East Coast Black Belt Academy, founded by renowned martial arts instructor and 9th Degree Black Belt Jerry Figgiani, has announced its 35th-anniversary milestone in 2025. A cornerstone of the Longwood community since its establishment in 1990, East Coast Black Belt Academy, The Budokan continues to distinguish itself as a hub for the teaching of traditional Okinawan karate while fostering personal growth and community engagement.
Sensei Jerry Figgiani, who was promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt in Okinawa in 2024, brings unparalleled expertise to his martial arts teachings. As the highest-ranking Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu instructor in the world outside Okinawa through Kokusai Shogen Ryu Karate Do Kyokai, his credentials and dedication to martial arts education are unparalleled. His promotion by Tamaki Takeshi Sensei, the most senior practitioner of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu from the original Nagamine Dojo in Naha, Okinawa, underscores his direct lineage to the Grand Master; Shoshin Nagamine, founder of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu, further solidifying his stature in the global martial arts community.
ECBBA, affectionately known as “The Budokan,” emphasizes the integration of traditional martial arts philosophies into everyday life. Moving beyond competition, East Coast Black Belt Academy focuses on the values of discipline, decision-making, and respect for oneself and others. This approach positions the karate school, or dojo, as a unique establishment where students of all ages and skill levels are empowered to reach their full potential.
Sensei Figgiani’s career spans more than 4 decades of teaching, writing, and public speaking. His philosophy is reflected in the authorship of his books, such as The Difference (co-authored with Chris Vaccaro) and From the Minds of the Masters. He has also contributed to Masters Magazine for over a decade, authoring hundreds of articles that reached martial arts enthusiasts worldwide. As a sought-after seminar leader, Figgiani Sensei has taught across the United States, Europe, and Okinawa, Japan, sharing the foundational principles of his martial arts with diverse audiences.
In addition to running East Coast Black Belt Academy, the Budokan, Sensei Jerry Figgiani is the founder and president of Shorin Ryu Karate-Do International, an organization uniting over 30 dojos in six countries spreading the values and history of traditional Okinawan karate Do. His impact extends to mentoring programs, particularly through initiatives like the R.E.A.C.H.
Program (Respect, Education, and Always Climb Higher). Developed in partnership with the Police Athletic League, this program leverages martial arts to improve academic performance and social outcomes for at-risk youth. Recognized for its immediate and lasting impact, the R.E.A.C.H. program has been implemented in schools throughout Long Island, earning accolades from educators and law enforcement alike. Sensei Jerry’s commitment to societal well-being is further exemplified by his creation of the Mental Martial Arts Program, which promotes positive decision-making and resilience in K-12 classrooms. This program equips students with the tools necessary to navigate bullying, peer pressure, and challenging life situations.
His role as the Official Karate Instructor for the Suffolk County Police Athletic League underscores his dedication to using martial arts as a vehicle for social change. Among his many honors, Sensei Figgiani has been recognized with the Suffolk County Police Athletic League Mentoring Service Award and was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
His innovative teaching methods and ability to inspire students have been featured in prominent media outlets such as The New York Times, Newsday, and various documentaries. His efforts in working with physically challenged students, including those overcoming life-altering injuries, have further highlighted the transformative power of martial arts. As the dojo celebrates its 35th year, its legacy as a community pillar remains strong.
The Budokan has become synonymous with not only martial arts excellence but also with holistic development, equipping students with skills that extend far beyond the dojo. From situational awareness to strategies for conflict resolution, Sensei Jerry Figgiani and his team instill life lessons that resonate with children, teenagers, and adults alike. Through programs like “Given a Second Chance,” which helps individuals navigate peer pressure, social challenges, and community outreach initiatives, East Coast Black Belt Academy, the Budokan demonstrates how martial arts can be leveraged to address social issues in the community.
His approach emphasizes martial arts as not just a sport or seasonal activity but rather a way of life. By teaching students to make thoughtful, positive decisions in all aspects of their lives, his philosophy plays a vital role in cultivating a more mindful and respectful community.
As East Coast Black Belt Academy looks to the future, Sensei Jerry remains dedicated to expanding the reach of traditional Okinawan Karatedo. His work ensures that martial arts continue to inspire and benefit individuals of all ages, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. More than just a dojo, East Coast Black Belt Academy, the Budokan, stands as a beacon of learning, discipline, and empowerment, firmly rooted in its mission to make a meaningful impact on members of the community.
For more information about East Coast Black Belt Academy and its programs, visit ecbbacademy.com (http://ecbbacademy.com/). Follow Sensei Jerry Figgiani on Facebook and Instagram for updates on his teachings, special dojo events, and publications.
Published by Emma N.
