Lawrence Mark Vellucci
Lawrence Mark Vellucci has 40 years experience in the martial arts. He spent eight years training in the Far East and is currently the President of the Kobukan Karate Federation with the rank of Kyoshi, 7th Degree Black Belt. He also holds the following ranks: 7th degree Black Belt in Matsumura Shorin - Ryu Karate, 6th degree Black Belt in Okinawan White Crane Karate, 4th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo, 1st Degree Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo. Kyoshi Vellucci has a Masters Degree in Ancient and Classical History and a Masters in Education. Kyoshi Vellucci has published several books and martial art training videos and is a noted seminar speaker. He is a former Marine Officer and has several years experience in law enforcement and private security.
Cassondra Lynn Vellucci
Cassondra Lynn Vellucci has 20 years experience in the martial arts and fitness industry. She is currently the Director of Training and Curriculum of the Kobukan Martial Arts Federation and holds the following ranks: 5th Degree Black Belt (Renshi) in Matsumura Shorin-Ryu karate, 3rd Degree Black Belt in Okinawan White Crane, and is a Certified Chen Tai Chi instructor. She is also a certified Personal Fitness Trainer. She also instructs group fitness and Yoga to diverse populations including Seniors and Cancer survivors. Renshi Kasi is a certified Reiki Master and Life Coach. She has a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services Counseling.
Ronnie Manes
Sensei Ron Manes is the owner and chief instructor at Kobukan Martial Arts of VA located in Norfolk, Va and has 39 years of martial arts training. A life member of the World Registry of Black Belts, Organizations and Federations he is a lineage master-instructor in the Chinese martial art of Luoyang Xinyi Liuhe and holds several ranks including: 6th Dan ISA Shorinryu Freestyle karate, 4th Dan Matsumura Shorinyru Karate, 2nd Dan Heikeryu Ju-jutsu and Purple Belt Instructor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is also a certified coach for AAU Olympic Karate and Muay thai Kickboxing along with certifications in Taiji, Reiki healing and Personal Training. He has a BS in Electro-mechanical engineering and is currently working on his BS degree in business marketing.
Gregory Poitras
Sensei Poitras has studied and trained in the martial arts for over 28 years with more than 19 years of teaching martial arts in the Western Pacific, far and Middle East. He has instructed Military Police in Japan and U.S. Customs Air Interdiction Agents, as a Certified U.S. Customs Defensive Tactics Instructor, in advanced self-defense techniques while performing Southern Border, Central and South American drug interdiction operations. Sensei Poitras holds a Sandan (3rd Degree) Black Belt in Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu and a Godan (5th Degree) Black belt in Matsubayashi Ryu. He is a 25 year retired Navy Veteran who has served as a Combat Air Crewman serving more than 17 years in the Western Pacific and Middle Eastern Theaters of Operation. He is currently serving as a Commissioned Federal Law Enforcement Officer with U. S. Customs and Border Protection.
John Ahrens
Sensei John N. Ahrens is a former member of Ivan Salaverry's fight team in Seattle, has competed in MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Wrestling and Kumite. He started his Journey 9+ years ago and atributes his success to the base principles he learned from Okinowain Shorin Ryu Karate. He currently owns Eastsound MMA and teaches a variety of Martial arts with a focus in Karate. He believes strongly in the Kobukan karate federation and is forever greatful to call it home.
Michael Parker
Sensei Michael Parker has been involved in the study of various martial arts for over ten years. He currently holds the rank of shodan first degree black belt in Matsumura Shorin ryu karate, as well as kyu ranks in To Shin Do Ninjutsu. He is a dedicated family man who believes that the study of martial arts can enrich the lives and well being of everyone.He enjoys teaching and living in the Dallas area with his wife and three children.
