Congratulations to Anthony Barbash on his promotion to Black Belt!

On July 30, 2010 Anthony Barbash was promoted to black belt in the Teen Sambo program. Anthony has been a member of Aiki Academy for over 5 years and has worked very hard toward acheiving this milestone. We are very proud of all his effort and dedication to his training.

Congratulations to Wanda Bernier-Burgos and Nicole Penta on their Promotion to Black Belt!

Pictured L-R: Maria Teodosio, Nicole Penta, Wanda Bernier-Burgos, Jennifer Gibilisco

On Saturday June 19, 2010, Aiki Academy had the honor of promoting Wanda Bernier-Burgos and Nicole Penta to Black Belt in Thai Kickboxing. Both Wanda and Nicole have been training at Aiki Academy for the past several years. Both women have worked very hard toward this milestone and their efforts are evident in their exceptional skills. Thank you to Maria Teodosio and Jennifer Gibilisco for assisting with the testing.

Congratulations Austin G. on your promotion to Youth Sambo Black Belt Level II!

Congratulations to Dr. Mike Pace on His Promotion
to Black Belt

Pictured left to right: Joe T., Mike W., Dr. Mike Pace, Ian S.

On Saturday February 13, 2010, Aiki Academy had the honor of promoting Dr. Mike Pace to the rank of Black Belt in Sambo. Mike has been a member of Aiki Academy since 2006 and has worked very hard toward reaching this milestone in his life. We are very proud of his accomplishment and commitment to training. Thank you to Joe, Mike and Ian for assisting in the test.

Congratulations to Bryan Tabuzo on His Promotion to Black Belt

On Friday January 22, 2010,  Bryan Tabuzo was promoted to Black Belt in Youth SAMBO at Aiki Academy. Brian has been training at Aiki Academy since 2005 and has been a very dedicated and hard working student. Chief Instructor Dennis Hill and his entire staff congratulate Bryan on his accomplishment..

Congratulations to Inger Schoelkopf on Her Promotion to Black Belt

On Saturday January 16, 2010, Aiki Academy had the privilege of promoting Inger Schoelkopf to Black Belt in Thai Kickboxing. Inger has been a dedicated student of Aiki Academy for the past four years. We congratulate her on all her hard work, perseverance and enthusiasm for training. A big thank you to JoAnn for assisting in the test.

Congratulations to Bill Leary on his Promotion to Black Belt

On Saturday November 22, 2008, Aiki Academy had the honor of promoting Bill Leary to Black Belt in Combat Hapkido. Bill has been a student of Aiki Academy since 2003 and has shown true dedication through the years to learning this highly effective art. Bill's discipline and committment led him to endure a dificult black belt test and achieve his goal of black belt. We are very proud of him.

Congratulations to Aiki Black Belt David Sepulveda

Who Was a Recent Recipient of Two Awards

On May 9, 2008 David Sepulveda was presented with a "Spotlight on Teachers" award, presented at UConn (Stamford Branch), by Stamford Public Schools, The Stamford Education Association, and the Teacher of the Year Committee. David was one of 23 honorees given an award to acknowledge those that "embody excellence" according to the program.

On Saturday May 10, 2008 David received the Norman E. Delisle Award for Best Overall Association Newsletter in Connecticut, (presented by Connecticut Education Association)

in his capacity as editor and art director.  Pictured with David is CEA President Phil Apruzzese.

Mike Wolf Earns Certification

©Inger Schoelkopf

Congratulatons to Mike Wolf, who in April 2008 became a Certified Level 2 Commando Krav Maga Instructor.  Mike is a police officer and a Sambo black belt at Aiki Academy.  He is also a Police Arrest & Control & Use of Force Instructor. 

Black Belt Promotions

Congratulations to the following people who were recently promoted to Black Belt:

Dr. David Silverstone

In February 2008, David achieved his longtime goal of black belt in Russian Sambo.  He had to endure a grueling and continuous hour long session of wrestling with 10 different fellow students, which tested his skills and endurance.

“We are very proud of David. He is a wonderful example of setting a goal and working hard to achieve it.  He trained consistently and put a lot of effort into studying the art.  When he comes to class, he is always prepared physically and mentally for the challenge. At 60 years old, he is an inspiration to all of us about taking care of our health and turning dreams into realities.  For the past three years, David, who turned 60 in February, has been rolling on the mat with men more than half his age.  And tapping them out!

Matthew Conboy was awarded an honorary black belt in 2007.  Matthew was a student of ours for many years; however, due to special circumstances he was unable to continue his training.  Matthew always came to class enthusiastic and ready to learn.  He was a joy to teach and a fine athlete. 

Benjamin Alma

We have had the honor of training Ben at Aiki Academy of Self Defense since 2003.  Ben recently earned his black belt in both Combat Sambo and Combat Hapkido! He endured a difficult black belt test and we are very proud of his achievement.  Ben also holds a black belt in Taekwon-Do, which he earned from the International Taekwon-Do Association in 2004.  Ben will be relocating out of state soon and we will miss training with him..  We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Combat Hapkido Black Belt Promotion

Jim Cordone was promoted to Black Belt in Combat Hapkido and received certification through the International Combat Hapkido Federation on 10/20/2007.  Jim has been studying for over 10 years and demonstrated skills in all aspects of Combat Hapkido: striking, joint locking, throwing, sparring, and ground grappling.  In addition, he demonstrated a high degree of fitness by completing the difficult Black Belt examination.  He is a true gentleman and it is an honor having him train at our academy.  

        (March 2007)                                          (July 2007)

Dedication to Workouts Pays Off for New Member

With 65 lb Weight Loss!

Jim Raymond joined Aiki Academy at the beginning of February 2007.  Almost 2 months later, he lost an amazing 30 pounds by participating in Aiki Academy’s Thai Kickboxing and Kettlebell programs and has been losing ever since.  Jim changed his eating habits by eliminating fast food, junk food and soda from his diet.  The workouts are intense and burn up to 600 calories or more per hour on average.  Jim recently began participating in the Sambo program and remains highly dedicated to his fitness goals.

Starting Weight: 240 lbs   Current Weight: 175 lbs

Grandmother Kicks Her Way to Health

Deolinda Ramada, affectionately known as Dee Dee, is not afraid to try anything new.  So in November 2006, the petite 62 year old grandmother enrolled in a Thai Kickboxing program at Aiki Academy of Self Defense.  Along with members who are half her age, she puts on her pink boxing gloves and punches and kicks her way to fitness.  Her hour long routine, four times per week, includes jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts, push kicks, side kicks, cut kicks, and sparring all while working with a partner.  The routine is intense and the training similar to what you would find in a boxing gym, with use of heavy bags, target mitts and kick shields.

“Since I joined the academy, I feel like a young person with lots of energy and very healthy.  I have lost 12 lbs and at the age of 62 have more energy today than I did 30 years ago.  My husband even told me recently that I was ‘looking good’ which he has not said in years!  I am trying my best to reach my goal which is to keep kicking for a healthy life.” said Dee Dee.

“Dee Dee is an inspiration to all of us.  No one should be fooled by her age or size, because she is very strong and her techniques are powerful.  She recently earned her yellow belt, is very devoted to her workouts and is in better shape than some 20 year olds.  Dee Dee understands that the fountain of youth starts with exercise and healthy living” said Chief Instructor Dennis Hill.

©Inger Schoelkopf

Congratulations to Seve on his promotion to black belt on November 11, 2006.  Seve has been with Aiki Academy for 4 years and has worked very hard toward acheiving his black belt.  Pictured with Seve is Chief Instructor Dennis Hill.