Jerry Figgiani, a 9th-degree black belt, is the Founder and President of Shorin Ryu Karatedo International (SRKDI) and the East Coast Black Belt Academy (The Budokan). With over four decades of martial arts experience, he is one of the most respected figures in traditional Okinawan karate.
Sensei Figgiani has dedicated his life to training, teaching, and preserving the Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu tradition. In 2024, he was promoted to 9th-degree black belt in Okinawa by Tamaki Takeshi Sensei, the most senior practitioner from the original Nagamine Dojo in Naha, Okinawa. This honor solidifies his direct lineage to Grandmaster Shoshin Nagamine, the founder of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu, making him the highest-ranking Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu instructor outside of Okinawa through Kokusai Shogen Ryu Karate Do Kyokai. In 2025, East Coast Black Belt Academy celebrates its 35th anniversary, marking over three decades of commitment to traditional martial arts training, personal development, and community engagement. Known as “The Budokan,” the dojo has become a cornerstone of the Longwood community, instilling the values of discipline, respect, and decision-making in students of all ages.
Sensei Figgiani has shared his martial arts expertise across the United States, Europe, and Okinawa, conducting seminars that bring kata to life by emphasizing its function and application. He has been a featured instructor in Masters Magazine, where he has authored hundreds of articles over the past decade. He is also a published author of From the Minds of the Masters and The Difference (co-authored with Chris Vaccaro). His work explores the principles of karate and its impact beyond the dojo.
A former nationally ranked competitor, Sensei Figgiani won numerous tournaments from 1988 to 1996. In 1995, he was rated the #1 fighter by the Professional Karate League (PKL) and was inducted into the PKL Hall of Fame in 1996. As a coach, his students have competed at regional, national, and international levels, earning top rankings. In 2012, he was named Coach of the Year by the New York Traditional Karate League.
Beyond competition, Sensei Figgiani has used martial arts as a tool for personal growth and social change. In 2003, he co-founded R.E.A.C.H. (Respect, Education, and Always Climb Higher) with the Police Athletic League, helping at-risk youth develop leadership skills and nonviolent conflict resolution strategies. This program has expanded across multiple school districts and received national recognition. To further support youth development, Sensei Figgiani created the Mental Martial Arts Program, which teaches decision-making, resilience, and strategies to handle bullying and peer pressure. His commitment to the community earned him the National PAL Mentoring Service Award and an induction into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. As the Official Karate Instructor for the Suffolk County Police Athletic League, Sensei Figgiani continues to inspire students from diverse backgrounds, including those overcoming life-altering injuries.
As he leads Shorin Ryu Karate Do International into the future, Sensei Figgiani remains committed to expanding the reach of traditional Okinawan karate. Through innovative programs, coaching, and mentorship, he continues to bridge tradition with modern applications, ensuring that martial arts remain a transformative force in people’s lives.
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