INSTRUCTORS
Scott K. Fawcett (7th Degree Blackbelt) - Head Instructor
Scott studies Isshinryu Karate and Okinawan Kobudo under Sensei A.J. Advincula and is a member of Sensei Advincula's Isshinkai. In 2010, Scott was tested for and earned Renshi (instructor) Certification under Master Advincula. Scott has attended Sensei Advincula's annual Enbukai in Oceanside, California in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. Scott also had the privilege of traveling to Okinawa with Advincula Sensei, his wife Michie and a small group of students for 10-day cultural martial arts tours in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017. Scott holds the rank of Yondan in Ryukonkai Kobudo. He is also head of the NJ Branch Manager in Ryukonkai and is a certified Ryukonkai instructor.
Experience
1979-1981: Isshinryu Karate under Dale Jenkins at Jersey Judo Karate Academy
1989-2001: Isshinryu Karate under Joan Calvert at American Budo Kai
2001-2004: Jeet Kune Do, Sambo and Escrima under Frank Viggiano of Martial Arts Concepts
2005-present: student of Sensei Arcenio J. Advincula, a first-generation student of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku and creator of the original Isshinryu patch.
2009-present: student of Sensei Iha Kotaro and Sensei Iha Mitsutada in Ryukonkai kobudo
Kathy Fawcett (6th Degree Blackbelt) - Senior Instructor
Kathy was promoted to Shodan at our 2008 karate camp. In addition to helping run the dojo, Mrs. Fawcett is also a Senior Instructor in the dojo. In 2017, Kathy was tested for and earned Renshi (instructor) Certification under Master Advincula. Mrs. Fawcett visited Okinawa with Sensei Advincula and his wife Michie for 10-day cultural martial arts tours in 2008, 2011, 2016 & 2017. Kathy attended Sensei Advincula's annual Enbukai in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and is a member of Sensei Advincula’s Isshinkai. She is also a certified Women’s Self Defense instructor with the Fight Like A Girl (FLAG) program. Kathy was graded Sandan in RyuKonKai Kobudo by Iha Kotaro Sensei and Iha Mitsutada Sensei in May 2013
Erik Heller (6th Degree Blackbelt) - Senior Instructor
Erik was promoted to Shodan in December of 2008 and is a senior instructor at the dojo. Erik visited Okinawa with Sensei Advincula and his wife Michie for a 10-day cultural martial arts tour in 2011 and he attended Sensei Advincula's annual Enbukai in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2014. Erik is an affiliate member of Sensei Advincula’s Isshinkai. Erik was graded Sandan in RyuKonKai Kobudo by Iha Kotaro Sensei and Iha Mitsutada Sensei in May 2013. Erik has trained in martial arts for over 21 years and has been a police officer for over 23 years. He was promoted to the rank of Godan in December 2017. In spring of 2018, Erik was promoted to Harding Township Police Chief. Erik returned to Okinawa in 2018 with his son Walker, also a black belt, to compete in the first-ever World Karate Championships.
Lorena Verdun (4th Degree Blackbelt) - Senior Instructor
Lorena was promoted to Shodan in July 2010 and is now a Senior Instructor in the dojo. Lorena also has many years of experience in Goju-Ryu Karate where she holds the rank of Nidan. Lorena visited Okinawa with Sensei Advincula and his wife Michie for a 10-day cultural martial arts tour in 2011 and she attended Sensei Advincula's annual Enbukai in 2010 and 2014. Lorena was graded Nidan in Ryu Kon Kai Kobudo by Iha Kotaro Sensei and Iha Mitsutada Sensei in May 2013.
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Tammy York (4th Degree Blackbelt) - Senior Instructor
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Tammy began her karate training after watching her sons from the sidelines of the dojo. Her son's would later move on to other activities, but Tammy found she had a passion for training. Tammy began her adventure January 4, 2014. Tammy was promoted to Shodan on July 17, 2016 during karate camp. She traveled to Oceanside, California to train with Sensei Advincula in October 2017. She was promoted to Nidan on December 9, 2018 and became a lead instructor shortly after. Tammy will be traveling to Okinawa in August 2019 to continue her training in the home of Isshinryu.
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