Instructors

John E. Hughes
Hachi Dan (8th Degree)

Kyoshi John E. Hughes has been studying Isshin-ryu Karate since 1973. On March 1, 2008 Master William H. Duessel, 9th Degree Black Belt, with whom he has been studying since 1985, promoted him to 8th Degree Black Belt. He is one of 8 people who have earned this rank from the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA).  He currently is a Senior Adjunct Professor of English at Warren County Community College.

He has been inducted into the Don Nagle’s American Okinawan Karate Association, International Association of Martial Arts and World Karate Union Halls of Fame. He is a retired teacher at Hackettstown High School and is a certified athletic trainer.   His Favorite quotation  is by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles)    “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Black Belt Instructors

 Roku Dan (6th Degree)

• Ted Stolte  started training in 1969 with my uncle, Mike Wadiak (4^th Dan – Isshin-ryu Karate) and earned his Roku Dan in July 2008.  He is recently retired from Exxon Mobil after 26 years of service.  A Favorite memory is when he was eleven he met Don Nagle, Jim Chapman and Gary Alexander.  Later that evening he watched Master Nagle and his uncle spar each other at the Jersey City dojo on Mercer Street.  His Favorite training element is one step drills.  His Favorite technique is lead left hand backfist, followed with a right leg front snap kick, followed by a right hand vertical punch.  His Favorite Quote – “The best defense is a good offense.” Don Nagle
• Jeff Matusewicz started training April of 1984, earning his Sho Dan  July of 1989 and his Roku Dan July 2008.  He currently works for JCP&L. (more to come)
• Scott Miller started training June of 1988, earning her Sho Dan in 1992 and his Roku Dan in 2008. He is an Asst. FB & E manager for Picatinny Arsenal, being  responsible for operating 6 facilities at the base.  His Favorite memory is November 1997 when I surprisingly received my 3rd degree black belt.  It was during a camp at Kyoshi’s and all the higher ranks at that time Sue Wyss, John Ginder, Jeff  Matusewicz had me running around doing chores like moving wood and rocks that were all over the ground at the outdoor training center, setting up lunch and tables. At the end of the day when promotions were being awarded, I was surprised they called me because I fulfilled the assessments of Kata, Kumite, Kobudo and understanding needed to achieve that rank.  His Favorite training element is applications for both kata and kumite. It’s one thing to know the moves but applying them is another when faced with an aggressor.  His Favorite technique  is the mixed back kick and side blade. I love using this kick because I can strike with it from either left or right side. I often score most of my points with this kick and I find it great to use especially against a very aggressive attacker.  His Favorite Quote  “Prepare for the worst & hope for the best” Jackie Chan

Go Dan (5th Degree)

• Linda Hughes started training in June of 1982, earning her Sho Dan in 1986 and her Go Dan in 2008. Her fondest memories involve travelling to Okinawa, Japan with an amazing group of friends, experiencing the culture and training at the headquarters dojo.  Her favorite training involve “The Ahha” moments when a student finally gets the true application or understanding of a technique.  Her favorite quotes are “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where you go . . . ” Dr Seuss  “Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”  Christopher Robin to Pooh  “good enough seldom is.  Don’t settle for mediocrity.”  Renshi Hughes
• Adam Masur started training October of 1985, earning his Sho Dan in July of 1993 and his Go Dan in July of 2008. He is a Senior Marketing Vice President for the Tutor.com, living in New York City he commutes to the Hackettstown dojo regularly. (more to come)
• Andrew Srsich started training October of 1987, earning his Sho Dan in July of 1999 and his Go Dan in July of 2008. He works for the Howmet Corporation.   A Favorite memory occurred while training with Kyoshi doing basics (even before having my uniform) when he hit me to demonstrate how the punch worked and even twenty minutes later I still saw fire flies .   His Favorite training element is  practicing basics daily . . . striving to perfect form and technique
• Cassandra Brown started training June of 1992 as a junior in high school, earning her Sho Dan June of 1998 and her Go Dan in August 2010.  I am an art teacher in Morristown for k – 5 students.  The most memorable experiences are like the question of “what is your favorite color?” to an artist, when there is such a vast array of incredible colors.  Karate has been a part of my life for so long, that I cannot even imagine life without karate.  The people I have met through the years have made such an impact on my life, and I will forever be grateful for the positive influence that Isshin-ryu has had for me.   I remember the days of coming sporadically through my college years while juggling work and sports – each time I came in I met by Sensei Hughes with a big smile.  I would bow my head and sheepishly admit that I did not remember much.  He would not laugh or scold me, but would simply get me out on the dojo floor and encourage me.  That is one of the main reasons that I am still involved.  I remember the first black belt/weekend training camp at the Hughes’ House – seeing Scott Miller, big tough guy, not looking so tough anymore after two strenuous days!  I remember the constant encouraging words from Jeff Matusewicz – a friend who will do absolutely anything for you, a huge heart – “one heart way” fits for him.  He has been a constant, a consistent friend in a tumultuous life.  Mrs. Hughes has always treated me with such respect and has always made me feel that I was better than I thought.  My favorite drills involves doing multiple kick techniques and any type of training that gets the heart pumping and sweat flowing.  My favorite quotes  “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”  - Dr. Seuss and  “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.”  Salvador Dali 

Yon Dan (4th Degree)

• Thomas Ammermann started training at our dojo March of 2005, coming from another Isshin-ryu dojo and earned his Yon Dan July 2008. (more coming soon)
• Joseph Marotta started training January 1990 earning his Sho Dan November 1997 and his Yon Dan April 2011.  Growing up, I was always the smaller kid on the playground and was picked on often.  My parents found the Isshin-Ryu School of Karate and enrolled me in some classes.  From that point, I was hooked, which led to my passion for not only the martial arts, but also physical fitness.   His Favorite Technique is the Back Hook Kick.   His Favorite Training Element is Kotekitae (Arm Conditioning) and push-ups.  His Favorite Quote  “The mind is the limit.  As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger  Favorite Memories-  Experiencing Okinawa and Tokyo with an awesome group of close friends was an experience of a lifetime.  Training in Isshin-Ryu for so many years, I imagined what Okinawa would be like.  Seeing and training in the dojo with Master Kichiro Shimabuku, visiting Master Tatsuo Shimabuku’s grave site, the many adventures at the Pachinko Parlors, climbing never-ending mountains and eating (or at least trying) exotic foods are memories that will last forever.  2- Receiving my Black Belt, knowing that I accomplished something some so meaningful.  The first time I stood with the other Black Belts, I felt like I was truly a part of something. 3- Raising the Japanese Arch within the Karate Camp in 2011.  It complements the Karate Camp we have all known and been to for so many years. 
• Ed Grace  started training February 1990 earning his Ni Dan May of 1997.  Because of illness he needed to take time off from the dojo but returned in November of 2003, earning his Yon Dan July 2011.  He currently works for the Postal Service (more coming soon)

San Dan (3rd Degree)

• Jeff Adler  started training December of 1994 after watching my kids take karate for a few years, earning his Sho Dan January 1999.  He took a short break during 2002 to concentrate on family and business development, returning to the dojo October 2010 and earned is San Dan July 2011.  Currently he is owner and President of small to medium size construction company working on many large commercial projects.  The most notable project is the new Met Life Stadium.  His Favorite Memory is standing with the other 563 competitors and spectators watching and listening to my daughter, Jennifer, sing the National Anthem at the 1999 Isshin-ryu World Karate Championships in McAfee, NJ.  I hope to continue to be involved with karate for many years to come as I believe it to be a fun and functional way to remain active and fit, for I believe it is better to burn out than  to rust away.  His Favorite Technique  I enjoy all aspects of training and realize the more I learn about karate, the less I know. I find the use of pressure points and the attack on multiple points along the same meridians to be quite fascinating.  His Favorite Quote  ” Fighting is not good, someone always get hurt, but if must fight . . . .WIN. Miyagi in “Karate Kid”.

Ni Dan (2nd Degree)

•  Natalie Montone trained at another Isshin-ryu dojo for thirteen years, starting in 1987 as a child.  She joined our dojo in 2005 earning her Sho Dan August 2007 and her Ni Dan February 2009.   Her Favorite Memory is taking a trip to Okinawa, Japan to train with Master Shimabuku. It was exciting to see the castles and climbing a mountain where I was able to see the rice fields on the land on Okinawa, as well as seeing many other points of interest.  Her Favorite Technique is to use is a squat kick into a spinning back kick.  Her Favorite Quote “All dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”  Walt Disney  “Tell me and I forget. Show me and I may remember.  Involve me, and I will understand.” Confucius
• Frank Henderson started his Isshin-ryu training at the age of 8 in 1973 at the dojo in Kenville where he trained for two years.  He joined our dojo during October of 2003 and earned his Sho Dan July 9, 2005 and his Ni Dan in 2009.  He works for the Tewksbury School District.  His favorite memory centers on the adventures to Okinawa and Japan with fellow students from our dojo.  He especially remembers the GPS taking us off course and up a one-lane road with numerous holes and no guardrail.  The story of the Shinsensikana Shrine is one for the books.  His favorite training element centers on bo techniques and kata practice.  His Favorite quote comes at the end of the newsletter story of November 2009,  “You Reap What You Sow”, “God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.   When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.  Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He’ll catch you when you fall, or He’ll teach you how to fly!” 
• Ryan Ammermann  started training at our dojo as a brown belf from another Isshin-ryu dojo and earned his Ni Dan August 2010.  He is studying Forensic Science at Bloomsburg University.  (more coming soon)
• Roger Pollina started karate training in October of 2005, earning his Sho Dan June of 2009 and his Ni Dan in July of 2011.  I am an independent software consultant.  My karate journey started with me bringing my young son and daughter to the dojo around 1990.  I remember watching the training sessions with the other parents and thinking what they were doing was really “cool”.  I remember saying to myself at the time I wish I had done this when I was young, but I guess I’m too old.  This went on for years.  One day at the tender age of 52, I approached Sensei Hughes and asked what he thought about me trying this.  Of course he was enthusiast and told me it doesn’t matter when you start there is still a lot to be gained by participating.   He explained that students train at different levels all based on individual capabilities.  The first few sessions were a struggle.  I thought there was no way I could remember the art of karate.   I observed the more advanced students and instructors intently.  I did a lot more listening than talking.  As time went on I began to appreciate and really enjoyed each training session.  His Memorable experience I remember is about my testing for Sho Dan is was when Jeff Mastusewicz said to us, after a night of training, absolutely no sleep, 4 degree weather at 5AM or,  “We (the black belt instructors) only here for one reason that we are here. That’s YOU, so enjoy the experience I was about to undertake.”  I was too exhausted to remember much else.  I really enjoy watching new students rise through the ranks and eventually stand on the same side of the dojo as me as we Bow-in and Bow-out.  One of the most interesting things about martial arts training is I still continue to learn why I do certain moves.  His Favorite technique is one of the self-defense drills where I slide to the left or right of my opponent, place my leg directly behind the opponent’s leg while grabbing their collar or hair and delivering a palm strike under the chin taking them down over my leg and finishing with an elbow strike to the head.   My favorite quote is “Don’t beat yourself up; we’ll do that for you”.  It applied when I first started and still today.
• Don Dixon (coming soon)

Sho Dan (1st Degree)

• Brandon Folkes started training March 2002 and earned his Sho Dan July 2008.  Currently, he attends the University of Minnesota where he is the Band Drum Major.  A Favorite Memory  other than receiving my Sho Dan I have enjoyed the times spent around the camp fire in the summer reflecting on what being a part of this longstanding tradition truly means and how fortunate I am for the opportunity to learn from these great individuals.  His Favorite Technique  is the jump kick and trying to find new ways to use it.  My favorite training element is climbing over the old horizontal bar nailed high up between two trees in the woods behind Kyoshi Hughes’ house.  His Favorite Quote   “Don’t beat yourself up; we’ll do it for you”.  Kyoshi
• Kelvin Lee has been studying Isshin-ryu Karate since September of 2002 and earned his Sho Dan February 2009.  I am currently an engineering student at NJIT.  His Favorite Memories are the day camps that took place at Kyoshi’s house.  His Favorite Techniques are found within kata is seisan; I view it as the most simplistic and useful kata.  His Favorite Quote “Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.”  Bruce Lee
• Lee Gugler studied at the Isshin Ryu School of Karate for several months as a precocious 8 year old.  He then returned, for several years, during high school with a more serious attitude and attained a junior orange belt.  After a brief absence of fifteen years, he started training October 2007, earning his Sho Dan June 2010.  He works for MEI Maintenance.  His Favorite Memory  – - -  His Favorite Technique the pivot neck strike, kick, combinations in Kusanku Kata.  His Favorite Quote “He is able who thinks he is able.” Buddha
• Anthony Curcuruto works in the sales field for Automatic Data Processing. I started training with Kyoshi Hughes late in the year of 2002. I continued for about 12 months, but I lacked focus at that time in my life. I returned to the dojo in February of 2008 and I committed to make Isshin-ryu a much bigger part of my life, earning my Sho Dan July 2011.  My Favorite Memory, though we have had many great times, will always cause me  think back to the experience testing for Sho-Dan.  Training with a Bo is definitely my favorite thing to do amongst Isshin-Ryu techniques, with Tokumine No Kun being my favorite kata. Working one-on-one with a partner, whether doing drills, or in a teacher-student capacity is the most valuable part of training. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of our dojo, with such friendly people to train with.   My Favorite quote:  “If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.”  Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905 – 1971)
• Joseph Reinbold started training February 2004 and earned his Sho Dan July 2011. He is  currently a freshman at SUNY Maritime College.  His Favorite Memory be my black belt test because it challenged me physically, mentally, and spiritually and showed me how much I am motivated to improve myself both inside and outside of the dojo.  His Favorite Techniques are to focus on agility and perfection by practicing self-defense drills

Inactive Black Belt-but welcomed back . . .

• Andrea (Hughes) Aten
• Stephanie Ayres
• Thomas Bober
• Edward Chervenak
• Maria Chervenak
• Jeff Copen
• Todd Copen
• Gordon Corter
• Bernice Craft
• John Douma
• John Ferrara
• Linda Frone
• John Ginder
• Lori Healy
• Thomas Healy
• Michael Hernon
• Matt Hirsch
• Ray Hirsch
• Samantha Hoagland
• David Hoffman
• Douglas Hooper
• William Hunt
• Robert Kusma
• Alan Loret
• John McGinley
• Shaheeda Miles
• Melissa Moore Kirk
• Sue Moore
• Keith O’Hara
• Steven O’Hara
• Brian Pulver
• Jason Reinbold
• Roberto Reyes
• William Sergent
• David Stuber
• David Tharp
• William Wander
• Steven Widmaier
• Frank Wolf
• Suzanne Wyss