Karate Program
The Chief Instructor (Sensei)
The Chief Instructor for Karate Program (Sensei) is Joe-Joe Suozzi, who has been studying Shotokan for over 30 years. Joe-Joe Sensei holds a 6th Degree Black Belt in Karate, and 4th Degree Black Belt in Kobudo (Okinawan weaponry). Joe-Joe Sensei is also a Professor of the Japanese Karate Division of the Martial Arts Studies at University of Bridgeport.
Joe-Joe Sensei has over 14 years teaching experience and has operated a successful dojo for the past 9 years. By broadening the scope of his influence, Joe-Joe Sensei's only wish is to make Karate-do accessible to all individuals willing to train hard and better themselves.
Joe-Joe Sensei trains everyday on his own and often returns to Japan throughout the year to keep his skills up. Joe-Joe Sensei is also an avid hiker and enjoys nature, and holds many of the karate classes in the woods and along the seaside ... Yes, in snowy winters, too.
The Senior Student Instructor (Sempai)
The Senior Student Instructor (Sempai) is Mikiko Suyama, who holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Mikiko Sempai has successfully passed the Apprenticeship Program (Deshi), and will be taking the Instructor's Course when she earns her 3rd Degree in a few years.
Mikiko Sempai has been training with Joe-Joe Sensei for over 12 years, and has won many tournament events in Kata and Kumite Fighting throughout her competitive years. However, her real expertise is in teaching others, especially those who share her tremendous devotion to the art of Karate-do.