hanshi brian fitzgerald
Hanshi Brian Fitzgerald began his Isshinryu training in 1970, at the age of 18, at the Summit Judo and Karate School under Sensei Frank Brita. Brita studied under Sensei Robert Murphy who was a student of Grand Master Don Nagle. Fitzgerald reached Ni Dan under Brita and his certificate is signed by Grand Master Angi Uezu who visited their Morristown Dojo earlier that year.
In 1975, Fitzgerald had the opportunity to begin training under Nagle at the Central Ave Dojo. After working with the "Living Legend" for a few weeks, he began to change all of his kata and basic exercises in order to perform them exactly the way Nagle learned them in Okinawa. Fitzgerald is one of Nagle's few remaining students who still performs his basics and kata the "Nagle Way" to this day.
Fitzgerald soon developed into one of Nagle's top students. In 1977, representing Nagle at Steve Armstrong's 2nd Annual Isshinryu Grand National Tournament in New York, he became Grand Champion. Fitzgerald remained loyal and steadfast to Nagle and continued his instruction both in traditional dojo classes and with many hours of one-on-one training. He is proud to have Nagle's signature on every one of his certificates from San Dan to Hachi Dan (1/1/1993).
Fitzgerald was promoted to Hanshi (Ninth Degree Black Belt) in March, 2009.
Dedicated to preserving the "Nagle Way": He is retired Chief of Police in Branchburg Township, New Jersey. He has taught at numerous police academies in New Jersey and has instructed police officers in self-defense and arrest tactics in many municipal police agencies as well. He has presented self-protection seminars to thousands of women in central New Jersey.
In 1975, Fitzgerald had the opportunity to begin training under Nagle at the Central Ave Dojo. After working with the "Living Legend" for a few weeks, he began to change all of his kata and basic exercises in order to perform them exactly the way Nagle learned them in Okinawa. Fitzgerald is one of Nagle's few remaining students who still performs his basics and kata the "Nagle Way" to this day.
Fitzgerald soon developed into one of Nagle's top students. In 1977, representing Nagle at Steve Armstrong's 2nd Annual Isshinryu Grand National Tournament in New York, he became Grand Champion. Fitzgerald remained loyal and steadfast to Nagle and continued his instruction both in traditional dojo classes and with many hours of one-on-one training. He is proud to have Nagle's signature on every one of his certificates from San Dan to Hachi Dan (1/1/1993).
Fitzgerald was promoted to Hanshi (Ninth Degree Black Belt) in March, 2009.
Dedicated to preserving the "Nagle Way": He is retired Chief of Police in Branchburg Township, New Jersey. He has taught at numerous police academies in New Jersey and has instructed police officers in self-defense and arrest tactics in many municipal police agencies as well. He has presented self-protection seminars to thousands of women in central New Jersey.
A Letter from Hanshi Fitzgerald
To all Fitzgerald Isshin Ryu Karate students past and present:
I will retire from active participation in Isshin Ryu Karate on January 1st,2017. I will visit our program as a guest and perhaps conduct a seminar when appropriate. I will leave our art in the very capable hands of our top Master instructors. They are Robert Sherman 8th Dan,David Heirl 7th Dan, Thomas Lloyd 7th Dan and Tom Nowell 7th Dan. These instructors have carte blanche authority to make additions, subtractions and any changes that they deem necessary to further our art. They are not bound by the past and it is my wish that our faction of Isshin Ryu improves under their care. All active students and future students have the responsibility to attempt the exceed the ability of their teachers.I have strived to do the same and hope I came close. Good Luck.