Ed Wilson first joined karate in 1973 after watching martial arts stars competing against each other on a television show that was on at the time. Always being someone who believed in being healthy and staying fit, he realized that martial arts was an excellent tool in getting and staying in even better shape. In 1977, Ed Wilson was asked to teach and eventually became a full-time instructor. In 1982, Mr. Wilson went on to open his first martial arts studio in Woonsocket, RI. Ed Wilson's hunger to learn drove him to take up other forms of martial arts. He studied Jujitsu in 1990 and later Aikido for a few years.

In 1991, Ed Wilson "discovered Ed Parker's American Kenpo. "The difference between the previous martial arts that I have studied, and Ed Parker's Kenpo was like going from a 13" black and white television, to a 61" color TV. Everything about the system just made sense, and worked." Mr. Wilson immediately made an appointment for private lessons and flew out to Pasadena, California. Ed Wilson went on to study under other Ed Parker black belts - including Frank Trejo and Brian Hawkins. The Franklin Family Karate Center opened in 1995, and Whitinsville in 1997.

Mr. Wilson's ongoing studies have earned him the Prestigious Ranks of:

°  First Degree Black Belt: Kumiuchi Ryu JiuJitsu Fourth Degree Black Belt: American Kenpo Karate Ninth Degree Black Belt: Ed Parker's Kenpo

Mandi Remillard-Chief Instructor Whitinsville

Mandi Remillard first joined Woonsocket's Family Karate Center in 1995, at the age of 13, to help her develop her confidence. She has studied under 2nd degree black belt Chip Wilson, and continues her studies under 9th degree black belt Ed Wilson.

Mandi always pushed herself to work hard and impressed her instructors, becoming an Assistant Instructor at green belt, and earning her honorary black belt in 1998. Choosing her position at FKC as her career, Ms. Remillard has been teaching full time as the Chief Instructor at the Whitinsville Family Karate Center since February of 1999. She has always strived to bring enthusiasm, motivation, and energy into each class that she teaches- following the "Instructors Creed" to teach each class as if it is the most important class she will ever teach, to be patient and enthusiastic, and to lead by example.

In March of 1999, Mandi received her 1st degree Black Belt. She went on to earn her 2nd degree Black Belt in July of 2001, 3rd degree in January of 2004, and her fourth degree in November of 2008.

Lizabeth Parmenter

 Lizabeth Parmenter has been a student of Whitinsville Family Karate Center since November of 1997. Miss Liz studies under 9th degree Black Belt Ed Wilson, and 4th degree Black Belt Mandi Remillard.  She joined the Leadership Team in 2000 and began assisting with classes. Miss Liz received an honorary Black Belt in 2001, after years loyalty and dedication. Miss Liz received her 2nd degree Black Belt in June of 2005. She continues her studies, working towards her 3rd degree.

Miss Liz has a master's degree in occupational therapy, a health care field that helps people with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest. She works with children for the Foxbro school system. Her work as an occupational therapist has helped her to learn how to improve children's motor skills as well as their mental wellness. She brings her unique knowledge learned at Worcester State College to Family Karate Center, allowing every child, even those with disabilities to participate in karate.

Leadership Team Members (Assistants)

Cara Mia Pandozzi

                                                                      Tom Boothby

Tyler Duda

                                                                        Casey Howlett

Nick Aberg

                                                                  Andrew Simoneau

If you are on our Leadership Team and you are not pictured here, please see your instructor.