Shay Muscarella started his Martial Arts training in Taekwondo with the Young Olympians in 2000. The following year he joined his father at the American Kenpo Karate Academy. Mr. Muscarella’s dedication to his training has always been legendary. During his youth he broke his back and was still found actively training Kenpo with a hard body brace.

In 2005 Mr. Muscarella transitioned to the American Institute of Kenpo and continued on his journey to black belt. Mr. Muscarella started instructing in 2007 and quickly became a keystone teacher for many years. Though he is not actively involved in the day to day teaching, everyone that trains with Mr. Muscarella finds their knowledge greatly enhanced by the experience.

In addition to Kenpo, Mr. Muscarella has studied boxing, kickboxing, Jiu-jitsu, and MMA with the American Institute of Kenpo and other schools. Mr. Muscarella competed in amateur boxing and kickboxing from 2016 to 2017 and represented the American Institute of Kenpo with an undefeated record. During that time he had the opportunity to stay a week at the Jackson Wink MMA gym where he had the privilege of training with many world class fighters including Holly Holm.

Mr. Muscarella regularly participates in advanced sparring classes. In those classes he continues to develop boxing, kickboxing, Jiu-jitsu, and MMA skills. Everyone in those classes always has a great time training with him because his skills allow him to be the perfect partner for anyone, ranging from the newest to the most skilled class participants.

Mr. Muscarella has followed in his father's footsteps and became a first responder with the fire department. He has and continues to assist his dad in the CPR and First Aid certifying of our instructors. Together they bring a lot of humor and entertainment to the process.

The American Institute of Kenpo is grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this exceptional young man’s journey in the martial arts. We appreciate all the experience he brings to our organization that he graciously shares with everyone he works with.

~ Last Update 1/5/2022