The Don Nagle AOKA Inc. Isshinryu Karate School, located at 764 Broadway, was victorious in the BKG Open Karate Championships, held by Grandmaster Isaac Henry, 10th Dan, at Brookdale Community College. The school is represented by Grandmaster Edward McGrath, and is under the direction of Hanshi Ralph D. Passero, Ninth Dan Isshinryu, and Master Sensei George Wanko, Eighth Dan.
Allysia Guzman, a 12 year old first time competitor, fought and eliminated all opponents in her division of female teens in free style fighting. She has been training less than three months, and was awarded the rank of yellow belt.
Christopher Mundell, a 12 year old active student of the school who holds the rank of first degree black belt, again eliminated all opponents with his traditional method of fighting, utilizing the Isshinryu back hand strike. He trains daily, and is a dedicated black belt. Mundell was awarded first place in this division of junior black belts after eliminating all opponents.
The Don Nagle AOKA Inc. Isshinryu Karate School has all certified instructors, who originate from this school as beginners. Sempai Shihan Frank Casavecchia, Seventh Dan, is the head instructor. His staff includes Sensei Jeff Sterling, Sensei Dr. John Franconeri, and Sensei Mauro Iasparri. All instructors have the rank of sensei, which is given when one earns the privilege of being certified as a teacher.
For information for a free demonstration or lessons, call (201) 436-5330.