Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021 Local martial artist honored for dedication to Kenpo S By Christopher Roberson ensei Bill Powers, owner of Nick Cerio’s Kenpo, was recently recognized by State Representative Joseph McGonagle and Mayor Carlo DeMaria for teaching martial arts in the city for the past 32 years. A fi fth degree black belt, Powers began his own Kenpo training 43 years ago. Growing up, his home life was not easy. After his father suff ered a stroke, Powers frequently missed school to be with his father in the hospital. As a result, his academic performance began to suff er and his life was headed in a very negative direction. “All I wanted to do was fi ght,” he said. Then, at the age of 25, Powers stopped the downward spiral and began training in Kenpo at the United Studios of Self Defense. “It calmed me down a lot,” he said. “It helped me get my head on straight.” After earning his brown belt in Kenpo, Powers dabbled in Shotokan Karate and Taekwondo; however, he quickly learned that neither art was for him. “For me, it was too rigid,” Powers said of the two other arts. “I wanted to learn self-defense. The Kenpo system worked great for what I wanted.” While at United Studios, Powers met Professor Nick Cerio. In addition to being a tenth degree black belt and the founder of the system, Cerio was the technical advisor of the dojo (school). Powers trained under Cerio for six years before opening his current dojo on Broadway. “Now all I want to do is teach,” he said. “I enjoy teaching; I like to see people progress.” Powers currently teaches approximately 50 children, although he has off ered adult classes in prior years. Despite his advanced black belt rank, Powers has continued his martial arts journey, always striving to learn more about Kenpo. He routinely trains in Malden under Shihan Joe Nestor, a tenth degree black belt. Sensei Bill Powers, owner of Nick Cerio’s Kenpo, was recognized on August 24 by State Representative Joseph McGonagle (right) and Mayor Carlo DeMaria. A fi fth degree black belt, Powers has been teaching Kenpo in Everett for more than three decades. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson) Yet, challenges still remain, particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Powers to close his dojo for two-and-ahalf months last year. He underscored the fact that the pandemic has had a terrible eff ect on children, adding that parents frequently walk through his doors with children who continually misbehave. Although Kenpo is benefi cial for any child, Powers emphasized that contrary to what parents may believe; improvement does not happen overnight. “They come to me and expect me to perform these miracles,” he said with a laugh. “The martial arts is a crazy business.” ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.919 Mid Unleaded $2.959 Super $3.119 Diesel Fuel $3.079 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.65 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $2.859 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Prices subject to change Have a Happy & Safe Summer! FLEET
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