Our Team
Every member of Team KI are professionals who have been developed to offer the highest quality instruction. Every member of our team is approachable, caring, and possesses a true love for martial arts. After taking just a few lessons, you will see why Karate International Martial Arts Center is Exeter’s choice for martial arts.
John English-Founder
Instructor and KIMAC Founder, John English, is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to improve our students and challenge them to achieve a higher standard. He has trained with some of the world's most respected Martial Arts Instructors and continues to pass on the lessons he learned to his students today. These instructors include Soke Michael DePasquale, Sr., Soke Michael DePasquale, Jr., Professor Silverio P. Guerra, Adam "Barnone" Guerra, Shihan Rocky Dirico and Icat founders Walt Lysak, Jr. & Richard Ryan.
Along with his accomplishments at KI as the founder, Mr.English also is an active referee for Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing all over the world. Along with presenting at certifications all over the United States his referee career has brought him to Italy and Isreal.
Check out this video of Mr.English detailing this history of KI!
Want to learn more about Mr.English? Listen to his interview on Martial Arts Radio here!
Craig Wharem- Managing Director
Craig Wharem has been training in the Martial Arts since the age of eleven. After many years of trying to find an after school activity he finally stepped foot in the Dojo. He earned his black belt in the art of Kenpo Karate in 2011 and continues to train and progress in the art.
Along with training in Kenpo he also trains in Yoshitsune Combat Ju Jitsu from 2008-2014 then picking it up again in 2020 for a short time. Currently he is working to continue to attain higher knowledge and skill in Kempo. He also trains in Kung Fu and Dekiti Tirsia Seradas Kali with Tashi Mark Warner in Ipswich Massachusetts.
He began assisting with classes in 2005 at the age of 14. Since then he has risen to the level of Senior Instructor managing the day to day operations of the dojo. Along with overseeing the training of all the students at KI Craig also works with dojos around the country to help them build programs to teach students how to become teachers. He believes that it's important to constantly continue to develop leaders to help empower students through the Martial Arts.
It is his hope to continue to spread the incredible life lessons associated with Martial Arts training to future generations.
Check out Mr.Wharem talking about the unique and special community that KI has become!
Want to learn more about Mr.Wharem? Check out his interview on Martial Arts Radio here!
Noah Dever-Senior Instructor
Noah Dever first stepped through the doors in 2004 at the age of 6 with the dream of becoming a power ranger. Throughout his time at the dojo, he focused his efforts on learning everything to the best of his ability. He began teaching in 2012 as an assistant and worked his way through the teaching levels to Head Instructor.
As a Senior Instructor Mr.Dever helps oversee the training and progression of the students at KI and assists them with reaching their goals on and off the mat. He earned his Black Belt in Kenpo in 2015 and actively trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kung fu, and Kickboxing to continue to better his skills.
Holds his Masters Degree from UNH in Secondary Education and is currently a full time Elementary PE teacher working with grades 3-5. He also serves as the program coordinator for our Tots and Youth Program!
Mark Miller-Head Instructor
Mark Miller began his study of the martial arts in 1983. He is proud to hold the rank of Sandan (third degree black) in the Kenpo Arts, Shodan (first degree black) in Yoshitsune Combat Ju-Jitsu and a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Currently, he teaches private and group lessons at KI Martial Arts believing that the dojo is a place to learn and practice martial arts as well as life skills; that the two are intertwined; and that, as an instructor, it’s his job to guide the students in their pursuit of both.
In addition to teaching, Mark also continues to study at KI under the instruction of Craig Wharem and John English. Mark works full time for TPGi as Director of Merging Accounts and Platform.
Mark lives in Exeter, New Hampshire with his wife Deb, who also studies kickboxing, and his two sons Max who holds a black belt at KI martial arts, and Jackson who is an accomplished Skater.
Want to learn more about Mr.Miller? Check out his interview on Martial Arts Radio here!
Lisa Vare-Program Director
Lisa first joined the KIMAC community as a parent in 2008, when she enrolled her two children. She began training in the martial arts herself starting in the Kickboxing program. After a break from the martial arts she started her study of Kenpo Karate in 2015 training with Mr.Wharem and in 2019 began adding Kung Fu to her skill set.
Upon graduating from Salem High School in Salem Massachusetts, she began studying book keeping and accounting at Marian Court College in Swampscott Ma. She then went on to hold jobs relating to Accounting and Customer Service.
She currently resides in Kensington, NH; with her husband Nick and two children Nicky and Elise. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is very proud and humbled to be able to assist parents as they support their children on their journey to black belt as she did.