Although he’s a relatively new business owner, Michael Orsini is no stranger to self-defense.
That’s what members of the North Central Chamber of Commerce learned last Friday morning at Orsini’s unique business, the Rhode Island Self-Defense Center located at 515 Greenville Ave. in Johnston.
Orsini, who actually has two teaching careers, hosted the Chamber’s April “Breakfast Before Business,” treating members to juice, coffee and muffins, showing off his well-appointed facility and explaining various examples of what the center is all about.
“This place is very, very well equipped,” long-time Chamber member Anthony Ursillo said. “The entire facility is very, very clean … There’s a nice sense of family here, too.”
The center has had homes in other parts of Northern Rhode Island, but for the past year, and under Orsini’s ownership, has called Johnston its permanent home.
“We have 1,700 square feet,” Orsini said. “A lot of work went into this building.”
The entire workout floor is totally matted, and the east wall is partially covered with mirrors that afford Orsini’s many students – nearly 60 – a panoramic view of the facility while working.
What’s even more unique is that much of the work has been done during Orsini’s non-teaching time.
While Orsini has worked in the Kenpo form of karate for 30 years, his main job is as a physical education and health teacher in Lincoln. He’s also known as Sensei, and is a sixth-degree black belt.
“The place has a reputation for providing some of the best and more effective martial arts in Rhode Island for three decades,” Ursillo said. “It’s obvious just by looking around that Mike is upholding that tradition.”
Orsini and his wife Stefania Petrarca Orsini – who is a native Johnstonian – now call the town home for work and play, and the place that their son Michael, 3, will someday be taking classes.
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