 About
The Founder
Seventh degree black belt,
Sensei Jerry Figgiani, has been training in the martial arts
since 1977. He is the co-owner of
East Coast Black Belt Academy
which has been established in the Middle Island community of New
York for the past 19 years and was voted the No. 1 Dojo by the
Long Island Press. In November of 2009, Sensei Figgiani founded
the Shorin Ryu Karatedo International which promotes the study
of Okinawan karate.
Sensei Figgiani feels one of his
greatest achievements was being promoted to Yudansha in Koryu
Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu in 2009 under the direction of Hanshi
Patrick McCarthy, President of the International Ryukyu Karate
Research Society. The I.R.K.R.S. recognizes Sensei Figgiani as
an accredited branch dojo owner which authorizes him to teach
Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu. On June 6, 2009, Sensei Figgiani was
promoted to 7th dan by the All Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu
Association under the direction of Hanshi Joseph Carbonara.
Sensei Figgiani has trained with Grandmaster Shoshin
Nagamine and in 1991 was a participant in the demonstration
ceremony for his 85th birthday and the 55th anniversary of
Nagamine Dojo. At that time he traveled with his Sensei, Joseph
Carbonara, who was a world delegate for the World Matsubayashi
Karate Federation.
In 2009, Sensei Figgiani brought a
group of instructors and students from East Coast Black Belt
Academy to Tokyo, Japan and Okinawa. The purpose of this trip
was to provide an opportunity to study the culture, history, and
tradition of the martial arts. Because of Sensei Figgiani’s
background in Judo and his membership in the Kodokan Institute
located in Tokyo, Japan, his students were able to attend
training at the Kodokan as well. Sensei Figgiani and his
students traveled to Okinawa, where he was invited by
Grandmaster Kensie Taba, 10th dan, to be part of the World
Championship Ceremonies. Grandmaster Taba also provided special
training during the course of Sensei Figgiani’s stay in Okinawa.
 As a nationally rated forms and fighting champion, Sensei
Jerry has won tournaments across the country from 1988 to 1996.
In 1995, he was rated the number one fighter by the Professional
Karate League (P.K.L.). He was also inducted into the P.K.L.
Hall of Fame for the Competitor of the Year in 1996. That same
year, he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame
for outstanding martial arts instruction.
In 2009 and
2010, Sensei Figgiani was published in Masters Magazine
interviewing Hanshi Patrick McCarthy of the International RyuKyu
Karate Research Society. Sensei Figgiani has made many
television and newspaper appearances. As well as appearing on
T.L.C. the Learning Channel, he has appeared on News 12, UPN 9,
Fox 5, Channel 55, and the Jerry Lewis Telethon. In addition, he
was a featured guest on “Focus on Our Children”, QPTV, Jamaica,
New York. The New York Times and Newsday have both written
articles regarding his success in the martial arts.
Sensei Figgiani has also been recognized for his community
service in the following organizations: Long Island Blood
Services, Adopt-a-Family through Newsday, Suffolk County Police
Department Safety Award, Toys for Tots, Cystic Fibrosis,
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boy Scouts of America, Girl
Scouts of America, and the Town of Brookhaven. His goal is to
elevate the success of the community through the study of
martial arts by giving back to the community.
 In 2003,
Sensei Figgiani teamed up with the Assistant Principal of
Longwood High School, Chuck Morea, to develop a program which
would improve academic achievement though the study of martial
arts. Along with his partner Tony Aloe, Sensei Figgiani
developed the R.E.A.C.H. Program (Respect Education and Always
Climb Higher). This program is funded by the P.A.L. (Police
Athletic League). Through this program, Sensei Figgiani teaches
character education, leadership skills and non-violent conflict
resolution to the students at Longwood High School in Suffolk
County, New York. His rapport with the students has enabled this
program to reach the level of success it currently has. Due to
the success of this program, it has now expanded into eight
different school districts throughout Suffolk County. The
R.E.A.C.H. Program was publicly recognized on national and local
television as well as the news media and local radio. Federal,
State, and local politicians have been giving this program great
reviews and look to continue funding this program.
Sensei
Figgiani has trained and studied with some of the top
instructors in the martial arts which include:
- Hanshi
Patrick McCarthy-Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu
- Takayoshi
Nagamine-Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu
- Joe Carbonara-Matsubayashi
Shorin-Ryu
- Terry Maccarone-Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu
-
Ernie Ferrara-Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu
- Frank Grant-
Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu
- Kensei Taba-Shogen-Ryu
- Joe
Turchiano-Judo
- Richard Chun-Moo Duk Kwan
Sensei
Figgiani also belongs to the following organizations:
-
Shorin Ryu Karatedo International, President
- International
RyuKyu Karate Research Society
- All Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu
Association
- International Kodokan Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Life Member United States Judo Association
Sensei
Figgiani is the technical advisor and a member of the Executive
Board of Directors for the Japan Shotokan Karate Association-Pan
Am. He is also the technical director for the Okinawan Karatedo
International Union of Karatedo Organization. Sensei Figgiani is
also a graduate of the Long Island University Karate Instructor
Certification Program which was headed by Professor Milorad V.
Stricevic, M.D.
 I would like to congratulate my student Jerry
Figgiani for establishing Shorin Ryu Karatedo International.
Sensei Figgiani is a senior member of my group and has been
loyal and dedicated in his efforts to bring Shorin Ryu
practitioners together. I have known Sensei Figgiani since 1985
and have always appreciated his kindness and friendship as well
as his commitment to the spirit of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu. I
wish him much success in this endeavor.
Hanshi Joseph Carbonara 9th Dan
Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu
 "I would
like to take this opportunity to congratulate my student,
Jerry Figgiani Sensei, on having established the Shorin Ryu
Karatedo International [国際小林流空手道会]. Figgiani
Sensei
holds a 7th Dan in Shorin Ryu, and Yudansha accreditation in
Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu under my direction, and I am honored
to be associated with a person of his standing. He's been
a member of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society
(IRKRS) since 2005, and officially represents our organization
in Long Island, New York. In a combined effort with the
Society, Figgiani Sensei is seeking to help Shorin Ryu stylists
to better understand the history and culture
of Okinawan karate, while preserving its heritage and saluting
its pioneers. Most importantly, he seeks to improve the
understanding of kata through the implementation of our KU-based
HAPV theory and two-person application practices. To
this end, Figgiani Sensei has my full support , and I look forward to
meeting and working with you all in the not too distant future”.
When I first heard about the
establishment of Shorin Ryu Karatedo International, I
was immediately interested. I was introduced to Figgiani
Sensei by Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, who told me he was
someone I should know. I was impressed by Figgiani
Sensei’s dedication to Shorin Ryu and his deep respect
for his instructors and their predecessors, as well as
traditions of the art. I quickly learned that this
respect was matched by the loyalty of his own black
belts and his peers. He possesses rare qualities of
great kindness and a sincere interest in Okinawan Karate
and those who practice it. It is a great privilege both
personally and professionally to know him, and I look
forward to the success and growth of the SRKDI.
|
Bradley Wells
Renshi 6th dan
Shin Gi
Tai Wisconsin
www.wellskarate-do.com |
 Jerry Figgiani,
I've known
you as a person and as an outstanding martial artist for
years. Yes, we are from the same style, Shorin-ryu, going
back to where I originally trained in Okinawa. I have
worked with your students over the years and as a
teacher and leader, I know others would be honored to
accompany your leadership. Your authenticity as a
martial artist and empathy for others make you a great
leader. I highly recommend this endeavor and wish you
continued success. You are the embodiment of this
quote:
“Dignity does not
consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them.”
Aristotle
Respectfully,
Joe Lewis
Former World Karate/Kickbox
Champion
United States Marine Corps
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