Camaraderie and Friendship th
On July 7 Sensei Mark Caravaglio, student and teacher of Seikei Ryu Jiu Jitsu. received a phone call from the Manalapan Township Fire Department at 5 o'clock in the morning and they told me my building where I had my dojo and gym was on fire. I was at the dojo 5 minutes later but the building was totally destroyed. Everyone who has a dojo knows the blood sweat & tears that occur at a dojo, but this was a shock!! Later that afternoon, standing with my Grandmaster Carl Pluchino, my students & parents of my younger students, along with family and friends looking at my destroyed dojo, I had no idea how I was going to recover from this disaster. The next day I received a call from Sensei Mike Scott, Sensei Joe Barblianardo from Freehold NJ and Shihan Zuck from Flanders NJ, all who have visited & trained at my dojo. Sensei Mike Scott offered me his dojo on the evenings when he didn't have classes so that I could continue to train my students until I could find a new location to establish my dojo. 3 months after the fire our new dojo was opened. The camaraderie and friendship that was shown to Seikei Ryu Jiu Jitsu from these Isshinryu instructors & students went beyond expectations and should be recognized. On behalf of Seikei Ryu Jiu Jitsu, Grandmaster Carl Pluchino, my students, parents of students and my family I would like to recognize Sensei Mike Scott, Sensei Joe Babrlianardo from Freehold Isshinryu and Shihan Ken Zuck from Flanders, NJ. and present them with new mats for Sensei Mike Scott's Isshinryu Dojo. I would also like to acknowledge Kyoshi Don Nash who should be proud of his students. I will never forget what they have done for us.
A loss to all that knew him Grandmaster Marty Manuel On September of 2010 , Modern Bujutsu family lost Grandmaster Marty Manuel. It is a tribute to his Christian faith, indomitable spirit, and the dedication of his students that he lived as long as he did. His legacy lives on through his yudansha, the black belt masters and sensei whom he trained, as well as through all who's lives he touched. Modern Bujutsu will continue to grow and thrive, as will Marty Manuel's spirit that lives inside all of his students and those who were privileged to call him their friend. Martin "Marty" Manuel was born in Pocomoke, Maryland, on March 24th, 1956. He moved to New Jersey in the early 1970's and began his martial arts studies under Master Joseph Artesi at the age of 12. He was a graduate of Vineland High School (class of 72') and attended Cumberland County College and Glassboro State College.
A 10th degree black belt (Hanshi) and Founder (Soke) of the Modern Bujutsu Martial Arts System, Marty Manuel began his martial arts training as a young boy. He earned his black belt, was the Garden State Grand Champion, and was the #1 full-contact kickboxing contender in 1978, fighting in the Super Lightweight Division. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a devastating spinal disease that began to paralyze his arms. Even as the disease ravaged his body, he continued to train and fight. When he could no longer use his hands to block and counter, he used his feet instead, spinning and knocking out opponents with his spinning backfist. Ultimately, he lost the use of his legs as well. Always the true martial artist and devout Christian, Grandmaster Manuel turned to teaching his beloved martial arts, becoming the consumate career sensei. Though never married, he was always accompanied by his devoted life companion, Kyoshi Linda Reim, who was always by his side teaching, training, and enabling Marty to live a meaningful life. Even after being confined to a wheelchair, he continued his martial arts studies and research, developing an encyclopedic knowledge of martial arts wisdom and insight. In the dojo, he was a radiant force calling commands to his students and explaining the subtleties of a technique. At home, he was inevitably reading books, surfing the internet, or watching martial arts videos. When in his presence, it was always time to train, even if that was an airport terminal or a hotel lobby. He was awarded the doctorate degree in Martial Arts Philosophy by the EUSIMAA for his expertise in the study of the Martial Sciences. He dedicated his life to teaching children the value of good morals and strong spirit. Grandmaster Manuel received dozens of awards for his accomplishments and teaching in the martial arts world. He was recognized by the Cumberland County Bar Association and Division of Youth/Family Services for his years of dedicated service on behalf of children in the community. He received the Silver Lifetime Achievement Award and International Instructor of the Year Award in USA Goju and Modern Arnis from both the World Head of Family Sokeship Council and the EUSAIMAA. He was a proud member of several martial arts organizations, including the United Martial Arts Referee's Association, The World Head of Family Sokeship Council, the Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association, World Christian Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Okinawan Karate Association Hall of Fame, and USA Goju Fight Schools Network. He served the EUSAIMAA as a member of their Executive Advisory Committee. One of his greatest joys was receiving the Elvis Presley Memorial Award presented to him by Sidney Poitier. Grandmaster Manuel trained with many great masters, and many people turned to him to expand their knowledge and expertise. Sadly, he will be missed by all that knew him.