About Sensei Jerry Rizzo

Sensei Jerry Rizzo began Karate in 1979 to complement the sports he was pursuing at that time. Assuming that the lessons would help to increase his athletic ability and make him more agile and flexible, he discovered instead that the most valuable and unexpected learnings he came away with were the mental aspects crucial to success in any sport.

The improvement in his mental game increased his confidence during game play – he no longer became frustrated or disappointed, and he attained greater patience and focus. As a result, he was better able to identify opportunities during sports. Several teachings of Karate – to take responsibility for our own actions, to practice awareness, to control negative emotions, and to commit ourselves to continual learning - made him a better athlete than the physical improvements he initially sought. His observation that “patience is one of the most important qualities for teaching, but perseverance is the most important trait you need to have to become a black belt” gives insight to the importance Karate places in managing attitudes towards the obstacles and disappointments faced in the pursuit of goals, whether in sports or in life.

Sensei Jerry found respect for the art of Karate not only in Japan, China and Korea, but also in other parts of the world. Over time, Karate philosophy's parallels to spirituality gave him a greater personal understanding of the Bible and his own spiritual blessings. Today, he continues to be drawn to the philosophies karate embodies: a proclivity resulting from his own similar beliefs that thrive as he practices karate. He has instructed hundreds of students of all ages and has enhanced their hearts and minds immeasurably. The Shinko-Ryu family celebrates his contributions. We are truly blessed to have him as one of our head instructors.

FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD, GO THEREFORE AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS – Matthew 28:19 (A plaque with this excerpt of the Holy Scripture was presented to Sensei Jerri Rizzo on November 18, 2013 to acknowledge his impact as a karate instructor. Sensei Jerry is one of Sensei Siemong’s first black belts (May 1982). He took over the management of the Taylor Club, Pennsylvania in June 1982 with Sensei Tom Kloss when Master Wang left to attend Seaton Hall University. His new goal is to see his granddaughter get her black belt.)