Dedication
During my career, I have learned a variety of martial ways from many talented people. I value each and every instructor who did me the honor of imparting their knowledge to me. But, as in life, some teachers stood out the most and made an indelible imprint in my life. These gentle men did not teach for prestige or for monetary gain. They taught for the sheer love of the martial arts. Their teachings transcended physical technique. Their lessons spoke to the human spirit and are forever etched in my mind.Although, due to geographical reasons, I may no longer formally train with these "men who came before" me, they will always remains my mentors, my trusted friends, and my honorable teachers. I dedicate my Dojo to these men for all the generous gifts they bestowed upon me.
Thomas Maloney: Godan / USA Goju
I was first introduced to Peter Urban's method in 1975 at the Relig Dojo in New Rochelle, NY by my sister, Jeanette. Although William Grady was my first instructor, I began my formal training under Sensei Maloney, for whom the Dojo was passed in 1983.
There were many lessons taught at that gymnasium, far too many to recollect, but one lesson will not be forgotten, the lesson of enduring friendship.
Sensei Maloney always reminded us that Karate was not for everyone. "People come and go through those Dojo doors. Some return, but few remain. Karate involves hard work and not everyone is up to the task" as he put it so many times. But, for the ones who endure, who make it to the Dan rank, all that hard work, all the blood, sweat, and tears bind us together. Something special is forged. We become a second family and those ties that bind us can never be broken. This lesson of friendship was and remains the most profound lesson I have ever learned. And it has been tested time and time again with positive results. I carry it with me wherever I go.
Carmen Vigliotti: Rokudan / Tracy's System of Kenpo
I first met Sifu Vigliotti as a "rookie" in the New Rochelle Police Department. He was a veteran police officer and an FBI trained Defensive Tactics and Firearms Instructor.I began training with him in 1992 and he graciously allowed me to assist him in instructing his students when he opened the American Dragon Kenpo Karate Dojo.
He also taught me many lessons. But the lesson that is foremost in my mind is the one of personal honor & courage. These virtues are central in anyones life, but especially of law enforcement personnel. Anyone can say they possess these virtues, but few are truly put to the test. A police officer is tested every day. The "job" has a way of presenting problems that need to be solved, and it is your responsibility to solve them. Some issues are clearly black and white, but most are in the "shades of gray" category. This makes it difficult to know the correct thing to do. Peers persuade you into doing what is generally accepted and not necessarily what is just. Sifu stressed to me to ALWAYS do the correct thing and have the courage and resolve to carry it out no matter what consequences arise. And even if we have not always done this, we must leave the past behind us and live as honorably as we can today.
Edward "Rudy" Duncan: Rokudan / Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu
I was introduced to Sigung Duncan in 1999 while training in Shaolin Kempo. I did not train under him, but a mutual respect developed between us.
In 2003, I was reintroduced to him by fellow police officer, Rick Williams, who studied directly under Sigung for many years. At the time, he was teaching Kempo to City of Syracuse's underprivileged inner city youth, free of charge. This school flourished and continued to this day because of his kindness, generosity, and selflessness.
Sigung is a professional educator. His teaching style is remarkable. He is a great communicator and has a special way of bringing out the best in his students, particularly children. He places no emphasis on idol worship, competitions, or championships. His emphasis is on the attainment of self-discipline, self-respect, & self-perfection. Only when these values are achieved, can a person be considered successful & contribute something positive to society. This attitude mirrors the philosophy of the great Gichin Funakoshi, another great educator, who is considered the Father of Modern Karate. Funakoshi was not the greatest martial artist of his time. But, he believed in the common decency and respect that one human being owed to another. This made him a Master of masters and in my opinion, Sigung Duncan is on that unique & unparalleled path as well.