Mikel LaChapelle

Martial arts have been a very important part of the journey of my life and it has influenced the development of my character. My formal martial arts training began at age twelve. I began with the study of Goju-ryu karate in Londonderry, NH and I was then able to switch to Uechi-ryu and Shorin-ryu Karate in Concord, NH. I continued studying Okinawan Karate until my graduation from high school. These first six years of my training infused me with not only technique but also traditions, history, and the philosophy of East Asian martial culture and arts.
While attending Wheaton College and continuing the study of Okinawan Karate in Massachusetts, I trained in the Japanese art of Shotokan Karate and the art of Korean Tae Kwon Do. I was able to establish an unofficial martial arts club that consisted of 12-15 members who routinely got together to exchange techniques and bumps and bruises. My focus of study at college was on political science and Japanese studies. While working my way through school I was able to work as a “doorman” or “bouncer” at several clubs in Boston, which provided me with real life conflict resolution experience. 

While living in Boston between 1993- 1995 I continued to work as a “doorman” on the weekends in Cambridge and I began my brief studies of Jeet Kune Do and Ninpo. These arts opened my eyes to new techniques and philosophies as well as fighting principles.

In 1995 I moved to South Korea to teach English as a Second Language. While living and working in Korea I immediately began studying the arts of Kuk Sool Won and Hapkido as well as Yudo (Korean Judo) in the city of Pusan and Yangsan. At that time I was the only foreigner studying the art of Yudo in Pusan, which had over 50 dojangs (schools). Needless to say this situation gave me an opportunity to test my martial skills.

I returned to America and New Hampshire near the end of 1998. I joined the local Judo club and became an assistant instructor. My focus went from self-defense to competition and training youth in the finer points of sport Judo. I began my studies of Brazilian and Japanese Jiujitsu at this time with various instructors. For the next few years I competed successfully in various grappling and Judo events.

In 1999 I began my studies of the Indonesian martial of Kuntao Silat Dethouar and the Filipino art Dekiti Tirsa Seradis.  A few years later I studied Pekiti Tirsia and S.E.A.F.A on a limited basis.  All four South East Asian martial arts have influenced my self-defense techniques and combative principles and strategies.

In 2006 I began my training in Commando Krav Maga with founder Moni Aizik and I continue to study and expand upon my reality based self-defense training.I am now continuing my studies of Krav Maga with Moshe Katz who currently leaves and teaches in Israel.

I am a Life Member of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) and the United States Combat Sambo Association and I am a Life-Time Fellow of USA Traditional Kodokan Judo (USA-TKJ)

I currently teach jujitsu and judo and Commando Krav Maga in our school in Penacook, New Hampshire at the Penacook School of Karate. I am a certified special education teacher and school administrator and have taught and worked in both public and private schools for the last eleven years. I am currently a principal at a local elementary school and I am a strong advocate for education.