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Sensei Kelly
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"I began my Karate training in November of 1972, under the late Sensei D. Jenkins. A very good friend of mine (now Sensei Kowalski) was training with Sensei Jenkins and he asked if I wanted to train also. I said yes and have not looked back since that day. So many life lessons that I learned back then are still with me today. Many times I still say things that were said to me in those early days of my training. Little did I know that over 30 years later I would still be doing karate and sharing what I had learned with my students. I enrolled in college in 1974, but in 1976 I had to stop my karate training as a result of my college demands. I stayed in touch with Sensei during those years and my love for karate never diminished during that time. In fact it grew stronger! While in college I became an accomplished fencer and I applied things I learned in my karate training to my fencing. I also enrolled in the ROTC program. Upon the completion of my commitment to the army, in 1980, I began training again with Sensei Jenkins and continued training with him until his untimely death in 1984. I had the honor and privilege to be considered and tested for the rank of Shodan in December 1985. My only regret was that I didn't have Sensei Jenkins there to hand me my black-belt that day, but I knew he was looking down on me and telling me how much more work I had ahead of me. In 1986 I relocated to Cape Coral, Fla. where I continued to train and teach at Mr. Murphy's dojo. I always had a goal though to one day open my own dojo and that goal came true in November 1991 - actually on Sensei Jenkins birthday. Since then I have trained many students, many of whom have moved on in their lives, and others are still active in the Dojo. In 1995 I had the privilege to become a student of Hanshi N.Adler, founder of the Centurions. I currently hold the rank of Roku-dan 6th degree under Hanchi Adler. I also studied Iaido and Kendo under the late Kyoshi J. Bass. Throughout the years I have competed in many local and national tournaments and have placed numerous times. I still enjoy teaching and sharing my karate with my students and watching them grow physically and mentally from their karate training. I am known as a tough teacher, but despite the exterior I have a definite softness and love for my karate and students."
Sensei Kelly
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Mr DeRocker
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"Although my interest in the Martial Arts stems back to childhood I began training in Isshinryu Karate in 1971 while attending high school. After being awarded the rank of Sho-Dan 1st degree in 1976 my involvement was limited until 1991 when I met Sensei Kelly and joined his dojo. Some of the challenging early workouts, and the ensuing aches and pains are still fresh in my mind. Several years later my two sons also joined the dojo. We have many great memories of workouts, shia’s, camps, tournaments, seminars and gatherings. Although no longer training in the dojo my sons each carry with them the many lessons learned under Sensei Kelly which are helping to mold them into two fine young men of whom I am very proud.
I have earned the rank of San Dan 3rd degree under Sensei Kelly and have enjoyed teaching and learning along side our great Black Belt staff, Junior Black Belts and many many students over the last 15 years.
Although my participation in the dojo has been limited recently due to business and travel my hope is to be able to train and participate more during the coming year."
Doug DeRocker
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Mr Santerre
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"I am in my 15th year of studying Isshinryu Karate and to think it all started from getting chased home from school one day. Ever since, I’ve made Isshinryu Karate my way of life. The “One Heart Way” is the ideal premise for one to live their life.
I feel my involvement with Sensei Kelly over the years, has sharpened every aspect in my life, both mentally and physically. I’ve competed in many local and national tournaments through the years and carry a countless amount of trophies and plaques along with ample experience in the ring. But, to me, trophies are a small part of what we take pride in at Cape Coral Isshinryu Karate.
Teaching is a skill I recently took on as a part of my training and I absolutely enjoy seeing the student’s progress over time. I hope all students can take the knowledge and learn the many lessons I have over the years from both the wins AND the losses. I look forward to the years ahead of both teaching and learning from Sensei and you as a karate-ka."
Mr. Santerre
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Mr Scimeca
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"My karate experience started in 1985 when I was just 12 years old. I originally joined only because my younger brother wanted to go. Quickly I developed a passion for karate. I earned my Shodan (1st degree Black Belt) rank in 1994 and Nidan (2nd degree Black Belt) in 1997. Between 1999-2001 I spent some time learning a different style of karate (Goju) for a few years; but in 2004 my heart brought me back to my original style, Isshinryu.
I have always enjoyed sharing and testing my karate at tournaments. I entered my first tournament in January 1987 and I remember it like it was yesterday. Tournaments are a great place to show what you have learned and determine how well you can defend yourself. I am a competitor at heart and have often placed in tournaments. My numerous wins are in empty hand forms, weapon forms, breaking, self-defense and Kumite. Placing in tournaments is really great for one's self esteem, while at the same time it is a great place to gauge your growth. I encourage all students to participate in at least a few tournaments per year. But remember, it is like Sensei says “it is easy to be happy to place but what is just as important is the way you act when you don’t place!”.
Karate has shaped me into the man I am today; I benefit from it everyday. I believe that once you learn karate, it is always with you. It has helped me as a business man, husband and father. My children are encouraged to participate in karate, and thankfully my two boys love it. Karate helps in all areas of your life, and will enhance your self worth, discipline and values!"
Mr. Scimeca
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Ms Collins
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"I became involved with the Cape Coral Karate Academy when I enrolled my two oldest children Jean, then 11 years old, and John, who was 6. After about a year of watching from the sidelines, I decided joining the Dojo would be a good way to be active with my children and stay in shape. My youngest son Jacob joined us a couple of years later. Jean and I tested for Shodan (2001) and Nidan (2003) together. The Dojo has become a second family to all of us. Even though my kids are not currently active in the Dojo, you will still see them around helping with Shiais and car washes because they still feel the ties that come from working so closely with others.
As a law enforcement officer I am able to use what I learn in the Dojo on a daily basis. No, I don’t get into a lot of fights. I have never used my karate in a physical situation, but I know that it is there if I need it, and that confidence can mean the difference between staying safe and getting hurt. Other lessons learned in the Dojo, such as self-control, self-discipline, and the ability to drive beyond your limits, are things we need, and should use, every day.
Be Safe!"
Ms. Collins
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Mr Ortiz
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"I have been training in Isshinryu Karate since I was six years old. For over 10 years I have had the privilege of learning this style, but more importantly I have learned that karate is not all about kicks and punches. Three years ago, and after lots of hard work, I was fortunate enough to be considered for the rank of Sho-Dan. Confidence, discipline and building up good character are some of many qualities I have developed with karate. My favorite part in my training is working with the younger population at our dojo. It is a lot of fun and it reminds me of where I used to be when I was their age. Now I am 17 and a senior at Fort Myers High School. I currently hold a job at Circuit City...doing something that I enjoy, selling car audio and video. I will be moving off to college in the coming fall. I know that I will miss being able to train as I do now. I also know that what I have learned in karate will help me in anything that I encounter in the future."
Mr. Ortiz
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Miss Ortiz
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"I started Isshinryu Karate at the age of six, following in the steps of my older brother, Joey, who at the time had been in the dojo for three years. I remember as a little girl, sitting in the side of the dojo, watching the class and pretending to know how to kiai, kick and punch, and wishing I was part of the students line up. I will never forget my first class because I did not have to pretend anymore, since I was finally a "student".
For over eight years I have been training in the dojo and with hard work I have achieved the rank of Shodan on November 2007. I also play soccer and softball and my karate training has helped me develop confidence, balance and the right attitude in my play. I am fifteen years old and a member of the Lady Bulldogs Soccer Team in Ida Baker High School and currently my most important goal is to continue to work hard and progress on from the rank of Shodan."
Miss Ortiz
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Mr Trey Adcock
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"I was 11 years old when I began my training in Isshinryu Karate. I had always wanted to be a Power Ranger, and one day after passing by the dojo I convinced my mom to let me join. Since that day I have learned that karate is much more than kicking and punching. I have learned that karate is about self-confidence and self-discipline. In November of 2007, after six years of training I was tested for the rank of Sho-Dan.
I have always enjoyed competing in many local, national, and international tournaments. Placing is nice but it is not everything! The most rewarding part of my karate training is working with the little guys. I enjoy watching them grow and progress in their karate training.
I have also benefited from my karate outside of the dojo. My training has helped me to do better in school, once a failing student, now I am a senior at Baker High School. I am now enrolled in many honors classes, as well as the Information Technology Academy. I can see just how my karate training has shaped me into the person I am today."
Mr.Trey Adcock
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