| |
| |
 |
Premier Martial Arts - Derry is headed by Instructor Chris Konelas. Chris has been involved in martial arts since 1975. He actively began pursuing his training in American Kenpo during the 1980’s and was awarded his Black Belt from Grand Master Ed Parker in 1990. In 1988 Chris was promoted to assistant instructor in Parker Kenpo under Steve White, 7th degree, and within 2 years he was fullinstructor teaching an active student body of 200 members. After graduating to 2nd degree in 1992, Chris opened the New England Academy of Martial Arts and began to study JKD Concepts under Joe Maffie. Between 1992-1994 Chris was introducedto Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Joe, who at that time was a personal student of world famous Rickson Gracie. In the early days of MMA it was through Maffie that Chris began to expand upon the training methods which would lead to a more complete martial artist/fighter. Chris met Cesar Gracie in 1994 and was accepted as a student of the famous Graciefighter™ Academy in California.
Jeet Kune Do Concepts as taught to Chris by Joe Maffie was a big part of the evolution to the present day. JKD’s weapon training is greatly influenced by Filipino Kali and was the foundation of Chris’s Kali training. In 2001 Chris began to study Kali under Tuhon Carl Atienza and continues his study to this day.
Our Premier Fight Team has the benefit of direct links to Pro MMA and UFC trainers and fighters through Chris's experience. Together with Cesar Gracie, he has developed an MMA cage fight team who continue to score win's on the local circuit. Our team captain faught on the under card of Elitexc aired live on primetime CBS network. Chris is a share holder of Combat Zone, primarily owned by David George, one of New England's original MMA events.
Chris also has experience in:
- Parker Kenpo 3rd Black Belt
- Cesar Gracie Brown Belt
- Israeli Krav Maga phase 2 Instructor training
- Associate Instructor Filipino Kali
- JKD Concepts under Joe Maffie
- American Kickboxing and boxing
Chris has taught seminars for:
- Law Enforcement
- State of Mass Dept. of Fish and Game outdoor self defense
- Women’s self-defense
- Public school talks:
Chris is the Head Coach and trainer for:
Premier Fight Team NH
| 
