Goju-Ryu-Jitsu

Hard and Gentle Application of Techniques





Master Deborah (Debbie) Freeman
First Senior Assistant Instructor
Godan Renshi, 5th Degree Black Belt



I have been studying at the GOJU-RYU MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY, since 1992, under the guidance and instruction of Shihan Kenneth Freeman. The training is very complete it covers all phases of the GOJU-RYU style: Kumite (Sparring and Grappling), Self-Defense, Weapons and Breaking. I personally enjoy teaching the Woman's Self-Defense Seminars we give and the Combat Karate training. In today's world, I feel every woman should have some type of Self-Defense training. We all participate in tournaments throughout the United States.

Regarding my personal achievements in the tournaments I've completed: I've taken 1st place in several and always placed. I earned my 2nd degree Black Belt on March 5, 2000 at the age 47. I've accomplished things I would not have thought possible of myself ten years ago, and throughout the journey I've learned a great deal about myself and others. The Martial arts are truly a way of LIFE! At age 52, I earned the rank of Sandan, 3rd Degree Black Belt, which represents a long road and a lot of hard work. The road for me has been made longer by injuries, age and other things were beyond my control. What was and is within my control has been the determination to continue and to do the best I can. My determination has come, in part, from my own desire to further my training and accomplish as much as I am able. the other part of my determination has come from the help and support I feel i have received from my fellow Black Belt Family.


My training has been an interesting and self-fulfilling learning experience for me. I've learned many things along my road, all of which have helped me to be a better person, and I hope I have been able to pass some of the knowledge along to others. I feel my determination, learning experiences, and ability to pass the ART of GOJU-RYU-JITSU to others made me a suitable candidate for the rank of YonDan, 4th Degree Black Belt. Now with a total of twenty-one years of training in the GOJU-RYU-JITSU System of Martial Arts, on April 24, 2010 I earned the rank YonDan Renshi, 4th Degree Black Belt, and I am thrilled to continue my journey of training and instructing. On Saturday, November 15, 2014 with my continuous training I earned the rank of GoDan Renshi, 5th Degree Black Belt.





Master Raymond Croce Sr.
Second Senior Assistant Instructor
YonDan Renshi, 4th Degree Black Belt



Ous! Hello everyone, I have been studying at the GOJU-RYU Martial Arts Academy under the guidance of ShiHan Kenneth Freeman since 1993. The training is very well-rounded with equal attention given to each aspect of our style. I personally enjoy the practice of forms training, which is also known as "Kata". a Kata is a series of moves designed to simulate a fight against one or more attackers. Katas represent the core of a Martial Art system in that they demonstrate the intricacies of a given style.


I have been fortunate enough to have successfully competed in many national tournaments throughout the U.S. over the past four years. In 1995, I was ranked first in the U.S. with the Amateur Karate Association in the "Senior Men's Division Forms" category. This achievement is second only to earning my Black Belt in 1996, which I view as the beginning of my training. ShiHan Freeman has taught me that with good mental discipline, hard work and a close attention to detail that nothing is impossible. I hope that I may continue to train with and teach for ShiHan Kenneth Freeman for a long time to come. And with all the Knowledge I gained over the years, on March 5, 2000 I received YonDan Renshi, 4th Degree Black Belt





Master Melissa Benedetti
Third Senior Assistant Instructor
YonDan Renshi, 4th Degree Black Belt



I started with ShiHan Kenneth Freeman at the GOJU-RYU ACADEMY in 1993 when I was six years old. now several years later on September 23, 2000, I've earned the Rank of Full Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt and the title of Third (3rd) Assistant Instructor. I started Karate because I wanted to try something new! I play all types of sports, to name a few are baseball, Basketball, Soccer and Field Hockey. My Parents said I had a choice between Ballet or Karate, and I chose Karate!

I initially underestimated how informative the training in the Goju-Ryu style of Karate would be and now am extremely grateful for all that I've learned. Training improved my hand, eye and foot coordination. now I play all sports a lot better and faster. I can drive faster to the basket and even jump higher. Karate improved my Skills greatly! I thank all kids should join some type of martial Art. Of course they will learn how to fight and protect themselves, but more importantly to improve their skills, not just in sports but in everyday LIFE! KARATE HELPED ME ALOT! Now at age 21 and a junior in college, I am a senior ShoDan at the GOJU-RYU MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY. While playing sports in college, I sustained a serious knee injury. I returned to the Academy to help strengthen my knee for when I return to college this year to continue with my sports scholarship. As I said, "KARATE HELPS ME ALOT"!
With my continued hard work and training, on Saturday October 28, 2023, I earned the rank of YonDan Renshi, 4th Degree Black Belt. Thank you ShiHan Freeman for all your help, Guidance and Support in earning this Rank.





Sensei Christopher Hearon
Fourth Senior Assistant Instructor
Nidan - 2nd Degree Black Belt



Karate is defined as a Martial Art. This definition is sufficient for some of the needs required to understand it, but it lacks a few things. Calling Karate a Martial Art basically means that it is a typically an art that pertains to war. While true, it is also a way to learn many other things than just to learn the art of war. First, it teaches Discipline. to become a Master at anything, you must Discipline yourself to practice what you want to Master. Next, it brings Maturity. I have found that those training in the Martial Arts are less prone to get into meaningless confrontation that the average person. Finally, it brings Focus. To truly learn a Discipline (Art) is really learning how to use your Mind, Body & Soul. When you learn how use your BODY correctly, you are learning to focus your power into a Punch, Kick, Block or Throw using your SOUL, is to have a peaceful & calm heart in battle. Now your MIND, that's the important one, to be able to combine all three to a STATE OF WELL-BEING. Now you have Mastered a small portion of the Martial Arts. All these are results of training in the Martial Arts they are also required for the training itself. Through my continued studies on the date of April 24, 2010 I've earned the rank of NIDAN, 2nd Degree Black Belt.


Sensei Raymond Croce Jr.
Fifth Assist Instructor
ShoDan-Ho 1st Black Belt



The study of Martial Arts can help shape a person's life. It is not just the way your body moves, it's also a mindset to always try to be better and more disciplined. Martial Arts help teach one to be still and in the moment. The path is a journey that should be enjoyed, it is a marathon not a sprint after all. Most important Martial Arts teach not to give up but to always strive to continue and do better. I feel like I am a shining example of this fact because when I first walked through the doors of this school, I was 10 years old. I ended up leaving after achieving my yellow belt and as life took me on my journey it eventually brought me back here to finish what I started 30 years before. Though my journey may have been longer than many others that's okay because at the end of the day the only thing that separates a Black Belt from a white belt is the fact that the Black Belt never gave up. So Martial Arts to me is learning to never give up no matter how long the road is and always strive to be better today than you were yesterday.