Meet your Instructors And Volunteers
Shihan Tom Evans
Sensei Gorete Oliveira
Sensei Gorete Oliveira
Karate evolves continuously, reflecting the ongoing learning and unique influence of each instructor. There's a saying that likens karate to a pond: for the pond to thrive, it must be continually refreshed by streams of new water. Without this influx, the pond stagnates and dies. Similarly, if a martial arts teacher does not embrace new i
Karate evolves continuously, reflecting the ongoing learning and unique influence of each instructor. There's a saying that likens karate to a pond: for the pond to thrive, it must be continually refreshed by streams of new water. Without this influx, the pond stagnates and dies. Similarly, if a martial arts teacher does not embrace new ideas and methods, their karate will become stagnant. At Team United, Shihan Tom Evans has had the privilege of training with distinguished martial arts masters across various disciplines, including Sullivan's American Kenpo, Nick Cerio's Kenpo, Soukhamthath Muay Lao, Hardknocks Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Sampalis Uchi Ryu. This diverse training enriches and revitalizes his teachings, ensuring they remain dynamic and effective.
Come train with Shihan Tom Evans today and experience a dynamic and enjoyable approach to martial arts.
Shihan Tom Evans brings a wealth of experience to his training sessions. With over four years as a Patrol Officer, he serves as a Use of Force Instructor at the Police Academy. As a former professional MMA and Muay Thai competitor, he boasts over 20 fights on his resume. Additionally, Shihan Tom has competed in regional and national karate tournaments since the age of 10.
Shihan Tom Evans leverages his passion for martial arts to make a positive impact on the community. He is also the President and Founder of Central Falls Youth Baseball and serves on the Central Falls School Board Committee.
Sensei Gorete Oliveira
Sensei Gorete Oliveira
Sensei Gorete Oliveira
Sensei Gorete Oliveira has been involved with martial arts since 2003 and has trained alongside Shihan Tom, owner of Team United.
She is a first degree black belt in American Kenpo Jui-jitsu Karate which has placed first place in various karate tournaments for weapons, forms, and self-defense.
Despite taking a pause from martial arts tra
Sensei Gorete Oliveira has been involved with martial arts since 2003 and has trained alongside Shihan Tom, owner of Team United.
She is a first degree black belt in American Kenpo Jui-jitsu Karate which has placed first place in various karate tournaments for weapons, forms, and self-defense.
Despite taking a pause from martial arts training to focus on furthering her education, she continues to intertwine her profession and passion by instructing the Little Ninja classes.
Sensei Gorete Oliveira has been an educator in Rhode Island for over 22 years, earning her Associates in Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Masters degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education. She is currently taking additional graduate courses to expand on her expertise in other areas of education. Her years of experience, knowledge, compassion, organization, and trilingual fluency are an asset to the Team United Community.
Sensei Gorete Oliveira is dedicated to instilling a growth mindset for all students within the Team United Community. Every student benefits from feeling a sense of belonging, pride, and accomplishment which is why she dedicates her time to make a difference in the lives of each and every child she works with.
Sensei Lance Clifton
Sensei Gorete Oliveira
Sensei Lance Clifton
Sensei Lance Clifton is a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo karate. And is a Team United board member.
Sensei Lance has trained with Shihan Tom for 14 years. His three children also trained under Shihan Tom. Gregory, Maya and Natalie all earned their black belt under Shihan Tom. Sensei Lance has also trained in Cerio kenpo under Grand Master
Sensei Lance Clifton is a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo karate. And is a Team United board member.
Sensei Lance has trained with Shihan Tom for 14 years. His three children also trained under Shihan Tom. Gregory, Maya and Natalie all earned their black belt under Shihan Tom. Sensei Lance has also trained in Cerio kenpo under Grand Master Steve Lombardi and Sensei John Amore.
Lance has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Lance has almost 30 years of production planning, material planning and purchasing experience working for multiple companies, including Reebok, Avon, Kenney Manufacturing and Fujifilm Electronic Materials.
Growing up in Maywood, Illinois a suburb of Chicago, Sensei Lance was member of his high School gymnastics team. As a young adult he was a co-founder of the Easy Tumblers youth tumbling team.
Lance and two of his former high school team mates taught neighborhood youths how to tumbling. The youth team performed at local events and also competed in United States Tumbling Association competitions. Lance also performed with the Triton Troupers Circus club at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois.
Nicholas Luck
Amanda Pistacchio
Sensei Lance Clifton
Nick grew up in Smithfield RI, graduating from high school in 2011. Beginning in 2006, he trained in traditional martials arts earning an Apprentice Black Belt and wrestled in high school.
He has been apart of the U.S.Navy since 2012 as a Corpsman and is a licensed EMT. He has been volunteering with Team United since 2022, teaching the Ad
Nick grew up in Smithfield RI, graduating from high school in 2011. Beginning in 2006, he trained in traditional martials arts earning an Apprentice Black Belt and wrestled in high school.
He has been apart of the U.S.Navy since 2012 as a Corpsman and is a licensed EMT. He has been volunteering with Team United since 2022, teaching the Adult Muay Thai class and is also the kids Grappling Coach. He currently trains Brazilian Jujujitsu at Ocean State Studios BJJ in East Providencd under Jimmy Connors.
As a active person, his hobbies including surfing, snowboarding, rock climbing and playing the guitar.
Amanda Pistacchio
Amanda Pistacchio
Amanda Pistacchio
Amanda is a dedicated professional in the Health and Wellbeing industry.
Amanda’s son, John, started training under Shihan Tom in April of 2022.
Very early on, Amanda recognized the importance and positive work Team United was putting forth into the community and wanted to help in any way she could. While still supporting John’s growth a
Amanda is a dedicated professional in the Health and Wellbeing industry.
Amanda’s son, John, started training under Shihan Tom in April of 2022.
Very early on, Amanda recognized the importance and positive work Team United was putting forth into the community and wanted to help in any way she could. While still supporting John’s growth as a student at Team United, Amanda was asked to join the board which she happily accepted.
Amanda enjoys volunteering her time and watching Team United thrive in all it is doing to support the community.