Business Details
10 Years
experience
Pathway Karate Academy Martial Arts & Childcare in Providence
Our vision is to lead in bringing light and hope to Rhode Island communities by helping individuals build strength and character, keeping families united, and developing motivated, disciplined, and engaged youth. As the owner of Pathway Karate Academy, I oversee a Christian-based, family-centered karate school located in the Smith Hill section of Providence, Rhode Island. We serve as the Hombu (Home) Dojo of the martial arts style Nihon Koden Shindo Ryu, which is the only United States-based practice location of this style. The style was founded in Japan, introduced to the Dominican Republic by Grand Master Hiroyuki Hamada, and subsequently brought to the United States by Master SoShihan Felton Messina. The legacy of Nihon Koden Shindo Ryu continues here under Sensei Mark Mason, who also teaches Iaido and holds a fifthdegree black belt. At Pathway Karate Academy, we view karate as more than a sport or club; it is a way of life that leads to the classical values of discipline, strength, respect, unity, love, humility, and trust.We provide youth and adult instruction, competitive training for local, regional, and national tournaments, selfdefense courses, and empowerment programs. In addition to martial arts, we operate a fivestar Brightstarsrated and licensed childcare facility approved by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. Our childcare offerings include a preschool for children ages four and five, before and afterschool programs, summer camps, and vacation camp sessions. All staff members are SafeSport trained and certified, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for every student. We are proud to be recognized by the World Karate Federation and live by our mission: teaching martial arts to develop and unite stronger families and communities.
Services
Karate Instruction
Preschool
Before & After School
After School Only
Full Day Care
Summer Day Camp
Summer Full Day Camp
Summer Extended Camp
Self Defense
Competitive Training
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We are a fivestar Brightstarsrated childcare provider.
- Our staff are SafeSport trained and certified for student safety.
- We teach traditional Nihon Koden Shindo Ryu karate style.
- Sensei Mark Mason is a fifthdegree black belt Iaido instructor.
- We offer preschool, before and afterschool, and summer camp programs.
Associations and certifications
- Brightstars
Services
Karate Instruction
Our karate instruction provides youth and adult classes that teach traditional Nihon Koden Shindo Ryu techniques, focusing on discipline, strength, and respect. Students learn selfdefense, antibullying strategies, and empowerment skills suitable for all ages and skill levels. We also offer competitive training for those interested in local, regional, and national tournaments, guided by certified blackbelt instructors.
Preschool
Our preschool serves ages fourfive from 8AM to 2PM, licensed by DCYF and Brightstars accredited. Curriculum follows RIELDS and focuses on Character, Community, Creativity, and Collaboration. Daily activities include science, literacy, arts, music, outdoor play, and quiet time to build kindergarten readiness.
Before & After School
Our Before & After School program provides snacks, homework help, tutoring, and STEM activities for children in grades K6. Participants enjoy arts & crafts, sports, and karate instruction two days each week, all aligned with RIELDS standards. The program runs from school dismissal until evening, supporting working families with a safe, structured environment.
Summer Day Camp
Our Summer Day Camp operates from 6:30AM to 5:00PM, offering snacks, sports, tutoring, STEM labs, reading, math, arts & crafts, and karate twice weekly. Weekly field trips to nature sites, swimming parks, museums, and aquariums enrich learning and promote environmental awareness. The program follows RIELDS guidelines and supports academic growth while keeping children active and engaged during summer break.
Competitive Training
Our competitive training prepares athletes for local, regional, and national karate tournaments under the guidance of certified blackbelt instructors. Participants refine kata, bunkai, and kumite techniques while building strength, speed, and mental focus. The program emphasizes sportsmanship, discipline, and goalsetting to help students achieve peak performance in competition.
People
Mark Mason
Founder & Owner
Mark Mason founded Pathway Karate Academy in 2016 after training under SoShihan Felton Messina. He holds a fifthdegree black belt, teaches Iaido, and leads familycentered karate instruction to strengthen the Providence community.
Arndres Mason
Co-Owner, Director of Business Development & Youth Programs
Arndres Mason coowns Pathway Karate Academy and directs business development and youth programs. She brings over 15 years of business experience, holds a bachelors in financial management and a masters in healthcare administration.
Genesis Monsanto
Education Director & Site Coordinator
Genesis Monsanto serves as Education Director and Site Coordinator, overseeing educational staff, developing curriculum, coordinating lessons and activities, and fostering parent, youth, and community engagement. She holds a bachelors degree in education.
Erica Vaszquez
Associate Education Director, Lead Teacher
Erica Vaszquez is an Associate Education Director and Lead Teacher, holding a CCRI Early Childhood Education certificate and pursuing an associates degree. She supports student success through structured learning and program operations.
Shauntea Gregory
Enrollment and Billing Coordinator
Shauntea Gregory manages enrollment and billing, serves as a lead teacher for middle school students, and organizes community events. Her work ensures smooth family enrollment and fosters a welcoming, engaging environment.
Questions
What age groups does Pathway Karate Academy serve?
We serve children ages four and five in preschool, youths ages five to thirteen in school‑age and camp programs, and adults of all ages in karate and self‑defense classes.
What martial arts style is taught at the academy?
We teach Nihon Koden Shindo Ryu, a traditional Japanese karate style emphasizing speed through the loose‑tight‑loose principle and incorporating kata, bunkai, kumite, and Iaido.
Is the child‑care program licensed and accredited?
Yes, our preschool and school‑age programs are DCYF licensed providers and hold a five‑star Brightstars accreditation for quality early learning.
What are the instructor qualifications?
Our lead instructor, Sensei Mark Mason, holds a fifth‑degree black belt in Nihon Koden Shindo Ryu and teaches Iaido; all staff are SafeSport trained and certified.
