NEXUS Martial Arts

Staff

Stephen Whittier - Managing Partner / Chief Instructor

Thomas J. Lynch - Managing Partner / Director of Operations

Matt Borges - Assistant Coach

Cesar Barros - Assistant Coach, Competition Team Captain

Adjunct Staff
Kevin Kearns - B.S., CPT, Functional Fitness Advisor
John Connors - BJJ Black Belt

Stephen Whittier

For many years, Nexus Head Coach/Instructor Stephen Whittier has balanced his passion for the martial arts with his academic and intellectual pursuits. In addition to his extensive martial arts background, he has been teaching on a variety of levels for most of his adult life. For Stephen’s full bio, click here

Martial Arts Resumé
	•	Instructor/Coach in SBGI Mixed Martial Arts (under Matt Thornton, SBG International)
	•	Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (under Roberto Maia, Boston BJJ/Gracie Barra USA)
	•	Instructor/Trainer in Sityodtong Muay Thai (under Mark Dellagrotte, Sityodtong USA)
	•	Instructor in Jeet Kune Do; Muay Thai; Filipino martial arts (under Richard Bustillo, IMB Academy)
	•	Black Belt/Instructor in Jeet Kune Do; Muay Thai; Eskrima (under Bobby Giordano, American Martial Arts Center)
	•	2nd-Degree Black Belt in Eskrima (under Cacoy Canete, Doce Pares Eskrima)
	•	Black Belt in Shotokan karate (under Lou Demas, Wheaton College Taisodokan)

Related Experience
	•	Graduate degree and over 4 years of University classroom teaching
	•	ACE certified personal trainer (1996-2000)
	•	Big Brother program volunteer
	•	Tutor (English & Philosophy)
	•	Preceptor (undergraduate student mentor and advisor)
	•	Director, Zen meditation club (college)
	•	Experience coaching populations ranging from adult, teen, and youth hobbyists to local, state, and federal law enforcement and professional athletes.
	•	Publications: Stephen has been featured in Bruce Lee magazine and Martial Arts & Combat Sports.

Thomas J. Lynch

In addition to overseeing Nexus Martial Arts' business operations, Tom Lynch is the CEO of Global Hedge Fund, Fursa Holdings LLC. Prior to joining the Investment Adviser in 2007, he was a Managing Director at Mellon Asset Management. He was a member of the Mellon Asset Management Senior Management Committee and was a thought leader in global distribution strategies and strategic planning.

From 1995 to 2000, Tom was the Northeast Regional VP for Fortis Inc. and was responsible for strategic management, training, marketing, and thought leadership. From 1990 to 1995, he was employed by Phoenix Inc. and The Paul Revere Insurance Group, servicing in various strategic and management roles.

Tom earned a BA from St. Anselm College and attended The Brandeis University International Business School. He is a former board member of The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and currently serves on several corporate boards of directors.

		Matt Borges Matt Borges holds a black belt in Kenpo karate, a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and an assistant instructorship in Muay Thai kickboxing. Matt is also an experienced childhood educator, with 5 years as a professional pre-school teacher.

		Cesar Barros Cesar Barros holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and an assistant instructorship in Muay Thai Kickboxing. In addition to his years of experience as a both a teacher and champion competitor in karate, Cesar is also a well-respected mixed martial artist competitor.


Adjunct Staff

		Kevin Kearns B.S., CPT, Functional Fitness Advisor Kevin is the founder and director of programs for Be Physically Fit. He has been professionally involved in the fitness industry for over 18 years. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Boston, he was trained by Dr. David Thomas. In addition, he is certified by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). After earning his degree from UMass, he started his first fitness job at the Boston Athletic Club. Kevin began experimenting with new concepts of fitness based on what he was learning at school. People at his gym become intrigued by his "creative" approaches, which emphasized functional conditioning. Soon he started helping others and his career as a personal fitness trainer took firm root. Kevin has been featured on Fox 25 News Boston, as well as periodicals such as Brookline Magazine and Metro Sports Boston. Kevin's first DVD - Burn With Kearns' 30 Minute Core Strength Workout, is currently in distribution both in the United States and internationally.

		John Connors BJJ Black Belt John is the owner and chief instructor of Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Dedham, MA, and is also a BJJ black belt under Roberto Maia (Gracie Barra). A Harvard graduate and former co-owner of Crimson language/translation services, John brings a great mix of intelligence, professional experience, and ability to his coaching. In addition to being a close friend and training partner for many years, John’s academy served as the temporary home of Nexus Martial Arts during our transition from our Needham, Massachusetts location (at Elite Martial Arts) and our new, full-time facility in Wareham.