Meeting Professor Cerio

In 1971, these two men – Joseph Nesta and Paul Taylor – began their training in one of the offshoots of Kempo that had come to New England via California and Hawaii.

In 1988, Nesta, then a 5th degree Black Belt, decided that he wanted to “return to the roots” of Kempo and sought out Professor Cerio directly. When they met, the Professor asked Nesta what it was he wanted; Nesta replied, “I want to know everything you know.” Cerio reportedly smiled and said, “I like your attitude.”

This started a ten year journey with Professor Cerio that culminated with Professor Cerio promoting Shihan Nesta to the highest rank ever in Cerio’s Kenpo and hand-picking Shihan Nesta as the man to take over Professor Cerio’s association.