Rank: 10th Dan
School: Isshin Shorin Jiryu Okinawan Te
While Grand Master Ralph Chirico was stationed in Hawaii for military service, he had viewed a martial arts demonstration, which had captured his interest. Unfortunately, the martial arts school performing the demonstration would only accept students who were permanent residents of the state of Hawaii. Mr. Chirico admits, "The military had changed my ways and attitudes toward myself, others, and life. The martial arts reinforced everything I had learned, and helped me develop even further." Grand Master Ralph Chirico started his career in the martial arts in 1963 under the guidance of Grand Master Don Nagel in the system Isshin Ryu. Mr. Chirico became a dedicated student who worked out seven days a week. During the latter part of 1966, Mr. Chirico utilized every opportunity to train under the Master of Isshinryu karate, Tatsuo Shimabuko. In 1966, Grand Master Chirico began his teaching career as a Ni-dan , (2nd degree black belt). In 1967, Master Chirico, who had become well known for his outstanding tournament participation and fair judging, converted from Isshinry to the system Isshin Shorin Ji Ryu Okinawa te. Although his roots were in Isshinryu, Master Chirico, had taken a greater interest in Isshin Shorin Ji Ryu, because it offered more opportunities and advantages as it allows students to fully assimilate the broadened scope of knowledge and techniques of the system. In 1970, as a 4th dan, Master Chirico became a staff instructor of Karate International and by 1971 he earned the position of regional supervisor. In 1972, with permission from his instructor, Grand Master Ralph Chirico opened his own school in Woodbridge, New Jersey teaching both children and adults, starting at the age of four. The growth of both the Junior and Senior classes created the need for more room, and as a result Mr. Chirico moved the school first to Avenel and then to its present location in 1983 to West Carteret, where he continues to teach karate with the expertise and knowledge gained from years of experience. Unlike many martial arts instructors today, Grand Master Chirico's concepts of training and his philosophy is in tune with the true goals of the Ancient Masters. Grand Master Ralph Chirico feels that in times of stress, turmoil and uncertainty, people need a deeper understanding of themselves. He hopes his martial arts training will help provide the direction his students need. While viewing a class at Chirico's School of Karate, it can be easily seen that the martial arts are more than a mere method of defending one's self. Karate can be a scale of individual achievement and a very personal art, which offers a great deal for those who have the foresight to seek it out. Throughout his many years of teaching the martial arts, Grand Master Ralph Chirico has made a positive impact on his students and black belts. As a result of his training, many of his students have become both champions in karate—winning state, regional, and national championships as well as other tournaments throughout the United States—and in life.