About us
What makes Centerpoint different
Centerpoint’s martial arts classes help people reach their full potential. Systematic, challenging, creative and fun, martial arts has something to offer everybody. At Centerpoint, our job is to draw on the best of the martial arts to make them work for you!
The symbol of Centerpoint Martial Arts is the ensō, a Japanese symbol that expresses a moment when the mind is free to let the body create. The ensō symbolizes enlightenment, strength, and elegance. These concepts are central to authentic martial arts study and the core of our method of martial arts training.
Sharing and teaching the martial arts is our passion and our mission at Centerpoint Martial Arts. We have a variety of programs to serve children, teens and adults, taught in a clean, safe and friendly environment. We believe that once you get to know what Centerpoint has to offer, you will want to make it a part of your life.
Our team
Andy Mishkin
Co-owner
Andy has more than thirty-eight years of experience in the Martial Arts. He holds a Fourth Degree Black Belt in Karate and has trained in several other disciplines. Andy developed and implemented martial arts educational curricula for children, teens and adults at martial arts schools, public schools and social service organizations during his thirty-year teaching career. Andy graduated from Bowdoin College 1989 and has published articles on martial arts training in Qi Magazine and Qi Journal.
Hester Mishkin
Co-owner
Hester Mishkin has been training in the martial arts for twenty-six years and currently holds a Third Degree Black Belt in Karate. Hester has developed and taught women’s self-defense and martial arts fitness trainings as well as award-winning afterschool programs. Her varied background includes executive leadership and business management positions in the non-profit sector and medical technology industries. She is also a certified personal and executive coach through the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute, a Meditation Teacher through Deepak Chopra’s Wellness Center and a graduate of Tulane University.
Andy and Hester, together with their daughter, have experienced firsthand the positive impact that martial arts training can make on families.
Karate team
Nolan Adams
Program Manager
Nolan brings an extensive and eclectic martial arts background into his teaching. Nolan keeps track of the numerous details that go into running a successful program, from each students’ rank and belt size and how well they are progressing through the curriculum to ordering inventory and keeping the mats clean. Nolan also adds fun, new components to our classes, including new merit badges, innovative exercises and new programs including our Demo Team for advanced students. Nolan inspires both beginners and experienced students to be their best and achieve their goals.
Kora Adams
Client Navigator
Kora is the friendly face you see at the Front Door every afternoon, and the welcoming voice answering the phone. Kora keeps track of attendance, manages transportation lists for Karate Plus and makes our Birthday Parties great
Eric Gardiner
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Sensei Eric Gardiner is a Second Degree Black Belt in the Carlson Gracie System with over eighteen years of training and teaching experience. Sensei Gardiner is the owner of Rule 4 BJJ and is widely respected throughout Southern Maine for his resilience, patience, skill and love for both training and teaching.