Our Instructors

Master Jerry Figgiani  (right)  has been training in the martial arts since 1977. He is a well-rounded martial artist who holds rank in multiple systems which include Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu, Judo, Moo Duk Kwan, and Kenpo Karate. 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.

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.

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 2004, 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
- Greg Silva-Kenpo Karate

Sensei Figgiani also belongs to the following organizations:

- International RyuKyu Karate Research Society
- All Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Association
- Life Member U.S. Shorin Ryu Federation
- International Kodokan Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Life Member United States Judo Association
- U.S. Traditional Kodokan Judo Association
- United States Martial Arts Federation
- United States Ju-Jitsu Federation

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.

Master Tony Aloe (left) began his training in the martial arts in 1970. Throughout the last 34 years he has achieved the rank of 4th degree Black Belt in Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu, 1st Degree Black Belt in Jujitsu, Shodan in Kendo, and 6th Degree Black Belt (Kyoshi) in Kenpo Karate.

Master Aloe has trained and studied with some of the world's most accomplished martial arts masters including Master Takayoshi Nagamine (Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu), Master Dan Hill and Professor Wally Jay (Jujitsu), Master Tony Diaz (Go Shin-Ryu), Master Greg Silva (Kenpo), Master Joyce SantaMaria (Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu) and Professors Remy Presas and Dan Inosanto (Modern Arnis). In addition to his study in the various forms of traditional Karate and Bujitsu, Master Aloe has also studied the Chinese internal arts such as Chi Mind Control with Sifu Mike Dayton, Tai Chi and Spring Forest Qi Gong with Sifu Mark Chen and Dr. Keith Jefferys, and Spring Forest Qi Gong with Master Chunyi-Lin. He was also privileged to participate in a demonstration ceremony in Naha, Okinawa in honor of Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine.

In 1993, Master Aloe and his partner Kyoshi Jerry Figgiani, collaborated to create the Double Dragon Kenpo system of karate. Drawing on their combined 50 plus years of experience and training, Double Dragon Kenpo provides an eclectic approach to training which effectively unites body, mind and spirit into a practical, effective and unique system of martial arts. In 1984 Kyoshi Tony Aloe was honored with inclusion in the Who's Who in American Martial Arts and in 1996 was honored with an induction into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame for Outstanding Martial Arts Instructor of the year.

Dedication to community service has always been one of Master Tony Aloe’s personal commitments. Throughout his career, numerous foundations and local as well as national organizations have recognized him with awards for his leadership in this regard. Both print as well as broadcast media has carried accounts of his contributions to both the local as well as martial arts communities.

During 2004, Double Dragon Kenpo was introduced into the curriculum of Longwood High School as a unique and distinctive approach to the improvement of academic achievement through the study of martial arts. In partnership with the Suffolk County Police Athletic League, the R.E.A.C.H. program’s focus on character education, leadership skills and non-violent conflict resolution help the students learn to feel confident and effective in their academic pursuits while developing a greater sense of self-esteem and personal worth.

Elevating the success of our community through the study and practice of martial arts, has always been, and continues to be a cornerstone of Kyoshi Tony Aloe’s philosophy of a martial arts education.

Recently, Master Aloe was inducted into the International Budo Magazine Hall of Fame for his contributions to the martial arts.

The East Coast Black Belt Academy

East Coast Black Belt Academy has been offering instruction and training in Karate since 1989. Located in Middle Island, NY, East Coast Black Belt Academy has produced champions in life as well as in the martial arts.

Headed by Master Jerry Figgiani and Master Tony Aloe (6th Degree Kyoshi) and a staff of expert instructors and managers, East Coast Black Belt Academy offers a number of programs for physical fitness and instruction in Karate.