Ask about our signature FOREVER 49 ADULT FITNESS program

Louis DiBiccari founder, owner and operator, of Beyond Self Defense, has trained and studied martial arts for over 48 years.  He began at age 19 and has continued his study of the martial arts since that time.  Beyond Self Defense is the longest running martial arts school in Wakefield. It has been in its current location since 1989.

Dibiccari Sensei considers himself a lifelong student and has studied under Sensei Patrick McCarthy, and Sensei Richard Kim; both who have been named Living Martial Arts Treasures. Our dojo (school) is now affiliated with Sensei McCarthy of the Koryu Uchinadi style of karate.

On September 8th 2010, DiBiccari Sensei was recognized and awarded the rank of Shian 8th degree black belt from Patrick McCarthy of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society. That title means that he is a master instructor. He has worked with all age groups from 3 to 93. Suffice to say he is a very versatile instructor. His desire to learn and grow has brought him down the corridors of karate, judo jujitsu, tai chi, chi-gong, weapons of Japan, and American boxing.

Sensei’s patience and persistent instruction simultaneously offer appropriate challenges and provide sufficient support for success. He combines lecture and demonstration into each lesson so that each student understands and feels a part of the rich historic, culture and philosophical traditions of the martial arts.   .

Sensei emphasizes self discipline, self control, and personal responsibility in his instruction. Clear messages about fitness and health help students stay away from drugs and other self destructive behaviors. There is a reason why drugs are called DOPE. Students, who get into fights, fall behind in their training and or school work, are not welcome to train at this dojo. The future of our country is in our school yards.  

DiBiccari Sensei is extremely sensitive to individual needs. He possesses natural gifts which allow him to forge close relationships with students while maintaining that critical distance necessary to make sound judgments and clear observations about young people.  

COMMUNITY SERVICE
  FREE classes for 4 year – old children twice a week for four years.
FREE classes for adults every Sunday for four years
ON APRIL 2, 2003 the Greater Lynn Mental Health & Retardation Association selected him as an outstanding citizen of the year;
Sensei gave his time working with small groups once a week for 12 years.

Testimonials

"We have been attending Karate classes with Sensei Louie for about 5 years. As an instructor, Sensei Louie is very passionate about what he does, and his enthusiasm inspires the students. He has a great sense of humor and incredible talent and knowledge of Karate and basic self-defense skills. In the classes our boys have attended over the years, we see how well Sensei acknowledges and relates to the daily issues kids are going through at various stages of life - he has a good sense of what their fears/apprehensions may be, and he encourages them to talk about these issues with friends and adults for support - reminding them it's OK to ask for help when needed.

Sensei Louie teaches students traditional Karate and basic self-defense skills and philosophies - i.e., not to provoke, or prolong a disagreement or fight with another - equipping students with appropriate defense responses to avoid threatening situations as much as possible - with these techniques, the students learn to discourage the potential offender/attacker/bully from moving forward with verbal comments/physical contact. If the child is unable to avoid further confrontation, Sensei teaches the students Karate and basic self-defense moves through repetitive drill sessions, so they are able to deter the attack and get away from the situation as quickly as possible. These drills are run in structured, energetic sessions, and the learned skills become "automatic" responses/reactions that the students retain in real-life situations.

The level of confidence gained from skills and philosophies, in both Karate and Street Smarts (self-defense) classes with Sensei Louie, is so instrumental with how our boys respond to difficult situations every day. They are more secure with their awareness, and knowledge of responsible options to handle difficult situations."


Thanks so much for all the great lessons for the boys, Sensei - They have learned so much from you, and will carry it with them as they grow older!

Lee Anne Webb.

Testimonial   I met Sensei Lou in 2007 as a result of a business contact. He accurately perceived that I was in some physical constraint and discomfort. For ten years previous I had suffered from the after effects of a back injury and had been unable to find a means to heal it. There was no resolution even with a great deal of medical intervention. MD’s seemed to try everything from X-rays to various medications and physical therapy. Many of these provided temporary relief but none of it actually allowed me to heal. Sensei Lou encouraged me to look into his Tai Chi and Chi Gung classes. Initially I did get some relief but then my job forced me to travel. While on travel I developed muscle spasms that led me to the emergency room and hospitalization. After an extensive work-up at the V.A. and Lahey Clinic that included orthopedic, neurology and endocrinology consults I was told that they really did not have anything more to offer me for relief. I returned to Beyond Self Defense late in 2007 in constant pain and very disabled. Between then and 2009 the knowledge and techniques I was given at Beyond Self Defense allowed me to mitigate my pain completely and has provided me with a physical therapy program that has improved my quality of life enormously to this day. All this was accomplished in the context of my complete pessimism as to any hope of real recovery after so many others telling me there simply wasn’t anything they could do for me. Also I was very skeptical of modalities that I did not understand. In spite of all that I can now honestly say that my quality of life has been enormously improved and I have the expectation of a continued full recovery. I am convinced that without Sensei Lou I would not be able to say to these things. 
                                                                                                                                                             Scott,A.

Testimonial

  Good morning Louie,         Need to let you know how much your Fitness class on Wednesday and Friday mornings has meant to me.  It has given me the incentive to get into taking care of this body.  Love the class, your interesting tips and most of all your patience. I really look forward to these two days of the week. Thank you Louie. Vivian Q.    

Testimonial
My son Chris started coming to beyond self defense at the age of six for karate. Chris learned more than karate here he was introduced to winning and losing through fun games and activities and good listening skills. I highly recommend the school for its seasoned and dedicated owner. Thank you Louie and many more prosperous years.
                                                                              Cindy Areglado fitness instructor 

Testimonial

Patty It is an honor to work out under Sensei Louie DiBicarri.  With over 49 years of experience studying under the best Masters, Sensei Louie has vast knowledge and is eager to pass this knowledge on to his students.  Despite his rank and status, he teaches all classes regardless of student rank or age. His students are diverse in age and ability, yet he is able to reach them all. His desire to continually improve and grow his knowledge is demonstrated by the fact that he achieved a yet another black belt in the well respected Koryu System just one year ago. He does not blindly adhere to one system but always seeks to find the best and most practical applications for self-defense drawing from his knowledge of Karate, Tai/Chi, Chi/gong, Jujitsu, American boxing and the weapons of Japan.   
In previous schools, I was promoted with great fanfare at tedious and costly daylong events. One of the things I admire and enjoy the most about this school is that Sensei will individually promote students he feels are ready to be promoted, not to make more money, but to confirm to the student that they are progressing.  Sensei Louie enjoys teaching and enjoys practicing martial arts, creating an enriching environment that promotes learning. I highly recommend Sensei Louie and Beyond Self Defense to anyone, of any age or ability.