I was born on Nov. 17, 1972 in Norwalk, CT; at the age of 5 my mother seen that I was fascinated w/ The Bruce Lee movies, and decided to enroll me in a Judo class at the local YMCA under Jonathon Patrick, however, I had quit training after about 6 months because it wasnt quite what I saw Bruce Lee doing.
About 8 years of age I began training in The ITF (Chang Hon) style of TKD under Master Art St. Armand at The New Cannan, Ct. YMCA.
My familly then moved to Fl when I was about 12 years old, and began training in Tang Soo Do with Jae Joon Kim, & Saul M. Kim, eventually earning my 3rd Dan from them on Oct.19,1998, and my 4th Dan from The Korea TSD Moo Duk Kwan Society on 12-10-00.
When I was 16 years old, I began training in Boxing under Coach David Baldwin; at the Dade City Boxing Gym. Within our stable of fighters, we had Arturo "Artie" Huffman, the 2x 112lb national champion; Jeremy Burcoff, the Super Heavyweight Champion of FL; & Terry Marbra, The National Heavyweight Champion. Artie was so good, he even went on to the US Olympic trials, where he fought Tim Austin. While he fought at 112 Lbs, he hit like a heavyweight, and when he hit you with a body shot, you knew it. He was truly world class! I trained with them till I was 21.
Back when I was 18 years old, I began training in the Kyokushin off shoot of Sentoshinkai Bujutsu, under Saiko Shihan Charlie Friscia, eventually earning my Go Dan from him. This is where my fighting was refined, and learned Jissen Kumite, or real fighting.
My introduction to Goju Ryu was an informal one, me and a friend began exchanging info about each others arts in the late 80's. At first, I hated Goju, coming from an external style, but as soon as I seen an instructor demonstrating some bunkai, I loved it! It was in 1992 that I formally began training in Goju Ryu, at a Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyokai Dojo, where I was promoted to Ik Kyu. I then moved to Clearwater, and began training w/ Carl Stone in both Goju Ryu and Shotokan, and was promoted to Sho Dan in 1994 by him, finally after training for 15 years. At the same time, I began training in Okinawa Goju Ryu under both John Yacalis & Tony Madamba Sensei's, later Mike Han Sensei also of the IOGKF. I trained with them from 1993-1996 , though was never graded by the IOGKF. In 1996, I started training & teaching for James Sisco Sensei, and was promoted by him, and Herbie Thompson Sensei up to San Dan in Nisei Goju Ryu. I then joined the Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyokai again in 1999 & recieved my San Dan from The Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyokai, under Motoo Yamakura, as well as recieving Kancho-Chief Instructor certification from them. In 2000 I joined The Okinawa Goju Ryu Seibukai, and was promoted by Nakasone Kinei to Yon Dan thru The Seibukai. I stayed w/ the Seibukai till early 2004, at which point in time I decided the Seibukai was not for me, & gave my resignation.
Also in 1997 I began training in Iai/Batto Do, and was promoted to Sho Dan in Batto Do Ryu Sei Ken by Shihan Carl McClafferty in 2000.
In 2003 I met my friend, Antonio Bustillo, who was a former branch chief, under Joko Ninomiya's Enshin Karate, and also author of Steady Training, he introduced me to Ninomiya's Sabaki Waza; & that single meeting lead me to much research within the system. Thank you Antonio, for opening my eyes to new ways of movement, and sharing with us your knowledge.
Soon after, I began training with a friend of mine, in Wing Chun Gung Fu. I trained with him till I moved to Brooksville, and continue my Wing Chun trainng by visiting other schools, and at seminars, etc.
From October 7-19, 2004, I traveled to Naha City Okinawa, where I trained Kobudo with Nakamoto Masahiro Sensei, & Goju Ryu there also with Hichiya Yoshio Sensei and Shinzo Chinen. The Okinawan people are so nice, they are some of the most peaceful, & friendly people I've met, and look forward to my return .
In 2007, I met and began training with Tim Shiomi Sensei, the United States Dojo director of the Toyama Ryu Iaido Kai; and was promoted by Morioki Sensei, Kaicho of the Toyama Ryu Iaido Kai to the rank of Sho Dan in April, 2007.
In 2011, I was recognized as Shihan, and Kaiso/founder of Seishinkan Karate-Budo, and also Kaicho of the Okinawa Seishinkan Taisetsu-Ha Goju Ryu Karate/Kobudo Kai. Also in 2011, I recieved my Reiki Shihan Menjo, reiki is part of the Seishinkan Karate-Budo system, as we believe the way of Bu, and healing are one in the same.
I did operate a small private Dojo, located in Brooksville, FL: The Seishinkan. Where we trained Traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Do, Okinawa Dento Kobudo, Wing Chun Gung Fu, and Toyama Ryu Iaido. However, due to some personal issues, I no longer have a physical Dojo, but, am willing to share my knowledge with whoever has an open heart/mind. If you would like to find out about training with me, please feel free in contacting me. Email Me Home
