Master Tom Bryan's Karate
Shihan Tom Bryan
Shihan Tom Bryan is a ninth-degree black belt with over 50 years of experience in the martial arts. He is an active law enforcement executive and has proudly served with the Edison Police Department for more than 43 years, including nearly two decades as Chief of Police.
Shihan Bryan is the founder of the White Tiger Kempo Martial Arts System and has dedicated his life to the study, teaching, and advancement of martial arts. Over the course of his career, he has earned advanced black belt rankings in Bushido Kempo, American Kenpo, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Jujutsu, Russian Sambo, and Bruce Lee's Authentic original Jeet Kune Do.
In Addition to his martial arts accomplishments, Shihan Bryan performed professionally as a motorcycle stunt jumper for six years. During that time, he developed a friendship with legendary daredevil Evel Knievel, and both were featured together on the 2004 Daredevils program on the History Channel.
Throughout his martial arts career, Shihan Bryan successfully owned and operated five martial arts studios throughout Central New Jersey. Thousands of students have trained through the White Tiger Martial Arts System, with many going on to become highly successful both personally and professionally. Numerous former students have opened and continue to operate successful martial arts schools of their own, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals.
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Shihan Bryan strongly believes that martial arts training builds far more than physical skill. He teaches that discipline, confidence, leadership, goal setting, respect, and perseverance are the foundations for success in every area of life. He often states that he is "living proof that anything you set your mind to, you can achieve," a philosophy he continues to instill in students of all ages.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication and contributions to the martial arts community, Shihan Bryan was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year alongside martial arts legends Chuck Norris and Jeff Speakman in 1993. He was also inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame as Grandmaster of the Year alongside renowned UFC referee Dan Miragliotta.
Today, Shihan Tom Bryan continues to inspire youth, teens, and adults through martial arts instruction, leadership, and his unwavering commitment to helping others achieve excellence both on and off the mat.
White Tiger Kempo Instructors
Senior Instructor Paul Dunn
Instructor Dunn was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame and honored as Self-Defense Instructor of the Year. These achievements reflect his commitment to excellence, leadership, and the positive impact he has made on his students and the martial arts community.
As a Master Instructor, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping students of all ages and skill levels reach their full potential. His teaching philosophy emphasizes not only technical excellence and physical conditioning but also the development of confidence, discipline, leadership, and character. He believes that martial arts training should empower individuals both physically and mentally while providing valuable life skills that extend beyond the training floor.
Having trained consistently since 1992, Master Instructor Dunn continues to uphold the traditions and values instilled in him by Shihan Tom Bryan while inspiring the next generation of martial artists to pursue excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning. His dedication to preserving the true spirit of martial arts has made him a respected instructor, mentor, and role model for students seeking to improve themselves both on and off the mat.
Master Maybelle Narciso
Master Maybelle Narciso began training in White Tiger Kempo under Shihan Tom Bryan in 1995 at the age of 12. Over the years, she earned her Black Belt and advanced through the ranks to become the first female Master in White Tiger Kempo, a distinction to the art and its principles.
Throughout her competitive career, Master Narciso established herself as a highly accomplished tournament competitor. She earned more than 350 tournament placements, achieved Grand Champion titles in forms, weapons, and point sparring, and qualified twice for Team USA. Her success across multiple divisions earned her a reputation for technical excellence, versatility, and sportsmanship.
Despite her accomplishments in competition, martial arts provided Master Narciso with something even more valuable. As a shy first-generation Filipino American child, she often avoided attention and was too nervous to raise her hand in class. Through martial arts - and later through teaching - she developed the confidence, leadership, and communication skills that would shape both her personal and professional life.
Those same skills eventually led to a successful leadership career in the global hospitality technology industry, where she regularly leads training programs, mentors teams, and presents to audiences around the world. The ability to break complex concepts into achievable goals, connect with diverse audiences, and help others grow remains central to both her professional work and her approach to teaching martial arts.
Today, Master Narciso is passionate about teaching students of all ages and sharing her love of martial arts and self-defense. She believes martial arts is about far more than physical techniques - it is a vehicle for building confidence, character, perseverance, and respect. She is honored to teach alongside Shihan Tom Bryan and help the next generation of students discover the same confidence, discipline, and lifelong lessons that martial arts gave her.
Sensei Clemente Salanic
Sensei Clemente Salanic is a dedicated martial artist, instructor, and role model with a lifelong passion for Kempo Karate. His martial arts journey began at the age of 13 in Guatemala, where he earned his first Black Belt in Kempo Karate through years of hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
After moving to the United States, Sensei Salanic continued his training under the guidance of Shihan Tom Bryan, with whom he has trained for over 15 years. Throughout that time, he has refined his skills, deepened his understanding of the martial arts, and developed a strong commitment to helping students achieve their goals both on and off the mat.
With more than 12 years of teaching experience, Sensei Salanic is known for his patience, leadership, and ability to connect with students of all ages. He takes great pride in helping children, teens, and adults build confidence, discipline, respect, and self-defense skills while fostering a positive and encouraging training environment.
Outside the dojo, Sensei Salanic is a devoted family man and proud father of four children. As his oldest daughter prepares to turn 18, he continues to balance family life with his dedication to martial arts instruction and personal growth.
Today, Sensei Salanic is preparing to take the next step in his martial arts journey as he looks forward to testing for his 4th Degree Black Belt and Master level rank. His commitment to continuous improvement and his passion for teaching make him an invaluable member of the Master Tom Bryan's Karate team and an inspiration to students throughout the school.
"Martial arts is not just about learning techniques - it's about building character, confidence, and the discipline to succeed in every aspect of life." Sensei Clemente Salanic
Visiting Instructor
Howard Askelson
Howard Askelson is a life-long student of the martial arts with a passion for Shotokan Karate & Kickboxing. He spent most of his life studying with the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Beginning in 1982, Howard Askelson practiced karate for four decades under renowned Master Katsuya Kisaka, a JKA Kenshusei Instructor and 1965 All Japan Kumite Champion, with direct lineage to Masatoshi Nakayama and Gichin Funakoshi. During the final years studying under Master Kisaka, Howard was adopted as an apprentice and received years of private instruction focusing on in-depth advanced karate and Japanese philosophy.
After thirty-four years in uniform, Howard retired in 2023 with a goal to dedicate himself to the Japanese doctrine of Keiko 稽古, which is to practice today with a reflection on the past. He focuses on training, learning, and teaching.
Howard Askelson spent 29 years working as a police officer in Edison Township, retiring as Deputy Chief of Police. Throughout his career, Howard's martial arts training was an essential element of his success, providing him with physical and mental discipline that bolstered his abilities as a Patrol Officer, SWAT Operator, Sniper, Leader, Commander, and Deputy Chief.
After three decades working at the Edison Police Department with Shihan Tom Bryan in a law enforcement capacity, he is now excited to support the new MASTER TOM BRYAN'S KARATE SCHOOL in Hamilton, NJ.
Expect to see Howard helping out with the school's website, multi-media, and social media. You also might catch him participating in one of the classes or as a visiting instructor where he will share insight into his Shotokan and Kickboxing skills.