My interest in the martial arts I credit to my uncle who was an avid collector of martial arts movies, documentaries and books. Despite his influence and suggestions to put me into a karate class as a child, my mother was adamant about wanting to put me in the “pink tutu” instead. Therefore, it wasn’t until I was twenty that I started my formal training in American Goju Karate and traded the tutu in for the “black karate gi”. I began my preliminary training in Long Island, NY under Renshi Chris Dammann, Renshi Mike O'Leary, Sensei Vinnie Marino and Kyoshi Joe Fable until I earned my first degree black belt in 2006. In the summer of 2006, following my black belt promotion, I began training part-time with Renshi Suggs. In 2007, I relocated to Westchester, NY to continue my training with him full-time. My training, as a martial artist, has become both a passion and way of life for me. It is an art that, over the years, has tested my very limits, both mentally and physically, inside and outside the dojo. These “tests” have proven to me that there is nothing that I can not survive or accomplish. It has taught me that life, like training, is “a work in progress.” It is the never ending quest for answers and truths, the constant battle to overcome every obstacle in your way. It is the journey that will bring you one step closer to understanding yourself and your chosen art.

TRAINING (consistently for 1 year or more) USA GoJu -  Renshi Chris Dammann, Renshi Mike O'Leary, Sensei Vinnie Marino, Kyoshi Joe Fable and Renshi Kevin Suggs

TRAINING (supplemental and seminars) Master Michael Campos (Zendokai Martial Arts), Renshi Chris Dammann (Bo Staff), Kyoshi Hector Rodriguez (Chinese Goju)

WEAPONS TRAINING
Bo Staff