Shihan Frank Mastroianni

 

Shihan Frank Mastroianni started karate in 1966 as an Isshin Ryu student at The Judo and Karate Center in Cranford, NJ.

 

His first instructor was Mel Cornin, a student of Shihan Don Nagle. Mr. Mastroianni was awarded the rank of Sho Dan in December 1968. In January 1969, Shihan Ralph Chirico accepted Shihan Mastroianni as a student.

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In 1970, Shihan Mastroianni moved to Brick, NJ. With Shihan Chirico's approval, he began teaching Isshin Shorinji Ryu at several Judo dojos in the Brick and Toms River, NJ area.

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In 1971, Shihan Mastroianni was promoted to San Dan by Shihan Chirico and Sensei Robert Murphy (Founder of Isshin Shorinji Ryu).  As an adjunct member of the Physical Education faculty at Ocean County College, Shihan Mastroianni taught Isshin Shorinji Ryu from 1972-1976 at the college. During this time, he  traveled to Shihan Chirico’s school to continue learning.

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In 1976, Shihan Mastroianni began working in New York City and needed to curtail some of his karate activities. However, he maintained at least one dojo where he taught two to three times per week. His black belt students taught classes in his occasional absence. Now retired from the business world, Shihan Mastroianni continues to learn, teach, and train with his students in Toms River.

 

In November 2016, Shihan Chirico promoted

Shihan Mastroianni to 9th Dan.

 

After the passing of Shihan Chirico, Shihan Mastroianni was recognized as the head of the Isshin Shorinji Ryu system.

 

He was promoted to 10th Dan on April 2, 2023.