The Instructor
Seventh degree black belt, Sensei Jerry Figgiani, 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.

Koryu Uchinadi kenpo-jutsu