Dr. Steve Gettinger
Shihan-Dai
Senior Advisor to Shihan Leung
Dr. Steve Gettinger began formal martial arts training in 1971 and later became a senior student of Master Miyazaki in the Tokutai dojo. He started during the "blood and guts" era, when Master Miyazaki turned out many great, spirited fighters. Dr Gettinger never stopped training and because of his dedication to the martial arts was awarded the Hall of Fame award by Master Miyazaki in 1981. After the retirement of Master Miyazaki, Dr. Gettinger began training at Shotojuku and is one of the most senior active adviser to Shihan Leung.
Dr. Gettinger believes that the unrelenting perfection of karate techniques teaches a person about life, increases their awareness, and enables them to move toward the perfection of character. This is the meaning of "Do", or "the way", of Karate-do. His desire is to foster awareness in students and the public that karate-do is a "way" to develop not only physical health and fighting ability, but spiritual well-being, and happiness.
Dr. Gettinger is a Chiropractor by profession but also well versed in the proper execution of karate techniques so as to avoid injury, allowing karate-ka to enjoy the benefits of training throughout life.
Lucy Lora
Shihan-dai
Senior Advisor to Shihan Leung
Ms. Lucy Lora originally started training in martial arts under Master Toyotaro Miyazaki of the renowned Tokutai Dojo in Flushing New York. She joined the Shotojuku dojo in Astoria New York in 1982 and became one of the highest ranking disciples of Shihan Kai Leung. Ms. Lora is an experienced martial artist and has achieved many awards including the 1987 most outstanding student of the year award presented by Master Toyotaro Miyazaki. She has trained and dedicated many years of service to our dojo and federation. She is the most loyal disciple and senior adviser to Shihan.
Ken Hadzovic
Shidoin
Instructor
Mr. Ken Hadzovic started martial arts training at eight years old with Shihan. Having been a dedicated student and loyal disciple for over twenty five years, he has achieved one of the highest ranks in our dojo. Mr. Hadzovic is not only an excellent martial artist but also a tournament champion. He has won many tournament competitions including the 1995 AAU Nationals and is known as an excellent tournament referee. He has developed into an excellent Instructor of martial arts and is the perfect role model for our members.
Bernard Clemons
Shidoin
Instructor
Mr. Bernard Clemons is an outstanding Karate and Kobudo practitioner. Not only is he a career martial artist, but is also one of the top weapon experts in the country. Mr. Clemons studied for many years, developed into an excellent instructor of the martial arts. He has also won many grand championships with his weapon katas. Having been a dedicated student and a loyal assistant to Shihan for many years, Mr. Clemons assist Shihan every day in running of the dojo and is also in charge of our Kobudo program.
James Luk
Shidoin
Instructor
Mr. James Luk started training with Shihan when he was 6 years old. Developing into an excellent technician, Mr. Luk became one of the top Kata competitors in the country. He has won many kata grand championships and national tournaments. Some of his wins include the AAU and USANKF National Championships. He specializes in kata and is an excellent instructor with many years of experience and assist Shihan in teaching some of our classes.
Safet Nikocevic
Shidoin
Instructor
Mr. Safet Nikocevic started Karate in Yugoslavia with the renowned Shotokan Master Vladimir Jorga. A former member of Yugoslavia's Junior Karate team, he represented his country in the European championships in Macedonia. He has dedicated many years to training and won many tournaments in Europe. Since moving to the USA, trained and became a student of Shihan. He specializes in European style training methods and assists Shihan in teaching some of our classes.
Elena Kaminskaia
Shidoin
Instructor
Ms. Elena Kaminskaia has been studying karate with Shihan since the early 1990's and is devoted to martial arts and fitness. She is one of Shihan's highest ranked women black belts and possesses a great deal of knowledge and skill. Ms. Kaminskaia never stopped learning and regularly attends seminars in martial arts, exercise and fitness. She is up to date with the latest training methods and assists Shihan with classes. Ms. Kaminskaia is on the Shotojuku panel of belt examiners. She has competed in many karate tournaments over the years and has won many awards.
Jaqueline Soto
Shidoin
Instructor
Ms. Jaqueline Soto since joining the Shotojuku dojo with her family, has dedicated many years of practice and developed into one of Shihan's most dedicated students and instructors. Because of her commitment to Shotojuku, she has received the most outstanding service award in recognition of her efforts in the years of 2005 and 2006. She is also on the Shotojuku panel of belt examiners. She has officiated and participated in many karate championships and has won many awards.
Edward Nieto
Shidoin
Instructor
Mr. Edward Nieto started martial arts with Shihan at the age of eight. Mr. Nieto is known as one of Shihan's top students and an excellent Instructor of martial arts. He is known as a tournament champion and his most recent accomplishments are a gold medal at the 2006 USANKF Junior Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2006 AAU Nationals. Besides helping Shihan everyday with the running of the Dojo, he is also the captain of our competition team.