New Rochelle
Iona College World Goju
Founded in 1967 by Shihan Albert Gotay. Iona College World Goju provides an environment of rigorous karate training and practical self-defense, in the tradition of Grand Master Peter Urban’s USA Goju Karate. Classes are open to all students and alumni of Iona College, from beginner to Black Belt. Iona College World Goju hosts self-defense seminars throughout the school year, which are open to all members of the Iona College community. Come sharpen your mind, body and spirit with Iona USA Goju!
Chief Instructor Greg Sullivan, 3rd Dan, NEMAC President, began his martial arts career in 1986, training in Seido Karate while in college, under Sensei Chris Caile. Sensei Sullivan joined the Iona College Karate Club in 1996, training under Sensei Anthony Brenna, and attained his Black Belt in 2000, and his 3rd Dan in 2007. Sensei Sullivan trained in USA Goju under Sensei Ed Pierotti from 2002 to 2004. Sensei Sullivan trained in Kurai Ryu Jujitsu under Soke Joe Mandese, from 1998 until his death in 2003. Sensei Sullivan continues to train in Jujitsu and Goju under Sensei Joe Rinaldi. Sensei Sullivan has attended advanced martial arts seminars at Super Summer Martial Arts Camps in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2005 and 2007. In 2004, Sensei Brenna called on Sensei Sullivan to lead the karate club at Iona College, where he continues to instruct today. Sensei Sullivan strives to honor his teacher’s commitment to him, through his karate teaching. Sensei Sullivan believes strongly in the merits of karate for physical fitness and self-defense but “karate is not merely a path to physical fitness, but a way of life”. Mr. Sullivan presently serves as NEMAC President.
Sensei Pasquale Martello, 2nd Dan began training in USA Goju Karate in 1985, under Sensei Ben Kwiatkowski, attaining his 1st Dan in December 1994, and his 2nd Dan in December 2000. Sensei Martello also trained in Kurai Ryu Jujitsu under Soke Joe Mandese from 1997 until his passing in 2003. Sensei Martello presently trains in Jujitsu under Sensei Joseph Rinaldi. Sensei Martello attained his 1st Dan in Kurai Ryu Jujitsu in April 2005, and continues training in Jujitsu and Aikido. Mr. Martello presently serves as NEMAC Secretary.
Sempai Francis McHugh, 1st Kyu began training in USA Goju Karate in 1994, under Sensei Mike O’Leary. After a few years sabbatical, Mr. McHugh resumed his karate training under Sensei Sullivan in 2004, attaining his 1st Kyu (High Brown Belt) in May 2007.
Classes meet September – May, Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 – 9pm, beginners to advanced, in the Aerobics Gym of Hynes Athletic Center at Iona College, New Rochelle, NY. Classes are open to all Iona College students and alumni, for a nominal per-class fee. USA Goju and NEMAC Black Belts are welcome to train as visitors for free at Iona USA Goju. For more information, contact Sensei Sullivan at gregmsull@yahoo.com.