Skip to content

FROM SENSEI VINCE

About Amerikick Pennington and Sensei Vince Little

A note to the parents of Pennington.

Sensei Vince Little, owner of Amerikick Pennington

I started training at Amerikick when I was seven years old. I wasn't the focused kid. I wasn't the disciplined kid. I was the kid my parents were quietly worried about.

The mat changed all of that. Not because anyone yelled at me. Because for the first time, somebody believed in me out loud, and gave me a place where the work I put in was visible, measurable, and celebrated.

I built Amerikick Pennington in 2017 to be that place for kids in Pennington. Since then, hundreds of families have walked through our door with a quiet worry in their eyes. And then they watch their child run off the mat with a grin they can't contain. That's the part I never get tired of.

If something in your gut is telling you your child needs this, listen to it. Come spend a week with us and see the environment for yourself.

— Sensei Vince Little, Owner

Coach Vince Little, Owner of Amerikick Pennington

MEET THE OWNER

Vince Little — Owner

Coach Vince is a lifelong martial arts enthusiast whose journey began the moment he stepped into Amerikick. From an early age, he was hooked—begging his parents to take him to class as often as possible. That relentless drive paid off when he earned his first Black Belt at just 10 years old.

As his passion and talent grew, Vince began competing in local, national, and eventually international tournaments—including prestigious events across Europe. Over the years, he has secured multiple national and world titles, earning a reputation as one of the top competitors in the martial arts circuit.

But Vince's impact extends far beyond the ring. At just 11 years old, he joined Amerikick's Leadership Team, where he discovered a deep passion for teaching and mentoring others. Through years of dedication, he rose through the ranks to become the Head Coach of the Amerikick National Competition Team, where he now trains and inspires the next generation of martial arts champions.

Coach Vince is more than an accomplished martial artist—he's a leader, a mentor, and a driving force behind the growth of countless students. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, discipline, and hard work—and he's just getting started.

HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • 4th Degree Black Belt in Ed Parker Kenpo
  • 1st Degree Black Belt in Senshu Do Ryu
  • Head Coach, Amerikick National Competition Team
  • 4x NASKA World Champion
  • 4x WKA World Champion
  • Team USA Member – WKA

HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Brandon Roberts — Head Instructor

Brandon Roberts—known to students and families as Coach Brandon—is a passionate martial artist with over a decade of experience in Karate. Starting his journey at a young age, he quickly found his calling in the martial arts world and has spent more than half of his training years teaching and mentoring others.

Coach Brandon holds Black Belts in two separate Kenpo organizations, reflecting his deep knowledge, discipline, and respect for the art. In addition to traditional training, he specializes in Martial Arts Acrobatics (Tricking)—a high-energy blend of flips, kicks, and creative movement.

As a multiple-time national champion competitor, Coach Brandon continues to compete actively on the tournament circuit, aiming for even greater national and world titles. His dedication to growth, both personally and professionally, makes him a powerful role model for students.

Coach Brandon brings a contagious energy, technical expertise, and genuine care to every class. Whether he's training beginners or pushing advanced students toward their next big goal, his mission is simple: to help each student grow stronger, more confident, and ready to succeed—on and off the mat.

CREDENTIALS & HIGHLIGHTS

  • Black Belts in Two Kenpo Systems
  • Multiple-Time National Champion Competitor
  • Head of Amerikick Special Events/Activities
  • Martial Arts Tricking Champion
Coach Brandon Roberts, Head Instructor at Amerikick Pennington
Miss Courtney Underwood, Success Manager at Amerikick Pennington

SUCCESS MANAGER

Miss Courtney Underwood — Success Manager

If you've walked into Amerikick Pennington, you've met Miss Courtney. She's the first smile at the front desk and the person who makes sure your family feels at home from day one.

Courtney has lived in Hopewell for a long time, and she's spent 28 years in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, teaching and running programs in schools all across the district. There's a good chance she taught your kid, your neighbor's kid, or both. She holds a Master's in Education and Administration, so she knows how kids learn, how they grow, and what it takes to help them get there.

She also knows Amerikick from the parent side. Her son, Carter, is one of our high-ranking black belts and a national competitor, and she's watched firsthand what the mat has done for him over the years.

That's why she's here. Courtney wants every student at Amerikick Pennington to get the same experience Carter has had, and still has today. The same coaches who believe in them. The same family feel. The same chance to become someone they're proud of.

Got a question about classes, scheduling, or your kid's next step? Courtney's your person.

Sensei Carter Underwood, Instructor at Amerikick Pennington

INSTRUCTOR

Carter Underwood — Instructor

Sensei Carter Underwood is a black belt and member of the Amerikick National Team who brings high energy and genuine patience to every class he leads.

He works with students of every age and rank, from first-day Little Dragons to advanced belts preparing for their next test, and is known for making kids feel capable on day one.

Carter's focus is simple: build confidence through effort. He keeps classes fun and fast-moving while holding students to the standard that makes their progress real.

INSTRUCTOR

Andrew Nguyen-Lepczyk — Instructor

Andrew walked in here at five years old and never left. Today he's a 2nd Degree Black Belt.

Now look at what he's done with the rest of it. Full ride to Villanova, double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Humanities. And he's sung at Carnegie Hall, at the Vatican, and at Notre-Dame de Paris, including with the Grammy-nominated choir Voces8.

This is the part I want every parent to hear. The discipline he built on this mat is the same discipline that earned that scholarship and put him on those stages. It doesn't stay in the building. It follows your kid into the classroom and into whatever they pick up next.

Andrew lived it. Now he's the one teaching it.

Sensei Andrew Nguyen-Lepczyk, Instructor at Amerikick Pennington

THE AMERIKICK FAM

Meet Your Instructor Team

Sensei Vince Little

Sensei Vince Little

Owner

Sensei Brandon Roberts

Sensei Brandon Roberts

Head Instructor

Miss Courtney Underwood

Miss Courtney Underwood

Success Manager

Sensei Carter Underwood

Sensei Carter Underwood

Instructor

Sensei Andrew Nguyen-Lepczyk

Sensei Andrew Nguyen-Lepczyk

Instructor

RECOGNITION

Awards & Recognition

  • Best of Trentonian — Best Martial Arts School 2025 & 2026
  • 5.0 Star Rating on Google Reviews
  • Hundreds of Mercer County families served since 2017
  • Active member of the Amerikick national network