SAMURAI JU JITSU HOMBU DOJO EARLY SEVENTIES

Sundays at the SAMURAI JU JITSU HOMBU DOJO was rough to say the least. No nonsense training Samurai Ju Jitsu is a hard core ju jitsu style founded be Pete Siringano I. In the forefront of the photo I am getting ready to be thrown by one of my dojo brothers.

One day at these classes, the grand master ask for a volunteer. I was the first to get up. He turn and said "No Ro, I want you to see this one". I said, I would like to feel it before I see it. No soon as my mouth uttered that last word of that statement, I felt my body levitating towards the wall. Lighting speed I did not see where his hand came from but felt his fingers disappearing in my chest cavity. It was a spear hand.

In the photo's background you can see Grand Master Siringano (gray sideburns) on the mat giving Sensei Vince Patalano (center) pointers on the techniques. Click on photo to enlarge it.

Don't Forget the BENEFIT MEMORIAL FOR MUHAMMAD SALAHUDDEEN AND THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STREETS. Sunday, JANUARY 27, 2008 3:00 pm until

MUHAMMAD SALAHUDDEEN 1930 - 2007 CELEBRATING HIS LIFE * BENEFIT MEMORIAL* SATURDAY JANUARY 27.2008

Muhammad Salahuddeen (1930 - 2007) was the founder of the UNIVERSITY of the STREETS. A place where youth of the community would come to learn basic electricity, plumbing, and carpentry to prepare themselves to go into construction or other fields. Most of the students in the program also received their High School Diplomas. The university offers classes in music in the form of vocal workshops, musical instrument instruction, music theory, art, jam sessions and of course martial arts.
I am very proud to say that Muhammad was one of my teachers of life and Islam. Happy to be here since the begining, I've seen the growth of many people , myself included, at the university. Muhammad's dedication to the University of the Streets was evidence of the institution's relationship with the community. I am happy to continue the legacy here at the U.O.T.S. and its open door policy. The Nisei Goju Hombu Dojo heads their martial arts department offering classes in Tai Chi Chuan Yang Style,Tai Chi Sword, Nisei Go Ju Karate, Ju Jit su, and Nisei Arnis Jitsu. We continue with our duty to the University of the Streets.

*On Saturday January 27, 2008, The University of the Streets and I invite you to a Benefit Memorial for Muhammad and University of the Streets. It's going to be a blast. Starting at 3pm- until with musical selections by performing artists from all over. Great food, drinks, and music will be served, AWESOME. I'll be one of the hosts of the event. I hope you can make it. Help us continue keeping the legacy of Muhammad's Dream, THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STREETS ALIVE.

Muhammad Salahuddeen will be missed by the many lives that he has touched.

REST EASY MUHAMMAD,
YOUR DREAMS LIVES ON!!!!!!!!!!


*Click on image to enlarge it.

RENSHI FOOKES'S STUDENTS VICTORIOUS

Renshi Kevin Fookes's student did their jobs as Nisei men. Milton Pinto Jr. and Dennis Carrier are in picture with their trophies. Milton took first place in kata and kumite. Dennis took second in both kata and kumite. Renshi Fookes is very proud of his student, as he should be. I am very proud of the work Kevin is doing for NISE GOJU, Keep up the good work Kevin. Here at the hombu dojo, we have seen many of the video you posted on you tube. Thank you for your work.
Milton and Dennis, your guys keep pushing on.
I am told about your workouts and hearing good things about you guys. Like I said, Keep on Trucking. Looking forward to hearing more about your development. Peace to all. Congratulations on your Victories. You make Nisei Goju proud.

Sifu Celso Davila and Sifu-Guro Edwin Pagan

Here Sifu-Guru Edwin Pagan and one of his teachers. Sifu Davila was Edwin Pagan"s teacher in Puerto Rico. Edwin spoke very highly of Sifu Davila and his training methods.

Edwin Pagan was a creature that absorbed martial knowledge like a sponge. He got the opportunity of sharing his knowledge about his arts with me. I really enjoyed working out with Sifu-Guru Pagan. Pagan was a good training partner. He was one of my first stick fighting teachers. Edwin Pagan's hero was Bruce Lee. He always aspired to Lee's Ideals. He looked up to Gm Richard Bustillo, Sifu Celso Davila and Sifu Efrain Seda. These were the teachers that showed him the ropes. His students were fortunate to have him as a teacher. It's a shame he left this life at such a young age.

Always the character, Edwin would always find things to laugh about. This was part of his make up. Very pleasant to be around, he had a way of making people feel welcomed. He had a charismatic personality that drew people in like a magnet. Many people wish they had this trait. Peace to all.

KYOSHI FRANK POGLIANI - BREAKER OF BREAKERS

Kyoshi Frank Pogliani is a Sichi Dan (7th Degree Black Belt) in the NISEI GOJU FAMILY. He trained with the late GM Peter Urban Founder: USA GOJU and Gm. Frank Ruiz Founder: NISEI GOJU. Master Pogliani was known for his expertise, Tamashiwari: the art of breaking. He performed some awesome breaks. I remember seeing him break 5 or 6 hugh marble slabs, a beautiful break as the slabs went through the floor of the gym. Kyoshi Pogliani and his lady Libby live in the Hudson Valley in upstate New York. About a month ago Hanshi Steven L, Malanoski, Sensei Luis Antonio Mercado and I went to visit the Kyoshi at his barnhouse. His barn house had a dojo witha body building equiment area, horses, chickens, and deers that would come around to eat the apples off the trees. Kyoshi is a avid hunter. In his house his has the trophies of the hunt on his wall. Pretty far out. It reminded my of the most dangerous game, a movie about a hunter eho hunted humans. There were boar heads and deer heads mounted on wooden plaques.

It was great exchanging knowledge, we learned three bo katas from G.M. Malanoski (he knows his stuff). The form came from the ARAKAKI FAMILY KOBUDO SYSTEM. Malanoski learned a sword form from YANG STLYE OF TAI CHI CHAUN. It was a great weekend for all of us. We enjoyed the country air, tranquility, and the martail knowledge. It was nice to be able to see the stars you can't see in the city. We hope to return sometime before the year is out or in the spring. Thanks Kyoshi Pogliani for sharing your world with us.

SENSEI RON BRIE AT THE IMB ACADEMY OF ORLANDO

Doing the two man set we call the humanized makiwara. Some of the Okinawan systems call these exercises arm pounding. In the photo Sensei Ron Brie (Yon Dan Renshi) practices the set using a Phoenix Fist (one knuckle punch) and simultaneous open hand parry with a a seminar buddy. These exercises are done in stationary postures, as well as, moving forward and back. After this was done, it would be done walking the Pa Kwa Circle. Sensei Brie trained with other teachers and never once did he remove his NISEI patch from his chest. Thank You Sensei Brie. Loyalty to a system and/or its grand master is very important for a martial art system's growth, knowing well that the student's development is of paramount importance.

SIFU - GURU EDWIN PAGAN'S ORLANDO IMB ACADEMY

I used to give seminars at Edwin Pagan's IMB Academy of Orlando. I did a few seminars in the art of NISEI ARNIS JITSU at the IMB Academy and was received with great respect.

In front of the portrait of Lee Jun Fan (Bruce Lee's chinese name) are Sifu Efrain "Quico" Seda, Sifu-Guru Edwin Pagan and myself.

After doing a empty hand part of the seminar at the IMB in Orlando, I was approached by Sifu Efrian Seda. He said the exercises we were doing he learned at the Shaolin Temple in San Francisco. I later found out he spent ten years at the temple as a monk. After hounding the monks at the temple for a couple of weeks he was allowed to become a member of the temple. He worked at the temple for a year before he was taught any martial arts. Before he left the temple he was tested by a council of 12 monks(elders). That must have been tough.

SIFU-GURO EDWIN PAGAN 1959 - 2001 REMEMBERED

Edwin Pagan is the founder of the TODO EXTREME MARTIAL ART SYSTEM as well as a former member of the IMB (International Martial Arts and Boxing) ACADAMIES under the directorship of Black Belt Hall of Famer, Grand Master Richard Bustillo (Chairman: Jeet Kune Do Society) from Carson, California. Training over 27 years Sifu-Guru Pagan became a leading authority of Jeet Kune Do's second generation. He also trained with Sifu Celso Davila and Sifu Efrain "Quico" Seda. His life was that of a man who was dedicated to the development of his mind and body. In great shape for his martial arts pratice, Sifu-Guro Pagan was determined to start his own style. On my advice, he started forming his own martial art system, TODO EXTREMO, consisting of long, mid, and short fighting range methods.

Edwin is also my cousin on my mother side. As a young kid, he would always say, I want to do the martial arts like you. There was no stopping him. Soon, he found himself practicing the arts of war that we cherish. Edwin was my closest cousin. He also taught me some of the skills he learned from his mentor and teacher GM Richard Bustillo and some of his other teachers. Sifu-Guro Pagan will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him. Palante mi querido primo en la gloria. Rest In Peace.

HAPPY HOLLOWEEN / V for VENDETTA

Halloween Night , I was V from the movie "V for Vendetta". A very powerful movie about the United Kingdom's future totalitrian Government and its downfall.

A great movie, I recommend you see it (I saw it three times). Good fight scenes and the dialog was eloquent. V carries with a set of knifes, which he throw with deadly accuracy and his emty hands skills are great. The eloquence in which V speaks has a flowing beauty that only the most strong and sensitive poet can utter.

JULIAN SUMMERHILL AND HIS LADY MARGO

Last weekend, I was visited by my black belt from California, Julian Summerhill and his lady Margo. Being that they lives in the San Francisco area, I rarely get a chance to see them. We had a wonderful dinner at, probably, the classiest resturant in Chinatown, the PEKING DUCK HOUSE. The duck was succulent and the company was great.

In the photo with me are Margo, Jullian Summerhill and Steve Malonoski.

We spoke about the possiblity of their returning to NEW YORK. Well, Julian and Margo, We look forward to your return to NYC and the Dojo. We miss you guys.

FATHER OF AMERICAN KENPO- GRAND MASTER ED PARKER

This photo was sent to me by Sensei Kevin Fookes who spent some time in Ed Parker's Kenpo system and is a ranking black belt in that style. Grand Master Frank Ruiz spoke very highly of GM Parker. Meeting this legend of the martial arts was a pleasure to say the lease.

In the photo (left to Right)are:

Sensei Kevin Fookes, Sifu Pat Yax, Grand Master Ed Parker and and Sifu Tom Elmore

Kevin Studied Kenpo with Sifus Pat Yax and Tom Elmore.

KEVIN FOOKES- YOKO TOBE GERI (FLYING SIDE KICK).

This is Sensei Kevin Fookes, Renshi, doing a flying side kick, back in his younger days.

A true son of NISEI GOJU, Kevin, after the death of Grand Master Ruiz, he called and pledged loyalty to the NISEI SYSTEM and its new grand master. Thank you Kevin!!!!

Others who trained with Hanshi Frank Ruiz, also pledged to do the same,but fell very short of doing anything that even resembled loyal acts. A few of those people either went to new organizations or started their own version of the goju style. There are those who say Goju Ryu, but when you see them work, do you see goju. I don't think so. You know who you are.

We wish these instructors the very best in martial arts.

FLORIDA TOURNAMENT-DOCTOR TARTAKOW'S KATA

This photo I found of Doctor Dennis Tartakow doing kata at Rex Lee's Tournament. Grand Master Ruiz lived with Dennis for a couple of years before he found his own his own place. We thank Dennis for his service to the Grand Master

and THE NISEI GOJU FAMILY.

Dennis and his wife Tammy live in sunny California. We wish them the very best.

In the back ground judging are Manny Saavedra, G.M. Frank Ruiz (in Ref Shirt) and Alex Saavedra.

NISEI GOJU TOURNAMENT CIRCA 1971

During the early seventies, GM. Harry Rosenstein (then, future Founder: Kan Zen Goju), sponsered the first of the NISEI tournaments helded at the Regina Center in Brooklyn, New York. This is a group picture of the Nisei Family of that era..

First Row kneeling (left to right):
unknown, Tony Catapano, Louis Jackson, Micheal Di Ramundo, James "Baby Doll" Berry, Rory Calhound, Chester Nathan Cattouse, Raymond Nunez, Marty Manuel.

Second Row (on one knee): Sidney Abraham (behind Jackson), Jose Orjeda, Moses Boone, Kenny Feeman ( behind Manuel)

Third Row (standing): Charles Furillo, Rupert O' Brian,Wilfredo Roldan (present head of NISEI), Frank Fair, Ronald M. Taganashi (then, future Founder: American-Te), Herbie Thompson, Crystal, Earl Monroe, Chaka Zulu (then, future Founder: ZuJitsu Ryu), Joseph Artesi, Irwin Margo (Magician).

Fourth Row (standing head shots): Rudy Winkflied, Tommy Graham, Dan Sullivan, Joe Richardson, Harry Rosenstein, Frank Ruiz (sorry he was looking away), Jerry Gardner.

GOSHINDO KEMPO / SAMURAI JIU JITSU HOMBU DOJ0 70'S

In the early seventies, every Sunday, I used to go to train with the Founder of the Goshindo Kempo Karate & Samurai Jiu Jitsu Association, Grand Master Pete Siringano (1928-1994). A long way to travel to learn some really good stuff. Continuing in his father's traditions is Grand Master Pete Siringano II.

I give thanks for the experiences I have had in the Hombu dojo of the Samurai Jiu Jitsu System. I don't remember the ones in the photo, but that's me in the forefront and dead center. The work outs were ferocious and real to life. I learned a lot from one of the founding fathers of east coast martial arts. GM Frank Ruiz and GM Pete Siringano were known as the Damon and Pythias of the martial arts world. GM. Pete Siringano I turned over his systems to his son, my brother in arms and my good friend Pete Siringano II. Keep kicking it Pete!

FLORIDA TOURNEY-WE'RE LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

Getting ready to leave for Florida are Duncan Munro (United Kingdom), Ron Brie (USA), Mark Brodsky the limo driver and myself (in shorts).

Duncan Munro, former V.P. for Pepsi Cola, runs the Fuller Brewry in England. He is also my representative in the U. K.

Ron Brie is a Junior Renshi in the NISEI SYSTEM and a Long Term Care Specialist (ronaldbrie@msn.com).

Mark Brodsky the driver, was a member of the dojo during that time. He ran a few flower shops , was an excellent florist and student of NISEI GOJU.

I had a great time with Ron and Duncan while visiting Grand Master Ruiz at his home and at the tournament.

LEE'S TOURNAMENT- RENSHI LEMUS

It was great being able to hang with the grand master at the tournament. Sensei Daniel Lemus and unknown person here being advised by Hanshi F. Ruiz. Sensei Lemus is a Senior Renshi in the Nisei System. Sensei Lemus is one of black belts of NISEI that return into the true fold of NISEI.

The NISEI family is begining to see an international resurgence with the reestablishment of Dojos in the Virgin Island of St Croix under Sensei Joshua Espinal and our first dojo in India with Sensei Sreenivasulu Konda of Hyderabad.

We're looking for a few good instructor who care about true standards as a united system of martial arts. If anyone is interested in reaffiliating with our martial family, call me anytime at 212 674 6477.

THIS MEANS YOU!!!!!

LEE TOURNEY- LOS TRES CABALLEROS

With me are my good friends Steven Malanoski (Shobudo GoJu Jitsu) and Manny Saavedra (Sansei Goju Ryu). My two martial art bothers in arms are knowledgable in the martial arts. I have great respect for these men of combat. They have shown me alots of stuff in and out of the martial arts.

Malanoski know his weapons and taught me some new stuff. You all know how I like to get new martial information for the data bank. We had a wonderful time at the tournament.

GROUP PHOTO AT REX LEE'S TOURNAMENT 1992

Front Row (left to right):

Bill Wendell , Ron Brie, Louis Jackson, G.M. F. Ruiz, Manny Saavedra (behind Ruiz), Hanshi Harry Rosenstein, W. Roldan (on one knee), Doctor Dennis Tartakow (on floor)

Second Row (standing):

Louis Fernandez, unknown, Daniel Lemus, unknown, Larry Mabson (behind Jackson), Ulysses "POP" Wynn,

S. Rosenstein, Ivan Lewis

Back Row:

Kevin Fookes, Doctor Andrew "The Butcher" Levy, Ref John Walcott

Ref shirts from Frank Ruiz's Martial Arts Congress. It was nice to see all these people together at the tournament. If you recognized the unknowns please let me know

SENSEI BRUCE RUBIN 1947-2003 REMEMBERED

Bruce Rubin was an teacher for the New York City Department of Education, a photographer, master diver (search and rescue), and a SanDan (3rd degree black belt) in the NISEI GOJU SYSTEM.

Bruce was a man of stature. One of the fearless men that traveled all over the world for real knowledge of the places one only dreams about. I could only name few of the place he has visited. Places like Africa, the Middle East, China, and I think Tibet, all sounded fascinating. The momentos his came back home with were totally awesome. One of my favorites was a monkey or human skull with silver and jewels that were inlayed. Some fine work of Art.
He was a great teacher of children, who also taught me some stuff about education. We lost Bruce in 2003. He is survived by his Wife Sondra and daugthers Jennifer and Lily. Here he is with some of his students (Lily is in his right arm) in the old Brewster Dojo of Nick Spennicchia.
We will all miss this gentle giant .

ME AND MY SHADOW, OOPS, MY RENSHI

In front of the pictures of the masters, Sensei Mercado and I were having a Good ole time at the NISEI GOJU HOMBU DOJO.

With me for over 25 years, Luis Mercado is a fourth Dan Renshi in our martial family. One of the few people I trust. Always a realist to the ways of of NISEI GOJU (Practical Application) and an a herbalist, we thank him for his remedies.

Martial Arts Insider- Tales from the Road Page 1

This is a story that appeared in the magazine MARTIAL ARTS INSIDER- MAY/JUNE 2002.

I was talking to Shihan Carlos Velez, who is a martial arts journalist. He told me that it was about time for me to write about my martial arts exploits.

Thinking of what he said, I remember F. Ruiz, reiterating that at my level of training, "The pen is mightier that the sword". P. G. Urban also told me the same thing in his own word as follows "Publish or perish".

My student and friend Duncan Munro flew me out to the capital of Russia. Thanks Duncan, you will never be forgotton. Allow me to take you on this trip to the former Soviet Union. Read and enjoyed my writings. Please click on images on the left to enlarge.

Martial Arts Insider- Tales from the Road Page 2

Martial Art Insider- Tales from the Road page 3

ROLDAN AND MALANOSKI WITH HANSHI RUIZ

This photo was taken at a tournament honoring Grand Master F. Ruiz. I had the honor and the privilage wheeling F. Ruiz around that day. I took care of my teacher that weekend and accompanied him all over the place.
Lots of Nisei people and well as other martial artists were in attendance. Rex Lee (Lee Jitsu Ryu) hosted the event and it was a success. In the picture with me are F. Ruiz and S.L. Malanoski (Shobudo "The origenal" GoJu Jitsu). It was a pleasure to be with the grand master that weekend. We spoke alot about the future of NISEI GOJU and the direction he wanted it to go. In the Florida area F. Ruiz trained a lot of masters in their own right. Some of these masters have started their own Styles. GM. Ruiz taught martial artist from all styles. He turned non fighters into fighters and non martial artist in martial artist of the highest order. He was a great motivator. My best wishes to those that are no longer part of the NISEI FAMILY.

BODHIDHARMA - Warrior Prince of India

This is an image of Bodhidharma, who was credited for bringing Chan (Zen) Buddhism and the martial Arts from India to the Shaolin Temple in China. It is said, that he taught the "Eighteen Hands of the Lohan", Origrnal Chi Kung Exercise. Chi (KI in Japanese) means Energy and Kung means Development. Ergo chi kung means Energy development.
Sanchin Kata is one of the Chi kung exercises taught in the Nisei Goju System.
Sanchin means Three Battles or spirits and it is done with the dynamic tensioning of the muscular anatomy. Having its own internal mantra this kata unifies mind, body, and spirit with the proper breathing technique. Shime are the skills used to test the person practicing the dynamic tension exercise.

SENSEI KONDA NISEI GOJU IN INDIA (Where It All Began)

This is Sensei Sreenivasulu Konda, who is my chief representative in India. He is a San Dan (3rd degree Black Belt)
in the Nisei Family. He lives in the city of Hyderabad, India with his wife Swapna and daugther Laximiamshitha. After communcating with konda, he traveled to the World Head Quarters of the of NISEI GOJU SYSTEM to train.

We are all looking forward to seeing Konda at our family gathering of warriors. I will finally get to meet his family
of which, I only saw pictures.

We all wish Konda and his Family the very best as he grows strong in the NISEI GOJU FAMILY.

It's great to have him with us. Coming from the land of BodhiDarma(Tamo in Chinese, Daruma in Japanese), the holy man who is said to have brought Chan Budhism and martial arts to china from India, where it all began. We have come full circle

Black Belt Magazine Cover Nov 1969

Louis Delgado was an icon of the Nisei System. Here, he is on the cover of Black Belt Nov. 69. Having a martial artist of east coast origin on the cover of Black Belt was a rare occurrence back in the day. We were all proud of him as he represented Nisei Goju. I used to watch in awe, as he worked out. Proficient kata man, he was hell of a fighter. He fought all the champions of his day. He even beat Chuck Norris, the lone wolf.

Delgado was one of my martial arts heroes, as well as, the hero many other children who practised martial arts.

Being on the mat with him was fun and educational. A Martial arts legend, I appreciated his advise as a younger brother in the arts. WE WILL MISS HIM. R.I.P

SEMINAR AT SENSEI DANIEL LEMUS'S DOJO

This photo was taken after I did a seminar at Sensei Daniel Lemus's Dojo at a recreation center. Sensei Lemus is one of my chiefs in the Florida and my senior renshi. I really had a wonderful time with children of his dojo. After the workout I took photos with the children and it was great. The children really enjoyed the after seminar activities. The children are our future, so teach them well.

Sensei Lemus has been with the Nisei Family for a long time. He has established Nisei Dojos for over twenty five years. Some are still in the same locations. You all know how rare that is. We are very happy to have back in the fold of the NISEI FAMILY.

Keep up the good work Sensei Lemus. I look forward to doing another seminar at his dojo.

ROLDAN, LEMUS, AND MALANOSKI AT THE NISEI GOJU HOMBU

Who we have here with me are Sensei Daniel Lemus (Senior Renshi Nisei Goju) and Grand Master Steven Leroy Malanoski (Founder: Shobudo "the Original" GoJu Jitsu) on the day Malonoski's had a seminar at the Hombu Dojo of the NISEI GOJU MARTIAL ARTS. The seminar was attended by high ranking member of the goju community in the U.S and abroad.

It was a pleasure to have these men in my dojo.

Grand Master Peter Urban would always say "Give us this day, our daily work". If I may be bold to add to that statement, without daily work there is no daily bread.

In every martail artist's life, there is always room for more knowledge and growth. When a martial artist stop learning, that the end of their martial evolution.

SENSEI DANIEL LEMUS AND HANSHI MALANOSKI

Who we have are Sensei Lemus (Nisei Go Ju) and Hanshi Malanoski (Shobudo Go Ju Jitsu-Founder). April 2006 at the hombu dojo of NISEI GOJU MARTIAL ARTS. The event was a seminar with Grand Master Manaloski, which was attended by high ranking goju black belts from the in the U.S. and abroad. The seminar cover practical application of Kata Empi Ha. A very good seminar. During the seminar Sensei Lemus pull a hamstring muscle. I hope it healed. Back to work everyone.

Official Karate Magazine Year Book Cover 1974

I was fortunate to be able train with some of the founding fathers of the American Martial Arts Movement. Here I am on the Cover of Official Karate Magazine YearBook 1974. I thank my teachers for the lessons they taught me. I could not have made it without them.

My first teacher was Sensei Owen Watson, who introduced me to Grand Master Frank Ruiz(Nisei Goju founder), when I was a green belt. Grand Master Ruiz would send me later to train with Grand Master Peter Urban (USA Goju founder) and then to Grand Master Peter Siringano (founder: Samurai Ju jitsu/Goshin Do Kempo Karate). Later on, I was granted permission to trained with Florendo Ma Calruz Visiacion (Founder of the Vee Arnis Jitsu Systems).

Nisei Goju Chest--What Does It Represent

This is the chest patch of the Nisei GoJu Ryu practitioner. It was design by Carlos Serrano and approved by Grand Master Ruiz, Nisei GoJu Ryu's founder. What the Nisei emblem (chest patch) represents. White represents the purity of the cause. Red represent the blood that is shed in combat. Black represents the fraternal order of Black Belts. The five rays of the Sun represents the five steps of life in the martial arts. White Belt- Life of Humility, Green Belt - Life of Labor, Purple Belt -Life of Service, Brown Belt - Life of Prayer and Gratitude, Black Belt - Life of Meditation

All Choked Up

This photo was taken by Joe Griffin for Official Karate Magazine cover. Don't remember the exact year it was published. I do remember that it took a whole roll of film (32 Pics) and the photographer urging Grand Master Frank Ruiz to make a mean face. I quess you can say I was all choked up.

WILFREDO ROLDAN, HANSHI NISEI GOJU SYSTEMS

Hello everyone, this is my first posting. Please visit niseinyc.com for more information on Nisei Goju. In the Nisei System we do karate, ju jitsu, arnis, and kobudo(weapons), Tai Chi Chuan and the Tai Chi Sword.

Nisei Goju was founded in 1969 by Frank Ruiz and Harry Rosenstein (founder: Kan Zen Goju Ryu). Come back and see us, to see any future postings on the nisei goju system.

Here, I am in front of the Battle of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which incidently is use as the emblem for the NISEI GOJU SYSTEM.

I remember Grand Master Ruiz receiving a Japanese battle flag from Paul Honda (original owner of Honda Martial Arts Supply), who said "you put this flag on the karate map, you did us proud". Please Click on any image to enlarge.