Our Team
Dr. Marc Bochner, DPT

Marc Bochner has studied the martial arts for over twenty years. He is the owner and main instructor of the Bochner’s Realistic Self-Defense Training and Fitness Centers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Bochner is the author of multiple self-defense books, has been published in BlackBelt Magazine, and is the producer and instructor in Bochner’s Realistic Self-Defense DVDs. Bochner has a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island. Bochner currently works as a licensed Physical Therapist, teaches self-defense classes, instructs self-defense seminars, writes self-defense books, and most recently children books.
Bochner can be personally emailed at: [email protected].
Rank
Owner of Bochner’s Realistic Self-Defense Training and Fitness Center
Degree
Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Rhode Island 2009
Years training in BRSD:
Martial arts training for 23+ Years . Started instructing martial arts at the age of 13
One of the things you like the most about BRSD:
I love the atmosphere at my school and the interactions I have with my students and their families.
Fun Fact About Yourself/What You Enjoy:
I enjoy always improving and evolving as a person and a business owner.
Bethany Lopes

Rank
3rd Degree Blackbelt
Years training in BRSD:
12+ years
One of the things you like the most about BRSD:
I like that all the students bring different ideas to the table and help create different techniques.
Fun Fact About Yourself/What You Enjoy:
I like to read and play the piano.
William Macera

Rank
2nd Degree BlackBelt
Degree
Masters of Education – Rhode Island College
Years training in BRSD:
9 + years
One of the things you like the most about BRSD:
The camaraderie between the students and the teachers is outstanding. It helps everyone feel comfortable, thus making it easier to learn. I also like how there is a set curriculum for each belt. This allows you to master the necessary skills to learn more advanced techniques.
Fun Fact About Yourself/What You Enjoy:
Besides my love for the martial arts, I also love baseball and working out. I also enjoy teaching martial arts. To teach someone how to defend themselves is a very rewarding experience.
Dr. Alicia Sullivan

Rank
1st degree Black Belt
Degree
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Boston University 2005 – this should be black
Years training in BRSD:
4+ years
One of the things you like the most about BRSD:
One of the things I like most about BRSD is that it is a fun and friendly environment. I have learned so much over the past few years and I have had a great time doing it. The students and teachers have made my experience a postive one.
Fun Fact About Yourself/What You Enjoy:
I enjoy writing fiction in my free time. I had one of my books self-published several years ago. I also enjoy music and concers. I recently got involved with a cancer charity called the Love Hope Strength Foundation and I get to go to concerts as a volunteer to sign up possible bone marrow doners.
Terrance M. Gasbarro

Rank
Black Belt BRSD
1st Degree Black Belt Shotokan Karate, 2 years Shaolin Long Fist Kung-Fu (Instructor Candidate) Also studied Kenpo, Tae Kwon do, and Tai Chi.
Degree
A.S. Mechanical Engineering, CCRI 2002
Years training in BRSD:
4+ years
One of the things you like the most about BRSD:
The friendly, co-operative atmosphere.
Fun Fact About Yourself/What You Enjoy:
The Beatles, comic books, guitars and collecting books on Martial Arts.
Harry Rhau

Rank
Green Belt
Degree
Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science (Kinesiology), University of Rhode Island 2007-2011
Years training in BRSD:
2010 – current
One of the things you like the most about BRSD:
I really appreciate the camaraderie when you walk in. Everyone is there to work, improve and have a good time.
Fun Fact About Yourself/What You Enjoy:
Self-taught drummer (21 years). I love good music. I like to weight lift. San francisco 49er fan.
Joe Hanley

Rank
Red/Black Belt
My highest rank is 3rd° black belt under Professor Dave Castoldi
Degree
Presently working on my Associates Degree at Roger Williams University.
Years training in BRSD:
I’ve been training at Bochner’s Realistic Self Defense
One of the things you like the most about BRSD:
My favorite thing about Bochner’s is the diversity of the curriculum and how it’s presented. I especially enjoy how the focus of our training rolls from one area to another on a weekly basis. This format helps keep my training fresh and interesting, but it still provides me the opportunity to work on the repetitions necessary to be a well-rounded martial artist.
Fun Fact About Yourself/What You Enjoy:
This type of training is what I like to do most. Although this is not a hobby, I especially enjoy interacting and learning from the people I meet as a result of studying martial arts/ self defense.
Aleah Bagwell-Moreino

Rank
Red/Black Belt
Degree
Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University New England, graduated May of 2012
Years training in BRSD:
3+ Years Training
One of the things you like the most about BRSD:
What I love most about the dojo is the strong sense of camaraderie and the sense of community amongst the students as well as the instructors at the dojo. I love the noncompetitive, judgment free, fun, positive and friendly atmosphere at our dojo. It’s amazing to see how well everyone works together to help each other learn and grow. I enjoying watching everyone, including myself, strive for personal growth and conquer challenges.
Fun Fact About Yourself/What You Enjoy:
I enjoy dancing, the beach, spending time with family and friends, cooking, outdoors activities, and exercise.