About Goshinkan JuJitsu Dojo
Family Self Defense Center
What is JuJitsu?
Jujitsu loosely translated means “science of softness” or “gentle art” and is applied to many schools of unarmed and hand-to-hand combat. The soft grappling style was intended to help unarmed soldiers to fight against armed enemies in any way possible, using the least amount of force necessary. Jujitsu was the primary unarmed combat method of the Samurai. Aikido and Judo are both modern day descendants of Jujitsu. Several techniques used in Jujitsu are like those used in Karate, Aikido, and Judo. Jujitsu emphasizes turning an attacker’s own force against them, putting them off balance. Jujitsu also emphasizes certain grappling moves and strikes to vital areas. A Jujitsu student is expected to learn how to gauge the force of an opponent’s attack and use it against them, evade attacks, use leverage against an opponent, and demonstrate how to attack nerves and pressure points. The main goal of Jujitsu practice is to cultivate a person’s mind and body – not using it to vent one’s anger, frustration, or emotional problems. The use of force is condoned only in self-defense, or in the defense of those who are defenseless. Jujitsu includes methods of kicking, striking, kneeing, throwing, choking, pressure points, joint locking, use of certain weapons, as well as holding down an attacker. Most systems stress only one or two of these major methods. At Goshinkan Dojo, we stress all of these, enabling a defender to utilize many different techniques for personal protection and self-defense. Our system is designed to protect you and your family in today’s dangerous world. We stress that avoiding a dangerous situation is the best way to protect yourself, but we teach you how to prepare for a worst-case situation.Goshinkan JuJitsu Dojo Certified Instructors
Our instructors spent many years devoted to training in the art of jujitsu and in other martial arts. We’ve attained a certain level of expertise to qualify as teachers, staff, and mentors. Through rigorous training, extensive testing, certification, and tournament-level competitions, our staff has attained mastery in Jujitsu. We enjoy sharing our skills and passing our knowledge onto our students.
Shihan Jeff Lovering – 10th degree Black Belt, Owner, and Head Instructor
Director and head instructor of Goshinkan Dojo, Shihan Jeff began his Jujitsu training formally in 1976, and continues to train and study the art today. He received his 1st degree black belt in Goshin-Budo Jujitsu in 1981. Shihan Jeff is currently a 10th degree black belt and holds the title of Shihan, or master instructor which was awarded to him from the International Federation of Practicing Ju-Jutsuans. He is also ranked as a 3rd degree black belt in Hara-Ha Buke Budo Kyokai and holds a 2nd degree black belt in Rensei-Do, and 3rd Kyu ranking in Daito-Ryu Aiki Jujitsu Kodo Kai. Shihan Jeff was named to the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1996 as Jujitsu’s Man of The Year and commended for his outstanding contribution to the youth of the community. He is also the 2005 and 2007 recipient of the Samurai Award from the IFOJJ, for his excellence in teaching. Shihan Jeff is the director of the Freeport Recreation Center’s Self Defense Program for children since 2000, and the director of the Twin Oaks Summer Camp Self Defense Program since 1988. Other certifications are as follows:Other certifications are as follows:
- Taught at Jujitsu America annual convention
- Graduate from Last Resort Tactical Program
- Licensed tactical master instructor in CDT
- Personal safety instructor for “Training For Life”
- Children’s personal safety instructor for “Know And Go”, and “Bully Safe”
- Provided training for Nassau County Corrections officers, Nassau County Police officers, New York City Police Officers, Port Authority Police officers, New York State Court officers, and the U.S. Marshals Service
- Past President of the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce
- Past President of the Bellmore Village Merchants Association
- Bellmore Festival Director, 1994
- Directed and implemented security for the Bellmore Festival, 1994-2004
- Small Business Person of the Year, 1997
- Numerous Citations and Awards for his work for the surrounding communities
- Chosen from over 25,000 applicants to travel to Austin, Texas to meet and train as an advocate for cancer survivors at the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s Livestrong Summit, 2006
Renshi Katie D’Ambrosia – 5th Degree Black Belt
Renshi Katie is the head instructor of the Mighty Dragons and children’s Jujitsu programs. She has been training at Goshinkan Dojo since 1995 and was promoted to black belt in August of 2002. She is a true leader with a passion for the martial arts and making a positive impact in the lives of children. She creates a fun, dynamic, and positive environment for all students. Renshi Katie is a very accomplished martial artist. She is certified in “CDT Stun and Run”, and “Training For Life”. She has received Tanto and Samurai awards from the IFOJJ and has been inducted into their Legion of Honor. In 2015, she was given the title of Renshi which means polished instructor. Renshi Katie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and is CPR/First Aid/AED certified.
Sensei Jon Krakoff – 2nd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Johnny is an instructor in our children’s Jujitsu programs at Goshinkan Dojo and at the Freeport Recreation Center. He has been training at Goshinkan Dojo since 2002 and was promoted to black belt in March of 2017. Sensei Johnny encourages a fun and friendly atmosphere while also instilling discipline, respect, and other core values among the students. He is currently in school studying to be a special education teacher. He is CPR/First Aid/AED certified, and speaks Spanish.
Sensei Ron Pick – 2nd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Ron is an instructor in our Mighty Dragons and children’s Jujitsu programs. He has been training at Goshinkan Dojo since 2006 and was promoted to black belt in November of 2016. He also holds the rank of black belt in Taekwondo. Sensei Ron brings a strong and positive attitude to the children’s classes and positively motivates students to help them excel at their goals.
Sensei Sal Locascio – 2nd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Sal is an instructor in our children’s Jujitsu programs. He has been training at Goshinkan Dojo since 2006 and was promoted to black belt in May of 2016. He is a professional musician and teaches music at a local college. Sensei Sal is an enthusiastic and outgoing instructor who fosters a fun and positive learning environment for all students.
