Master Brian Fitzgerald conducted a seminar at the main dojo on Sunday, May 24, 2009. Master Fitzgerald, currently the Police Chief for Branchburg Township, began training in Isshinryu in 1970 with Frank Brita a second-generation student of Nagle. In 1974 he began training with Master Nagle at the Central Ave. dojo. Sensei Brita and Master Ungie Uezu signed his Ni Dan Certificate. His Third Dan through Eighth Dan certificates were awarded by Master Nagle and most recently his Ninth Dan was awarded by Hanshi Ed McGrath .
Master Fitzgerald covered many topics in the two hour seminar, including:
- Master Nagle’s approach to fighting and matching
- Master Nagle’s unique way of kicking
- How and why Master Nagle used his guard and hands
- The advantage to angles in fighting
- Nagle’s original 11 upper body basics and 5 kicks
- How Master Nagle developed hand speed
- General questions from the group regarding my experience and training with him
