.

In 1987, after his final extension of duty serving with the Marine Corps Airborne in 2nd ANGLICO/ 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd FSSG, Sensei Thorne, entered State service as a Correction Officer (1987-1994).  And, in 1991, as a means of supplementing his operational training as a member of the State of Rhode Island Department of Correction’s Tactical Team, Sensei Thorne, enrolled in Nick Cerio’s Kenpo Jiujitsu Karate of Cumberland, under the instruction of Shihan M.Sheeley.

Sensei Thorne, is an Alumnae of CCRI and Rhode Island College, and has served the Commonwealth of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations as a Registered Nurse and EMT since 1996.

A great believer in community, Sensei Thorne, has established mentor and anti bully outreach programs, and has worked with the Girl Scouts of America, Cranston Daycare Services, DCYF, Cranston School Department, and PTO in an ongoing effort to prepare youth and families for the realities of self defense with an eye on personal empowerment and integrity.

·         2004: established the Togekaido Association

·         2006: inducted into the World Martial Arts Federation

·         2007: inducted as the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Man of the Year

·         2008: inducted as the WMAF  World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame,

                   Self Defense Instructor of the Year

Sensei Thorne continues perfecting his knowledge and skill as a student and instructor with Kyoshi M.Sheeley (founder of Kensho-Ryu) and is dedicated to the standard of excellence to be passed along to the next generation of Martial Artists.