About Soke William R. Ambrosia

Soke William R. Ambrosia began his martial arts training in March of 1973 at the Cerio’s Academy of Martial Arts in Warwick, Rhode Island, under the direct instruction of Professor Nicholas Cerio and Nancy Cerio — his stepfather and mother. Raised within a traditional martial arts environment, he developed not only technical skill, but a deep respect for discipline, structure, and character development from an early age.

Throughout his youth, he competed extensively across the East Coast, earning recognition in both forms and sparring. In 1976, he was honored by the U.F.M.A. as Junior Forms and Sparring Champion, capturing titles in both divisions. These formative years built the technical foundation and composure under pressure that continue to define his instruction today.

In 1978, when the Rhode Island Amateur Kickboxing Union was formed, he began formal kickboxing training at just twelve years old. Training alongside adult competitors, he participated in exhibition bouts during events known as “Friday Night at the Fights,” developing resilience, humility, and mental toughness beyond his years.

In 1983, at age seventeen, he successfully tested for his Shodan (First Degree Black Belt). Although eligible earlier, his testing was intentionally delayed to ensure that his promotion reflected merit — not lineage. The examination, conducted during extreme summer heat without air conditioning, was a defining test of endurance, composure, and character.

Not long afterward, Soke Ambrosia was involved in a devastating head-on collision caused by a drunk driver. His right knee was shattered, and physicians informed him he would never practice martial arts again. Refusing to accept that outcome, he committed himself to rehabilitation. After seven surgeries and extensive physical therapy, he returned to training — proving that discipline, belief, and the human spirit often exceed medical expectation.

In addition to his martial arts career, Soke Ambrosia built a professional career in Information Technology, operating his own business and working with established computer firms. In 1997, he married and began raising a family. He is the proud father of three children — Hannah, Nick, and Julia.

Today, as Founder and Head Instructor of Cerio Ambrosia Martial Arts in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, he carries forward the Cerio lineage while advancing his own mission:

To preserve traditional Kenpo training while developing confident, disciplined, and resilient individuals.

His approach to instruction is structured, clear, and deeply personal. Students are held to high standards. Progress is earned through effort and consistency. Character development is never secondary to physical skill.

For children, the dojo becomes a place to build focus, self-control, and confidence.
For adults, it becomes a path to rediscover discipline, strength, and self-mastery.

For all who train, it is a place of accountability, growth, and transformation.