Through the years Professor Cerio had continued his studies with Master Ed Parker and was awarded his Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in 1969. This rank was sanctioned by the International Kenpo Karate Association. It was also sanctioned by the American Karate Association, which listed both Master Parker and Master Lieb among the Directors.

It was at this time that Professor Cerio centered his training with Master Yamashita. It was though him that Professor Cerio learned his skills in Okinawan techniques and weapons. Master Yamashita awarded Professor Cerio his Yondan (4th degree black belt) in 1970. In 1973 while at a seminar with Master Yamashita and Master Lieb, Professor Cerio was surprise tested for his Godan (5th degree black belt). Given in September 1973, this rank was sanctioned by the Midwest Karate Federation.

The next instructor for Professor Cerio was met in a local Chinese restaurant after training and teaching was done one day. Master Gan Fong Chin, a Sil Lum Kung Fu practitioner is the man who awarded Professor Cerio his Hachidan (8th degree black belt) in August 1973. It was at this time that Master Chin also awarded Professor Cerio with the title of Sifu (teacher), the first of only three such titles Master Chin ever presented. This is when Professor Cerio started wearing the white and red colored belt he was often seen in.

Finally in 1974 Professor Cerio named his new system Nick Cerio's Kenpo. Master Ed Parker had continually been advising and coaching Professor Cerio on the methodology of creating and organizing his own system as Professor Chow had recommended years before. Professor Cerio's system, based on Chinese, Okinowan, Japanese and Korean arts, would continually evolve through modifications and improvements throughout his lifetime.

In March of 1983 Master Parker awarded Professor Cerio his Kudan (9th degree black belt) in Kenpo. At this time Professor Cerio also was presented the title of Shihan. Professor Cerio had not learned the entire curriculum of American Kenpo so this rank was awarded simply for Kenpo and not in the American Kenpo of Master Parker.

On April 22, 1989 the Kokonryu Bujutsu Renmei Association, personified by Professor Thomas H. Burdine, presented Professor Cerio with the title of Professor. Later that same year on September 23rd Professor Burdine, representing the World Soke Council, presented Professor Cerio with the title of Kaichi Yudansha Shihan. This in effect placed Professor Cerio in the elite company of those "Above Ranking". Upon reviewing Professor Cerio's ability, knowledge and credentials, the World Soke Council found him worthy of being considered ranked beyond the Dan ranking system. This certification also gave Professor Cerio the authority to continue his system ranking himself at whatever rank he deemed appropriate, using whatever ranking system also deemed appropriate by himself. Going back to his roots in Kenpo, and based on the traditional 10 Dan Kenpo ranking system, Professor Cerio presented himself the title of Jundan (10th degree black belt) in Nick Cerio's Kenpo. In July 1997, Inside Kung Fu Magazine printed an article on the career of Professor Cerio that details the many celebrities and prominent martial artists that Professor Cerio has worked with throughout his life.

October 7, 1998 Professor Cerio passed away in his home territory of New England. His contributions to the martial arts world through his art and his students still affect the world. Professor Cerio awarded the founder of United Studios of Self Defense, Charles Mattera, his Hachidan. This was to be the highest rank Professor Cerio ever promoted anyone to. Nick Cerio's Kenpo schools, which had numbered close to 70 while Professor Cerio was in charge, quickly diminished to less than one dozen upon his death. This decline can be attributed to political in fighting among the senior ranking members of the organization. Professor Cerio was one of those rare people destined to effect change in the world on a truly grand scale. Being the person he was Professor Cerio lived up to his destiny and the ripples of his existence will reverberate for quite a long time.