Master Marilyn Fierro is a close friend of mine, from the moment that I realized that she does not play the political game with the Martial Arts. That is true to the heritage of Grand Master Don Nagle. She has run her own dojo for decades, not a dojo primarily for women, but for everyone who wanted to learn the art of Isshin-ryu. Oddly, I came across two of her male students at a seminar on Fighting Principles that I was teaching in Dallas, Texas. Both displayed an acute ability in both kata and Ju-Kumite and one of the young men would have been a challenge to any Championship he entered. I was truly impressed and realized that this young woman was not running a dojo on kata alone, but instilled a fighting spirit and competence in Ju-Kumite. She has won a basketful of awards and honors and has her own TV show on the martial arts. One of her other talents is the ability to interview talented Sensei's in the Martial Arts, with questions of depth and probes the Sensei's true feelings. Yet, she is able to get her guests to remain comfortable. Perhaps she hasn't gotten all of the honors that she deserves, despite the list of awards you will see in her bio. She is interesting, versatile and quite bright, an altogether excellent talent.

Ed McGrath, Ju-Dan
Grand Master, Isshin-ryu "The Art"

        KYOSHI MARILYN FIERRO IS THE CHIEF INSTRUCTOR at SMITHTOWN KARATE ACADEMY. She is a Eighth Degree Black Belt with Master Nick Adler and Master Angi Uezu in Okinawa. She has trained with Hanshi Nick Adler, 9th Degree Black Belt, since 1974 and began teaching in1976 opening the Smithtown dojo in 1978.

        Sensei Fierro teaches and lectures at local schools, health clubs, camps and for various organizations. She is a writer.  Over the years her articles have been published in Black Belt, Official Karate, Action MA, MA Weapons, Samurai,  and Isshin-ryu magazine amongst others Through her studies with Master Adler she is well versed in both Isshin-ryu Karate and Kobudo (Weapons). She is also a member of AAU, USA Karate, OIKKA, IWKA. She holds the rank of Black Belt in Kobudo with IKKF and the OKKF. She is a diligent student as well as instructor and attends many seminars cross training to enhance her own art.

        In August 1992 Sensei Fierro attended the Junior World Maccabbi games as coach for the Suffolk delegation. Organizing the event on Long Island in 1995. She is an Internationally licensed Instructor, certified coach and a sought after Referee for tournaments.

        Her innovative approach to Women's "Attack Prevention" (see related site - Attack Prevention ) has brought much local publicity. She and her demonstration team starred on the Lois Wright show in Easthampton earning an award as an educational film. Her recent accomplishments include a 6 show Attack Prevention series on "IN YOUR INTEREST" with Dave Porello of Channel 67 (Cable 24) Smithtown, Starred with Pam Greene on "Women in the 90’s", was featured on News Cable 12, has Co-produced an instructional video with B.O.C.E.S intended for use in Long Island schools, and is the Producer of the TV show "Taking Charge" which airs Thursdays on Cable 20 at 930 PM. Shows are available for sale.  She was inducted into the World head of family Sokeship Hall of Fame as Master Instructor in September 1996. In April 1997 she was the second woman ever to be inducted into the NY Jewish sports Hall of Fame and the first Karate-Ka. Inducted into Don Nagle’s Hall of Fame September 1997. On July 31, 1998 Sensei Fierro was the first woman to be Inducted into the Isshin-ryu Hall of Fame. May 1, 1999 Sensei Fierro was inducted into the OIKKA Hall of Fame (Master George Iberl & Master Angi Uezu) 

        In September 2002 Sensei Fierro became an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University where she taught an innovative program called "Personal Development Through The Martial Arts".  She also taught at Long Island University Karate Instructor program as Adjunct Professor.