GOJU-RYU-JITSU

LEARNING THE ART

GOJU-RYU MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS

Hi, I'm Connor McGovern, I started Karate in 1993 at age 7 because our two (2) older brothers Senseis Danny and Sean were in it. They always came home after class talking about how much fun they had training at the GOJU-RYU MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY in Collingswood, NJ with ShiHan Kenneth Freeman. How they sparred very hard but not hurting one another! How they did Katas (Forms) to the point there Gi's (uniforms) were soaking wet! How ShiHan Kenneth Freeman did grappling techniques on them tying them up teaching the technique. It seem like they were really enjoying themselves and I had to get into that. Now, years later at age 13, I am a 1st Degree Black Belts and Third (3rd) Asst. Instructors at the Academy. It's true! I had lots of fun then, and still Having fun now! *Now at age 19, becoming a NIDAN is a great achievement of hard work and dedication for me. Being a NIDAN means a lot of hard training and practice that has benefited me greatly. I learned a great deal of self-discipline and self-respect, and self-defense on my way to becoming a NIDAN. Holding the rank of NIDAN means to me that I have become apart of something truly special. I feel that due to my hard work and practice I have become apart of an elite class, or a great team in the GOJU-RYU Martial Arts Academy Family. I feel as if any questions are asked by under ranks that they are comforable asking me because of the many years that I have put into this art. However, being a NIDAN means that I have just begun my true training. It also means that I have accomplish and learn about the Art. I find that the training has become more fun to me as I have become much sharper in my speed, techniques and learning as NIDAN. I believe I should hold this rank because I am having fun learning new tecniques along with new weapons being a NIDAN. I should also hold this rank because i feel that being a young adult NIDAN such as myself only means that I have many more years to improve and move up in my rank and continue to learn and practice the art throughout my lifetime.
Thank you ShiHan Freeman for accepting me as your student!

Second (2nd) Asst. Instructor
Sensei Connor Mcgovern
Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt

Hello, I'm Emily Emerick,
I honestly do not know where to begin...
ShiHan Ken Freeman,
I am so honored and grateful to know you and to learn the GOJU-RYU-JITSU style from you. I so admire your dedication, honesty and integrity. I am so proud and happy to tell everyone I know who you are and what you stand for.
I feel fortunate that in my quest for a Martial Arts School that I found you. I cannot thank you enough for the years of patience and work you have invested in me over my six years of training and for every opportunity you have provided for me in earning the level of ShoDan-Ho Black Belt. THANK YOU!

Fourth (4th) Asst. Instructor
Sensei Emily Emerick
ShoDan-Ho, 1st Black Belt

Hello, I'm Melissa Benedetti, I started Karate with ShiHan Kenneth Freeman at the GOJU-RYU ACADEMY in 1993 when I was six (6) years old. Now, several years later on September 23, 2000, I've earned the Rank of Full Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt and the title of Third (3rd) Asst. Instructor. I started Karate because I wanted to try something new! I play all types of sports, to name a few are; Baseball, Basketball, Soccer and Field Hockey. My parents said I have a choice between "Ballet or Karate, I choose Karate! I did'nt know how much I would get out of training in the Goju-Ryu style of Karate until I started training. Training improved my hand, eye and foot coordination. Now I play all sports a lot better and faster. I can drive to the basket and even jump higher. Karate improved my skills greatly! I think all kids should joining some type of Martial Art, of couse to learn how to fight and protect yourself, but more importantly to improve your skills, not just in sports but in everyday LIFE!
KARATE HELPED ME ALOT!
Now at age 21 and a junior in college, I am a senior Shodan at the Goju-Ryu Academy now. While playing sports in college I sustained a serious knee injury. I returned to the Academy to help strengthen my knees for when I return to college this year to continue with my sports scholarship. As I said "KARATE HELPS ME ALOT"!

Senior Third (3rd) Asst. Instructor
Sensei Melissa Benedetti
Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt

BACK TO HOME PAGE View PICTURES or First list of INSTRUCTORS
Last Under Rank PROMOTION June 18, 2005 And Follow-Up Promotion July 30, 2005.
Edmund Kozlowski, Christopher Hearon & Frederick Tirro BLACK BELT Promotion December 6, 2003!
EMILY EMERICK Black Belt Promotion / Demonstration December 5, 2004
SENSEI DEBBIE FREEMAN Adv. Black Belt Promotion / Demonstration on February 19, 2005 Click on SENSEI DEBBIE'S PROMOTION"
SENSEI CONNOR McGOVERN Adv. Black Belt Promotion/Demonstration on Feb. 19, 2005 Click on SENSEI CONNOR'S PROMOTION"

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