When Jerry Figgiani graduated from Sachem in 1978 it wasn’t clear what career path he would take. It wasn’t a given that he’d one day be a world renowned karate instructor.
In 1977 Figgiani was a football player, and a good one. He was Sachem’s first running back to reach 1,000 career rushing yards and he was the main threat out of the backfield on the school’s first championship football team.
Talk to Figgiani today and he has plenty of memories from his days playing for Fred Fusaro. He’s also filled with immense knowledge about the martial arts and has made a living teaching the mental and physical approach of the craft.
Figgiani is the founder and president of Shorin Ryu Karatedo International and owns a dojo in Middle Island, N.Y. This year he was featured in a four-DVD set titled “Simplicity in Understanding Kata Bunkai,” which is currently for sale.
Shorin Ryu Karatedo International is an association of traditional martial artists united to better understand the history and culture of Okinawan Karatedo through the practice of kata and bunkai.
As a nationally rated forms and fighting champion, Figgiani has won numerous tournaments across the country. In 1995, he was rated as the No. 1 fighter by the Professional Karate League (P.K.L.) and a year later was inducted into the P.K.L. Hall of Fame for the Competitor of the Year in 1996.
Last year Figgiani was awarded the National PAL Mentoring Service Award by the Suffolk County Police Athletic League and in 2010 he was was recognized by the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society as their Instructor of the Year.
Simplicity in Understanding Kata Bunkai Volumes
- Vol 1: Analyzing applications beyond basic stances, blocks and punches
- Vol 2: Bunkai of key segments from Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan and Godan
- Vol 3: Naihanchi Shodan, Nidan and Sandan transitional concepts of Pinan Katas Bunkai within self defense mind set and awareness
- Vol 4: Analyzing sections of the eight ancient Katas: Ananku, Wankan, Rohai, Wanshu, Passai, Gojushiho, Chinto and Kusanku
CLICK HERE if you’re interested in purchasing the DVD
CLICK HERE to view a DVD trailer
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro