About Sensei Michael Nolen

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In January 2009, Michael sought instruction in the Order of Isshin-Ryu to following his families roots in Isshin-Ryu Karate. He began training at the Hombu Dojo of the Order of Isshin-ryu, traveling several times a traveling week from Ocean City, Maryland to Elkton, Maryland. He became a dedicated student of Master Bud Ewing, Ku-Dan (9th Degree Black Belt).

During this period, Michael trained with exceptional discipline and commitment. He routinely traveled approximately two hours each way to train and dedicated four to six+ hours per training day to his development. This time included two to four hours of focused training before class, formal class instruction, and continued practice after class.

His training during this phase included:

• Extended pre-class training emphasizing fundamentals and kata
• Kata skill sets reinforcing precision, breath control, structure,      and intent
• Regular Hombu Dojo instruction under Master Bud Ewing and Master      Ronnie Cimorosi
• Advanced seminars led by senior black belts and visiting Sensei of affiliated      dojo under Grandmaster Toby Cooling
• Tournament competition and performance-based evaluation

His dedication led to earning the rank of Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) in February 2013.

Following his Sho-Dan promotion, Michael continued training under Master Ewing until 2015, when growing business responsibilities required a temporary shift in focus. Despite this, he remained actively engaged in martial arts, continuing his development across multiple disciplines.

During this period, his training included:

• Continued kata refinement and fundamentals practice
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training to expand grappling knowledge for 1-year
• Participation in seminars to reinforce traditional principles

This phase reinforced his belief in lifelong learning and maintaining strong fundamentals, even when balancing professional and family responsibilities.

In 2019, Michael formally returned to regular training at the Hombu Dojo, recommitting himself to structured instruction, traditional practice, and continued personal refinement.

Through consistent effort and dedication, he earned the rank of Ni-Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) in 2023, marking an important milestone in his continued growth within Isshin-ryu. In 2025, under Master Ronnie Cimorosi, Michael earned the rank of San-Dan (3rdDegree Black Belt).

In 2024, Michael formally asked Master Ronnie Cimorosi, Ku-Dan (9th Degree Black Belt)—direct student of Isshin-Ryu Grandmaster Toby Cooling and Kobudo Master Kimo Wall Sensei — to be his Sensei. Michael continues to travel regularly to Elkton, Maryland to train under Master Cimorosi’s guidance, maintaining a strong connection to traditional lineage.

His current ranks and areas of study include:

• San-Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt) – Isshin-ryu Karate & Kobudo
• Brown Belt – Chi-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu
• Active Practitioner and Instructor – Kombatan Arnis under      Grandmaster Eddie Guevara

His approach emphasizes a well-rounded traditional curriculum, blending:

• Empty-hand karate and self-defense applications
• Okinawan kobudo (traditional weapons)
• Practical close quarters striking, control technique
• Weapons training through Kombaton Arnis foundations and instruction

Michael is a second-generation black belt, proudly following his father, Sensei Jeff Bracone, San-Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt).

 In 2021, Michael received formal permission from his Sensei and Grandmaster Toby Cooling to begin teaching. He was awarded a certificate by the OIMA Board of Directors signed by active President Master Kurt Kline, recognizing that he met the required standards to be acknowledged as a Sensei. Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed plans to open a dojo, his commitment to teaching and preserving traditional martial arts remained steadfast.

In 2024, that vision became reality with the founding of Ocean Pines Martial Arts Academy, where Michael continues the martial arts legacy passed down to him. His dojo emphasizes:

• Discipline and respect
• Strong fundamentals and kata
• Family values and community
• Personal growth for students of all ages

Personal Life

Michael resides in Ocean Pines, Maryland with his wife Michelle, their four children — Madison, Christian, Matthew, and Kai. Outside the dojo, he is a successful real estate agent and short-term vacation rental investor, balancing family life, business leadership, and martial arts instruction as his way of life.