We are a family-oriented dojo (school) and believe in elevating the success of the community through the study of martial arts. We firmly believe that the study of martial arts develops human potential, fosters focus, boosts confidence, and enhances self-esteem. Whether an individual seeks to learn self-defense, or simply wishes to embark on a personal journey of growth, our dojo provides a supportive environment for all.
What We Teach
East Coast Black Belt Academy teaches authentic Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate. This is practical, effective self-defense system that everyday people just like you can use to defend themselves from the dangers and violence of the real world. We also teach traditional Japanese Judo, Traditional Japanese Sword (Iaido) and offer a variety of specialty workshops and programs.
PAL R.E.A.C.H. Program
In 2003, I was asked to create a program called R.E.A.C.H., Respect, Education, and Always Climb Higher. It is an anti-bullying and anti-gang program sponsored by the Suffolk County Police Athletic League to help support schoolchildren in dealing with these serious issues. It has received national recognition, and in 2012, I was awarded the National PAL Mentoring Award. At the present time, I am the only official martial arts instructor for the Police Athletic League of Suffolk County. Our R.E.A.C.H. program continues to make an impact and has been held in seventeen school districts throughout Suffolk County, reaching thousands of students and teaching them about the numerous and varied benefits of the martial arts.
Women’s Self Defense
We offer Women’s Self Defense and safety seminars. These Seminars are typically held at our school, however from time-to-time we also hold them at different locations in the community. Seminars are generally free to the public, and are offered for all females from early teens to middle aged adults.
Special Needs
Special Needs
At East Coast Black Belt Academy, we strive to make our classes accessible to all who want to study. This includes students with special needs. If a student is capable of participating in our regular classes, they will. If not, we are always willing to make special accommodations. Throughout the years we have worked with students with all levels of ability. Depending on the degree and type of challenges the student faces, we will develop a specific training program geared to their individual abilities and goals.
Additional Offerings
In addition to our normal classes, we are available for a variety of special workshops and seminars including bully prevention/stranger danger for young children, corporate safety seminars for the workplace, self defense seminars for law enforcement, as well as motivational speaking for corporations, school districts and other organizations.
About Our School
East Coast Black Belt Academy/The Budokan is a state-of-the-art, 3,300-square-foot martial arts training center located in Middle Island. Our facility is immaculately maintained, fully matted to ensure a safe training environment, and fully air-conditioned to provide optimal comfort during workouts. There is also ample free parking for your convenience.
History of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate
Matsubayashi Ryu is a style of Shorin Ryu Karate created by Shoshin Nagamine in 1947. Two of the instructors most influential in Nagamine Sensei’s life were Motobu Sensei and Kyan Sensei. Owing their knowledge to two of Okinawa’s greatest masters, Sokon Matsumura and Kosaku Matsumura, the Grand Master took the name Matsubayashi to honor these men and to ensure that thier names would always remain in the minds of all karateka.
Although O’Sensei opened his first dojo in 1947 the dojo was unable to withstand the devastated state that the country was in. After a few years as a Police Superintendent, in 1953 Nagamine Sensei left the police department to fulfill his dream of running a full time karate dojo. The dojo, named Kodokan Karate-do and Kobujutsu Dojo opened in January of 1953 and taught the style of Shorin Ryu created by the Grand Master; Matsubayashi. Throughout the ensuing years, Matsubayashi became one of the 4 dominant styles of Shorin Ryu taught in Okinawa and around the world. In 1977 O’Sensei created the World Matsubayashi Karate-do Association which at the time of his passing in 1997 was noted to have over 10,000 practicing students in countries throughout the world.
Matsubayashi Ryu is characterized by natural stances that are grounded yet mobile, and uses natural body mechanics for stance transitions and kata movements. The body is relaxed for energy flow and speed, yet at the point of contact becomes very focused and powerful. It places strong emphasis on the 18 included kata of the curriculum as well as the 7 Yakusoku Kumite, or pre-arranged fighting drills, which teach timing and position. Unique to this style is Zen meditation which the Grand Master included in every class because at the core of his philosophy was always the elevation of the human spirit and the development of each participants’ potential through the practice of karate. Sensei’s dojo remained in Naha in its original location regularly holding training sessions until December of 2013 when its last class was held. It was torn down in June of 2020 leaving a great gap in the history of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate-do.
- Shorin Ryu Karate Do International is one of the major international organizations whose focus is Matsubayashi ryu and was founded by Jerry Figgiani Sensei in 2009 at the request of his Sensei, Joseph Carbonara who had a close relationship with the Grand Master. Figgiani Sensei comes from a strong lineage of Shorin Ryu practitioners who have followed in footsteps of Shoshin Nagamine.
- Sensei Figgiani is the fourth instructor in direct lineage to the Grand Master; O’Sensei then Soke Takayoshi Nagamine then Carbonara Sensei the Figgiani Sensei. Owing much to the instruction of these karateka, Sensei Figgiani has developed a unique way of bringing kata to life, decoding the applications hidden inside the kata movements.
- East Coast Black Belt Academy, the Budokan has been in its present location since 1990, elevating the success of the community through the study of martial arts.
Call us at (631) 924-2900 or Click the “Get Started Now” button below for more info.
