Mark Lawler

Professor, Kenpo Expert, Karate Studio Owner

Professor Mark Lawler holds a ninth-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. He began training in 1978 at American Karate Studio in Wilmington, DE where he taught for 12 years under Pat Caputo. In 1992, Mark founded Lawler’s Kenpo Karate in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

He is a Professor of Kinesiology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania since 1999, teaching strength training and self defense.
Competed in tournaments from the 1980s to the early 1990s
Was a personal student of Joe Palanzo from 1990 to 2003, and trained with Kenpo Masters Frank Trejo and Huk Planas
Has extensive training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Bando, and Escrima
Served as Chief Arbitrator for the Worldwide Kenpo Karate Association and Co-Captain of the WKKA National Demo Team from 1995 to 2003
Consulted for former St. Louis Rams head coach Dick Vermiel in 1999 on martial arts-based drills for Pro football player performance enhancement
An accomplished guitarist, recorded an instrumental guitar album titled “ZERO HOUR” in 1990 in London for AVN Records and continues to perform and record with his band in the Philadelphia area

Diego de Vera, a multifaceted coach, works with athletes across the spectrum—from novices to elite competitors. His roster boasts world champions in boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and even UFC fighters. Under Diego’s guidance, these athletes have honed their skills, achieving remarkable success on both national and international stages. His unwavering commitment to excellence and talent development has firmly established him as a prominent figure in the world of combat sports coaching.

Beyond coaching, Diego is a seasoned NRA instructor, specializing in firearms training. He collaborates closely with Tony Sentmanat of Real World Tactical, a renowned expert in the field. At Real World Tactical, Diego serves as a range safety and combative instructor, focusing on knife and self-defense techniques. His extensive experience includes training Hialeah PD SWAT team member and law enforcement agencies nationwide, solidifying his reputation as a trusted instructor in tactical operations.