Jersey Journal - of teaching martial arts to local children

of teaching martial arts to local children
Thursday, September 27, 2007
like a circus performer.'" In addition to his circus-like feats, Nagle also challenged heavyweights and was even offered the opportunity to be Elvis Presley's bodyguard, though he declined. Making all of this even more impressive was Nagle's relatively small stature. "He was a bag of bones," Passero said.
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Passero, a Bayonne resident for 45 years who retired from professional fighting in 1987, is now focused on being an instructor. When asked what he likes most about running the school, he said his greatest benefit was teaching the children, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success personally and professionally. He pointed proudly to the photos of past students that line the walls. "There's a story on all of them," he said.

And he is clearly teaching his students well.

"I'm fighting five-year olds, and they're winning," he said with a smile.

One aspect of the AOKA that Passero is particularly proud of is that in order to teach at the school, you have to have been a student there, as well. "Everyone who teaches on this floor is homegrown," he said.

Passero's school offers co-ed classes for children and adults. The AOKA does not allow the breaking of bricks or boards for testing, wanting to protect the students' fingers. Not that the classes are for the faint of heart. "If you get hit, you get hit," Passero said. "This is as real as it gets."

Thanks for your support of the 2007 Don Nagle Tournament

October 1, 2007

Dear Friends,

This past September marked a milestone in Martial Arts History. The Don Nagle American Okinawan Karate Association, (AOKA) Inc. celebrated 50 years of Isshinryu Karate. On September 21, 2007, the AOKA honored over two hundred martial arts practitioners. These karate-kas were inducted into the Hall of Fame, witnessed by over 350 guests and friends. The following day we had almost 700 attendees at the annual tournament. All this occurred as part of our celebration honoring the half-century mark of the Don Nagle AOKA, Inc.
The Executive Board of the AOKA extends our sincere thanks and appreciation to all the inductees and participants. We truly witnessed the best that the martial arts have to offer at these two events.
The Board operates under the direction of late Grandmaster Don Nagle’s chosen leader, Grandmaster, Edward F. McGrath, 10th Dan. Ralph D. Passero, 9th Dan, President, and Dr. Michael A. Wanko, 8th Dan, CEO. However, the outstanding services rendered by all the Black Belts at the tournament must not go overlooked. Everyone present extended themselves to make the tournament run smoothly. Special thanks to Shihan Rick Norris and Shihan Dennis Hoare who made the tournament run seamlessly.




“The Legend of Don Nagle Lives On”

Grandmaster Edward F. McGrath
CEO Michael A. Wanko, Ph.D.
President Ralph D. Passero

Happy Birthday Tatsuo Shimabuku!

Today - September 19th, 2007 is the 99th birthday for the Founder of Isshinryu Karate - Tatsuo Shimabuku!

To view our Tatsuo Shimabuku photos please click here http://aokainc.zenfolio.com/p396155970/?slideshow=1

Kodo

A Kodo demonstration will be held at the 2007 Don Nagle Tournament - this Saturday, Sep 22. For information please visit: http://aokainc.com/AOKA2007/AOKATournament/tourn2007.php

Banquet SOLD OUT

The 2007 Don Nagle 50th Anniversary Awards Banquet has been SOLD OUT!

Seating may not be available if you have not registered and received confirmation by September 14! Any questions or concerns please contact Master Ralph Passero at isshinral@aol.com

New videos of Master Shimabuku

Just wanted to share some recently 'discovered' videos:





A complete list:
http://youtube.com/user/Isshinry

Sensei Ralph Passero named Warrior of the Month

Bohans-Family Web Site “August Warrior of the Month” – Master Ralph Passero, Isshin-Ryu Karate-Do