Meet Your Instructors
Our instructors are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and respectful training environment for all students. Learn more about the people who guide our dojo.
Sensei Adam Greenberg
Sensei Adam Greenberg is the co‑founder of the Boston Seirenkai Self‑Defense Academy and has been teaching traditional Japanese self‑defense since 2010. He began his training in 2002 under Master Adam Garber at the South Shore Seirenkai Academy.
He is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment where students of all backgrounds can grow at their own pace.
Sensei Greenberg emphasizes practical, principle‑based self‑defense rooted in whole‑body dynamics, awareness, and appropriate response. His teaching style is patient, clear, and focused on helping students build confidence, resilience, and technical skill.
He believes deeply that everyone has the right to defend themselves and works to make training accessible to people of all abilities and experience levels.
- Sandan (3rd Degree) Seirenkai Karate
- Shodan (1st Degree) Seirenkai Juijitsu
- International Teaching Certification
- 2016 International Seirenkai Organization Member of the Year
Sensei Victoria Symkus
Sensei Victoria Symkus began her journey at the UMass Seirenkai Dojo in 2012 under Senseis Adam Greenberg and Brice Penaud. She is the co‑founder of the Boston Seirenkai Self‑Defense Academy and has played a central role in shaping the dojo’s welcoming, community‑focused culture. She is dedicated to helping students develop confidence, technical skill, and a strong sense of personal safety.
Sensei Symkus teaches with clarity, patience, and attention to detail, ensuring that every student feels supported and empowered. Her approach emphasizes safe training practices, emotional awareness, and the responsible use of self‑defense skills.
She believes deeply in the values of Bushido and works to model honor, respect, and compassion both inside and outside the dojo.
- Nidan (2nd Degree) Seirenkai Karate
- International Teaching Certification
- 2023 International Seirenkai Organization Member of the Year
Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe that martial arts training should be safe, respectful, and empowering. Our goal is to help students develop practical self‑defense skills, confidence, and a calm, focused mindset that carries into everyday life.
We do not participate in competitive sparring or tournaments. Instead, we emphasize real‑world application, whole‑body dynamics, and responsible decision‑making. Training is progressive, controlled, and always centered on safety — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Above all, we strive to create a community where every student feels welcome, supported, and encouraged to grow.