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New York Martial Arts AcademyInstructors |
(Director) Mr. Orfanos began his martial arts training at the age of 13 in Japanese Karate (Shotokan). He then moved on to study Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido and has earned black belts in these arts. He began his Jeet Kune Do training under Sifu Neil Cauliffe in 1987. Through the open philosophy of J.K.D. he has been able to study with some of the top instructors in the world, such as Sifu Chris Kent, Ted Wong and Dan Inosanto.
Dino Orfanos is a level one instructor in Wing Chun Gung Fu (Bruce Lee's original martial art). He is certified to teach R. Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Grand Master Reylson Gracie. He is presently certified under Sifu Chris Kent (one of the leading authorities on Jun Fan Keet Kune Do), to teach Jun Fan J.K.D. and Kali. He is also recognized as an instructor by the Jun Fan J.K.D. Nucleus, an organization that was established to preserve the art and philosophy of Bruce Lee.
He is the North Eastern Regional Director for the Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do - Kali/ Escrima Association.
The instructorship program at New York Martial Arts Academy is offered to individuals that have shown the ability and desire to teach Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. The instructorship at this academy is not something that can be acquired by purchasing videos, attending weekend seminars, or hosting seminars. It is earned by hard work and dedication. This is one of the reasons we do not charge for this program. We pride ourselves in the fact that our instructors understand the responsibilities and the priviledges that go along with teaching Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. We not only require our instructors to be able to perform at the highest physical level, but to also understand the history and philosophy of Bruce Lee's art. It is important that they not only repeat the philosophy of Bruce Lee's art, but to actually live it, physically and mentally. With these requirements our instructors are able to share their martial art experience with the students at our academy. The following is a list of individuals that are on their way to teaching Jeet Kune Do.
Derek has had eleven years worth of Martial Arts experience. His training began with four years of Tae Kwon Do where he achieved the level of first Dan Black Belt. He went on to study American Jiu Jitsu for five years. There he earned a Shodan Black Belt and is recognized as a certified instructor. In 1999, he bagan his study of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Dino Orfanos. Presently, Derek teaches two Jeet Kune Do classes at teh New York Martial Arts Academy. He also assists in the teaching of a J.K.D. program (twice a week) at the New York Health and Racquet Club in Manhattan.
Derek's background also in cludes instruction in Arnis, Judo, and Gracie Jiu Jitsu from his years in American Jiu Jitsu, and he continues to practice Kali and Gracie Jiu Jitsu with Sifu Orfanos. He frequently supplements his training through seminars by internationally recognized instructors such as Ted Wong, Chris Kent, Tim Tackett, Cass Magda, Wally Jay, and former Olympic Judo coach Willy Cahill.
Derek is also versed in Western fencing, having competed for five years in all three weapons (foil, epee, and saber). Along with competing, he has spent time directing (officiating) high school fencing for Suffolk County.
Steve began his martial arts training over fourteen years ago. He was introduced to American combat Karate (founded by Richard Barthy) and has received his black belt from Renchi Alex Riverio. He has also studied boxing for two years. He is currently studying J.F.JKD under Sifu Dino Orfanos. He has been a member of N.Y.M.A.A. for the past two years. Steve has not only participated in group classes, but he has also studied privately with Sifu Dino for over seventy hours. Because of the open philosophy at N.Y.M.A.A., he has also participated in numerous seminars with J.F. JKD nucleus members Chris Kent, Ted Wong, Cass Magda, Tim Tackett, Steve Golden, and Richard Bustillo (over 120 hours).
He has owned two family style diners and a fast food restaraunt. Presently, he runs his own office cleaning service which covers all of Nassau County. Steve has been married for seven years and has a beautiful daughter named Cassidy.
Ed began his martial arts training in 1984 in the art of Chinese American Goju with internationally knkown martial art instructor William Louie. In 1990 Ed began exploring and studying different martial arts such as boxing, Judo, and Thai boxing. This put him in contact with Dino Orfanos, where he began his studies in Jeet Kune Do in 1999. Ed feels that Bruce Lee's art is the most efficient and practical martial art that he has studied in the previous seventeen years.
Ed is married with one child. He is involved with the PTA of his daughter's school. His daytime position is a manager of the United States Postal Service. His primary duties are recruiting and training. His formal education is from Queens College where he was a member of the Golden Key Honor Society.
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