In Memorium

Shihan Ralph B. Chirico 
February 20, 1935 - November 11, 2020

The development and training of all the Black Belt Instructors at the Honbu Dojo come directly from our instructor, Shihan Ralph Chirico. Shihan (Shihan is a title for expert, master, or senior martial arts instructor) was a teacher, mentor, friend, and father figure to all of us.

Ralph Chirico was born on February 20, 1935, and grew up in Jersey City, NJ.

In 1963, Shihan Chirico walked into a karate school in Jersey City, NJ run by Sensei Don Nagle, head of the American Isshinryu System. He was promoted to the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in Isshinryu, in May of 1966. As a student of Sensei Nagle, Shihan Chirico also had the opportunity to study under Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, when he came to the USA in 1966.

In 1967, he became the Sensei (Teacher) of his school in Carteret, NJ. It was also around this time that he transitioned from Isshinryu to Isshin Shorinji Ryu (ISR).

Shihan Chirico propagated the Isshin Shorinji Ryu system over the next 55 years.

The Isshinryu practitioners had admiration for Shihan Chirico as an instructor, a competitor, and a judge. Due to his reputation, ISR was accepted into the mainstream of karate on the East Coast.

By 1978, Shihan Chirico became the ranking active Master of ISR. In August 1994, some of the most distinguished Black Belts in America including Sensei Nagle bestowed the rank of 10th Dan in Isshin Shorinji Ryu upon Shihan Chirico. With this promotion, he held the rank of 8th dan in Isshinryu and 10th dan in Isshin Shorinji Ryu.

Shihan Chirico trained students at schools in Colonia, Woodbridge, Avenel, and Carteret NJ for almost 55 years. In that time, he promoted over fifty students to the black belt rank. His black belts have won numerous Grand Championships and awards. Shihan Chirico always prided himself on being able to train junior students and helping them grow to be fine men and women, and many of them have brought their children to be trained by him.

In November 2016, Shihan Chirico promoted Sensei Frank Mastroianni and Sensei Kevin Holton to the rank of 9th dan and entrusted them with the stewardship and proliferation of Isshin Shorinji Ryu as he taught it.

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On November 11, 2020, Shihan Chirico passed away at the age of 85.

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