John Brancato - 2001

Sensei John Brancato - Has been studying the martial arts since 1984. He holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do from the New York Institute of Martial Arts. Sensei John is currently a 5th Degree Black Belt in Fuji Ryu Ju Jutsu and has been studying under Master Tony Bottan since 1991.

Sensei John also holds the rank of Shodan in Sosuishitsu Ryu Ju Jutsu, a classical Japanese Ju Jutsu system dating back to 1650.

Sensei John is also only one of a handful of active instructors in New York State who is certified in Chanbara (Goshindo) under Master Dana Abbott. Goshindo is a padded weapons art closely related to Iaido, Kendo and Kenjutsu.

ONE OF THE MANY BENEFITS OF A DEDICATED INSTRUCTOR:
Sensei Bottan has always stressed to never be afraid of what other martial arts have to offer. He has shown so much confidence in Fuji Ryu that he continually has other martial artists come to our dojo to conduct classes. I have to say, that is a great confidence booster. An instructor who is not afraid to have others come in who might "steal" his or her students is worth more than any of us could ever pay. As an instructor, I also have adopted Sensei Bottan's confidence in Fuji Ryu by having other martial artists come to conduct classes. This has proven to be an eye-opening experience for myself as well as for our students.

MY GOAL AS AN INSTRUCTOR IS:
To train students and instructors to be "better" than me from a "mental, physical and teaching" standpoint. "Mental" meaning awareness and being combat ready when necessary and "physical" meaning movement NOT strength, which includes actual self-defense. Only by achieving my goals can I help Fuji Ryu to move forward and to continue as one of the best self-defense systems offered.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD STUDENT AND INSTRUCTOR?
Dedication!! I always tell our students the only difference between us is that I have more time on the mat-that's it!!