Meet Your Karate Instructors in Wingdale, NY

Owner and Head Instructor

Sensei Luis Brito

Sensei Luis began his Martial Arts training in January 2000. Earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in November 2002, His 2nd Degree Black Blet in November of 2005 and his Sensei (Instructor) Tittle on March 2008. Sensei Luis has also trained in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Boxing. (Participated in "The Golden Gloves" and other local boxing events).

Sensei has been teaching kids and adults of all ages since 2005.

Sensei Luis is also a tittle instructor at Fusion Martial Arts in Hawthorne NY.

His passion for helping others grow in every aspect of their lives goes beyond his passion for Martial Arts. Sensei takes the time to read and get the best out of hundreds of Self-Development books that help him better himself, understand his students and the people around him.

Sensei is Always motivated and motivating his students inside the Dojo and out.

Committed to get the best out of each student Sensei is no ordinary instructor who turns his back on a student that seems not ready to join, instead he takes these random opportunities to help transform students in their best version while taking a special joy in the process.

In his many years of teaching martial arts, Sensei Luis understands that every student develops differently due to their personal strengths and weaknesses and has learned to create an environment to help every student reach their potential.

Assistant Instructor & Program Director

Ikkyu Mercedes Brito

Mercedes is the smiley face at front desk with a passion to make a difference in people's lives. 

Mercedes is the official instructor of our Little Warrior Program for kids 3 & 4 years old, Tots in Training for the younger kids 1-2 years old and helps teach karate classes as well.

She is the Co-Owner of Britos Martial Arts along with her husband Sensei Luis and their kids Sempai Diego Brito and Lily.

Mercedes is also in charge of welcoming new students and their families, guide them through this new adventure, track the success of every student ... and more. Always looking for opportunities to give back to the community, Mercedes finds ways in which our students can volunteer to make a difference in our community.

Head Instructor

Sensei Mark Wellansky

Sensei Mark is a head instructor at Britos Martial Arts also head instructor at Fusion Martial Arts which he co-owns with his wife Yonkyu Pilar. Sensei holds a Third-Degree Black Belt in Karate, a Brown Belt in Judo and currently enjoys practicing Tomiki and traditional Aikido. Sensei Mark is committed to setting a good example for all his instructors and students both on and off the mat. Sensei trains hard himself and teaches his students to always give their best. He asks them to strive for excellence and not to settle for “good-enough.” While excellence is always the goal, Sensei knows that excellence means little if it is not tied to humility. Building a martial arts community of skilled and respectful students is his mission.

In addition to being a martial artist, Sensei has worked for the New York City Department of Education since 1985. He was a special education teacher for 15 years and was a guidance counselor from 2000-2019. In addition, Sensei has run Friendship Builders social skills groups with his wife Yonkyu Pilar, for children who have trouble making and keeping friends. Sensei Mark Wellansky’s dedication to working with all types of children has been a lifelong mission.

Sensei is also very involved with his church and volunteer work. He has been an Elder and Deacon in the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church and is a long-time choir member. He has taught Sunday School and Bible Study and has participated in many volunteer events such as the Midnight Run.

Junior Assistant Instructor

Sempai Diego Brito

Sempai Diego Brito started his Martial Arts journey on 2014. With dedication and hard work, he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt on July 18th of 2021.

Sempai Diego knows firsthand what it is to start learning karate as a child, the good and bad about being a school kid these days and tries his best to be a good example to the younger kids and youth lower belts looking for a second home at the dojo. Sempai is a hard worker student who continues to learn the art, an Honor Roll student at Pawling High School and a good child to his parents. 

Sempai learned to teach at an early age and always finds ways to explain specific moves when the younger students are having a hard time catching up. Even though he has a leadership position, Sempai continues to be a coachable young man humble and always ready to improve himself.