EXCELSIOR MARTIAL ARTS - HUDSON VALLEY BUDOKAI is a full service dojo located at 2877 State Route 94 in Blooming Grove, N.Y. We are a traditional Dojo providing instruction in Matsubayashi Ryu (Shorin Ryu) Karate, Jujutsu, Hakkoryu Jujutsu (study group under the direction of Shihan Pedro Perez, Washinryu Hakkoryu Dojo, Albany, NY) Koryu Uchinadi and Yamane Ryu Bojutsu and are affiliated with the U.S. Shorin Ryu Karate Association, Shorin Ryu Karate Do International and the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society headed by Mr. Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi. We cultivate and develop the mind, body and spirit through traditional, austere training in the Okinawan/Japanese fighting arts. We specialize in teaching children from 4 years to 13 years and have separate classes for various age groups (Little Tigers- 4 to 6 years, Children- 7 to 13 years, and Adults- 14 years and older.) We also have a kickboxing and self-defense class. We cover all aspects of combat- from the various striking ranges (including pressure points and cavity striking;) to grappling (throws, sweeps, joint locks and chokes;) to defense against multiple attackers and weapons. In his law enforcement career (27 years,) Sensei Ramos has utilized various control techniques derived from jujutsu with no injury. We also cover situational-awareness and the legal ramifications of self-defense situations. Our 3500 square foot, air-conditioned facility, has both traditional and modern equipment in a personalized setting. Classes focus on each individual student's abilities and goals. You don't have to be an athlete or have previous experience, there is no pressure, only results. Visitors are always welcome.
Sensei Ramos, B.A., M.A., is the Chief Instructor and founder of EXCELSIOR MARTIAL ARTS and holds a 5th degree black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate (Matsubayashi Ryu) as well as black belt rank in three styles of Jujutsu. Sensei Ramos began his martial arts study while serving in the military in 1979, studying Shotokan Karate and Western Boxing. In 1985, Sensei Ramos began his training in Jujutsu (Nishidai) under Sensei John Conn. In 1993, Sensei Ramos began his training in Matsubayashi Ryu and Yamane Ryu Bojutsu under Sensei Michael Rosati. Sensei Ramos also trained with Sensei Michael Calandra in Sosuishitsu Ryu Jujutsu as well as with other Jujutsu, Judo and Karate instructors. Over the years, Sensei has participated and coached in numerous boxing, karate and judo tournaments. Sensei Ramos is a graduate of the 1986 New York State Police Defensive Tactics Instructors Course as well as a 1997 graduate of the Long Island University Karate Instructors Program.
Sensei Ramos has the following ranks under the respective organizations and styles:
Godan - (5th Degree Black Belt) Shorin Ryu (Matsubayashi Ryu) US Shorin Ryu & Shorin Ryu International
Menkyo - Nishi Ryu Jujutsu
Sho Mokuroku - (1st Degree Black Belt) Sosuishitsu Ryu Jujutsu ISJA
Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) - Hakko Ryu Jujutsu
As a Defensive Tactics instructor, Sensei Ramos provided instruction to Police Recruits at the New York State Police Academy from 1986 through 1991. In 1999, Sensei Ramos earned a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College, City University of New York. Sensei Ramos is also a member of the International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society headed by Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi. In an effort to unlock the application of Okinawan Karate kata, Sensei Ramos is also studying Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu under Hanshi Patrick McCarthy's organization. Sensei Ramos also travels to Japan and Okinawa to continue his personal training and is currently studying Hakko Ryu Jujutsu under Shihan Pedro Perez. Sensei believes that no matter how long you have trained, there is always something new to learn. One must have a beginner's heart in order to consistently strive for excellence in any art. You are never too young or too old to learn something new.
Nagamine Sensei
Founder of Matsubayashi Ryu
"Nagamine Shoshin, the founder of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu, reminded us of an important lesson when he wrote, "Through the relentless study of this art one can achieve the highest standards of inner beauty and strength. The fusing of the body and mind through Karate is spiritual and indescribably beautiful. When totally absorbed in kata, one is brought into complete contact with the central core of one’s being, and it is here where the essence of this art is to be discovered," said the late master. Taught as an art form, Karate helps its students discover a message that transcends punching and kicking, winning or losing. The art helps us better understand life’s goals, the problems one will face along its path, how to overcome them, and what to expect in the end. Through this art it is possible to defeat the bondage of egotism that lies within each of us. The source of human weakness is internal, not external. Hence, the journey must be inward, not outward. Our true enemy lies within, and it is there where all of our battles must be first fought and won, before we are able to improve the living of our daily lives. It is here in this simple yet provocative message that the benchmark, which sets us apart from the rest, can be weighed and measured."
Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi I.R.K.R.S. - Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo jutsu
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