Duncan's Martial Arts Academy Instructors

-Updated December 3, 2011-

6th Dan - 5th Dan - 4th Dan - 3rd Dan - 2nd Dan - 1st Dan

Shihan Jesse Dwire - Rokudan

Shihan Dwire began his training with SiGung Duncan in 1989 in Camillus, NY.

Received Black Belt in 1993.

1994-1998 Attended Niagara University. Started Niagara U. Karate Club - Promoted 3 people to black belt at Niagara who continued the club after he graduated. Continued to study with SiGung Duncan the entire time he was in college.

1995 - April, earned Nidan / 2nd Degree Black Belt.

1997 - January, earned Sandan / 3rd Degree Black Belt.

1998 - Obtained Bachelor in Social Work, minor in Criminal Justice.

1999 - Attended Onadaga School of Therapeutic Massage (One of the Top 10 schools in the nation at that time.) Obtained Massage License with three strong points, Sports Massage and Shiatsu being two of them.

1999 - Moved to Lowell / Chelmsford, MA where he took over an existing school.

2000 - Started training with SGM George Pesare - Was recognized by the Kaito Gakko as a Black Belt. Continues to this day to seek training and knowledge of Original East Coast Kempo from SGM Pesare.

2000 - Earned Yondan / 4th Degree Black Belt from MSDC.

2004 - Left organization to start Dragon-Phoenix Martial Arts, an affiliate school of Duncan's Martial Arts Academy.

2004 - Earned Godan / 5th Degree Black Belt and "Master"/"Sifu" title in December of 2004 from SiGung Duncan in Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu and Shaolin Kempo.

2005 - After training in the art of Kempo-Jutsu under Prof. Kimo Ferreira, earned rank of 5th Dan.

2005 - Inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame - for outstanding efforts in promotion of Martial Arts dedicated in hosting International Seminars and Tournaments.

2009 - Inducted into World Martial Arts Federation's Hall of Fame as Kempo Master Instructor of the Year.

2009 - Earned and tested for rank of Shodan in Soke DePasquale's Combat Ju-Jutsu.

In June 2010, Master Dwire was promoted to the rank of Rodudan, 6th Degree Black Belt, and awarded the title of Shihan. The promotion was very special as it was presented to him by Soke Rudy Duncan, his long time instructor, as well as Soke Mike Bissonette and Soke Youssef Ghaly representing New World Martial Arts. Soke Duncan has been very proud of his long time student and friend's accomplishments in the martial arts.

Sifu Ken Swan - Yondan

Sifu Swan was first introduced to the martial arts at age 13. After spending time rehabilitating a knee injury, he decided that martial arts would be a good way to keep his legs strong. He started studying Isshin Ryu Karate Do under the guidance of Shihan Bill Adams. After studying for a short time, Sifu Swan recalled some of the Eastern philosophies he had been told of as a child by his father. His love of the martial arts grew as he trained. He continued to study Isshin Ryu and other styles as time went on. In 1994, he moved to Massachusetts where he soon began training seriously in the Korean art of Tang Soo Do under Master Khaled Dahdouh. During the next few years he competed in several state Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do tournaments, winning awards in Breaking, Sparring, and Forms. In January 1997, Sifu Swan was awarded his Cho Dan (1st Degree) Black Belt in the art of Tang Soo Do. November 1997, he was awarded his 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. During the summer of 1998, Sifu Swan began studying the art of Shaolin Kempo at Masters Self Defense Centers under Sibak Bill West and Shihan Robert Nohetly in Lowell, MA. After moving back to the Western NY area in 1999, Sifu Swan began studying with me here in Syracuse. In December 1999, he was awarded his 1st Degree Black Belt in the art of Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu Kempo. In April 2002, he was awarded the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt.

As well as being a certified instructor for Duncan's Martial Arts Academy. Sifu Swan works as the tireless Webmaster for the Duncan's Martial Arts web site. In September 2001, Sifu Swan started a Kempo Karate Program for Greater Buffalo YMCA at the Northeast Family Branch. In June 2002, he expanded the Kempo Progran to the Delaware Branch. In January 2003, he again expanded the program to include the Greater Buffalo YMCA's new Southtowns Branch. In the Spring of 2003 Sifu Swan introduced a new PeeWee Karate Program teaching children ages 2 to 5.

In August 2004, Sifu Swan opened Swan's Martial Arts Academy in Buffalo, NY.

On March 19, 2005 Sifu Swan was promoted to the rank of Sandan, 3rd Degree Black Belt.

In 2008, Sifu Swan was named Player/Coach on the 2008 World Modern Arnis Alliance Team USA and competed in the 2008 CAN-AM Border Battle.

On February 8, 2009 Sifu Swan was promoted to the rank of Yondan, 4th Degree Black Belt.- Email Sifu Swan

Sifu Ron Broughton - Yondan

I met Ronald Broughton in 1998. Ronald heard about our dojo from a friend and began training with us in 1998. Prior to studying Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu, Ronald had an extensive background in amature boxing. From age 13, he boxed with the Police Athletic League in Brooklyn, NY. By the age of 18 Roanld had sparred with the late Davey Moore and Juan Laporta. In 1978, Sifu Broughton moved to Syracuse.

Sifu Broughton was originally interested in our dojo as a family activity that he could enjoy with his son Raysean and wife Brenda. Ronald quickly showed the physical prowess that he had honed in his earlier boxing days. As he progressed through the system, Ronald also developed mental focus and spiritual understanding of the martial arts. After six years of training, he recieved his Shodan ranking on the 21st of December, 2002.

Duncan's Martial Arts has become a self described "home away from home" for Sifu Broughton. His sincere, genuine love of the martial arts resonates in his teaching. As much as Sifu Broughton claims the dojo has done for him, we feel that we have benefited more from his contribution to our organization.

On March 19, 2005 Sifu Broughton was promoted to the rank of Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt.

On November 30, 2007 Sifu Broughton was promoted to the rank of Sandan, 3rd Degree Black Belt.

On December 3, 2011 Sifu Broughton was promoted to the rank of Yondan, 4th Degree Black Belt.

Sifu Ed Peck - Yondan

Sifu Ed Peck came to our dojo in 1998 by way of the yellow pages! This is noteworthy since I have rarely advertised over the past twenty years. Quality students have found their way to Duncan's Martial Arts Academy primarily by word of mouth.

At the age of seventeen, Ed volunteered to serve his country as an airman in the United States Navy. Based in Syracuse, Ed has spent the past fourteen years traveling the world as an aircraft mechanic. His many ports of call have included Panama, Spain, Turkey, and almost every middle eastern nation. During the first Gulf War, he served on an aircraft carrier deck in support of the coalition forces.

In an effort to stay in shape, Ed started training in Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu in 1998. Four and one half years later, he recieved his Shodan rank on the 21st December, 2002. Sifu Peck has enjoyed success in tournament competition locally and in Canda. He is also currently enrolled in our instructors training program.

On March 19, 2005 Sifu Peck was promoted to Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt.

On November 30, 2007 Sifu Peck was promoted to Sandan, 3rd Degree Black Belt.

On December 3, 2011 SIfu Peck was promoted to Yondan, 4th Degree Black Belt.

Sibak Gretchen Rauch - Sandan

Sibak Gretchen Rauch was a late comer to the martial arts yet has exceeded and continues to exceed all expectations. As a freshman at Niagara University Sibak Rauch started training with the Niagara University Karate Club, a satellite of Dunacan’s Martial Arts. The NU Karate Club was run by Shihan Jesse Dwire (currently head instructor of Dragon Phoenix Martial Arts). Through diligent training, including summers in Syracuse with Soke Rudy Duncan, Sibak Rauch attained the rank of Shodan in three years, and became president of the NU Karate Club.

After graduating from Niagara University, Sibak Rauch attended Hofstra University School of Law. She continued her training in Syracuse when possible during school breaks and summers off. Upon earning a Juris Doctorate from Hofstra Sibak Rauch returned to Syracuse. Sibak Rauch was promoted to the rank of Nidan in December of 2005.

In February 2007 Sibak Rauch was offered a position in Binghamton, NY, continuing to train when possible. In January 2008 Sibak Rauch returned to Syracuse when a position was offered at the Corporation Counsel’s Office for the City of Syracuse. Sibak Rauch was promoted to the rank of Sandan in December of 2009. With the help of Soke Duncan, Shihan Dwire and the rest of her fellow instructors, Sibak Rauch looks forward to her continued training and understanding as a perpetual student of the martial arts.

Sibak Bruno Daniele - Nidan

Sensei/Sibak Daniele began his martial arts career in 1975 as a child in New Rochelle, NY studying Peter Urban's USA Goju Karate System. He currently holds Sandan ranking & continues to study under his instructor, Sensei Thomas Maloney 5th Dan, of the Goju Triad in Dutchess County, NY.

In 1990, He began his law enforcement carrer & was introduced to Sifu Carmen Vigliotti, a Firearms and Police Defensive Tactics Instructor & Kenpo stylist, currently a 6th Dan. He trained in the Tracy Kenpo System of Kenpo for 4 years, eventually earning an Instructor Certification.

In 1995, Sensei Daniele's law enforcement / martial journey brought him to Syracuse, NY where he became a Shaolin Kempo Karate student at Masters of Karate, where he subsequently earned Nidan ranking under Sensei Donna Miori 5th Dan He also trained with Rick Williams, a fellow police officer & student of Edward "Rudy" Duncan.

In 1998, with permission & blessings from Sensei Maloney, the St. Joseph's Church Karate Club was established in Camillus, NY where he taught USA Goju & practical self-defense. In 2001, the CNY Academy of Self-Defense was opened with a co-owner, Rodger Smith. A blend of Goju & Kenpo-Jitsu (incorporating the Hard & Soft aspects of both fist methods) was taught. Sensei Daniele left in May 2003 for professional reasons.

In June 2003, Sensei was re-introduced to Sigung Rudy Duncan and was invited to train in Karazenpo Goshinjutsu at the North Area Athletic Club in Syracuse.

In the Fall 2004, he was awarded Shodan rank in Sijo Victor "Sonny" Gacon's System and membership in the KGS Blackbelt Society. In September, with permission and blessings from Sigung Duncan, he re-opened his school, The Syracuse Academy of Self-Defense where the KGS System is taught.

Sensei Daniele blends his 20+ years experience and offers an effective and practical self-defense system for people of all ages and walks of life.

Sibak Jay Coates - Nidan

Sibak Jay Coates began his martial arts training in the fall of 1994 in GOJU RYU karate under the instruction of James “Renshi” Coker at Coker’s Karate School in North Syracuse. Jay trained at Coker’s while earning his bachelors degree in psychology from Syracuse University in 1997. Sibak Coates was originally encouraged to train in the martial arts because he had recently been diagnosed with a genetic visual disease causing legal blindness. Jay grew up both athletically and artistically talented and needed a release to fill the voids in these areas as he was learning to compensate for a life changing condition. Karate was a perfect outlet to fill that void. Jay competed successfully in many local tournaments and developed a life long passion for the martial arts.

Sibak Coates moved to Charlotte NC in the fall of 1997 where he worked and earned his masters degree in guidance counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2001. Jay currently works at Grant Middle School in Syracuse as a school counselor. Sibak Coates was introduced to Sigung Rudy Duncan in 2003 where he began his Kempo training under Sigung Duncan at the North Area Athletic Club. Sibak Coates earned the rank of Shodan in the art of Karazenpo Goshinjutsu in December 2006.

Jay continues to train and use his intensity, work ethic, speed and power to improve as a martial artist. Training continues to fill an athletic and artistic void and serve as a spiritual and therapeutic outlet. The martial arts have helped facilitate humility, integrity, and inner peace.

Sibak Nick Reyes - Nidan

Sibak Reyes began his martial journey in 1994 as a student of the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do. In 2000 Mr. Reyes was introduced to the arts of Karazenpo Goshinjutsu, as well as Modern Arnis & Kenpo-Jitsu studying one-on-one with Rodger Smith which continued at the CNY Academy of Self-Defense. While at the CNY Academy Mr. Reyes continued to learn the art of Karazenpo Goshinjutsu and started training in USA Goju with Sensei Daniele.

While attending the Rochester Institute of Technology Sibak Reyes continued to train during breaks and summers off. In 2005 Mr. Reyes was reintroduced to Sensei Daniele who accepted him as a student at the Syracuse Academy of Self-Defense to study Karazenpo Goshinjutsu and USA Goju. While training at SASD Mr. Reyes met Soke Duncan. In 2006 all SASD students and instructors were invited to study Karazenpo Goshinjutsu under Soke Duncan. Sibak Reyes earned the rank of Shodan in the art of Karazenpo Goshinjutsu at Duncan’s Martial Arts Academy on December 1, 2007. In June 2009 Sibak Reyes earned the rank of Nidan in Karazenpo Goshinjutsu at Dragon Phoenix Martial Arts.

Sibak Tom Michlovitch - Nidan

Sibak Tom Michlovitch started studying the martial arts of Tae Kwon Do at the age of 22 at Sun Chung's Tae Kwon Do in Syracuse. After about a year into the program, Tom's college work had taken his free time so he left Tae Kwon Do to pursue his education. Gym class was a requirement in college so he signed up for a semester of Hidy Ochi's Washin Ryu karate under the instruction of one of John White's students. Once a week for 15 weeks Tom studied the art of Washin Ryu karate. Tom then transferred to the University of Buffalo and sporadically studied Tae Kwon Do in the university's Tae Kwon Do club. When Tom graduated from college, he joined John White's school and studied there for about two years. John White decided to retire from teaching and his school all but dissolved. Tom was in graduate school at the time and thought it best to focus on studies and again put training aside. When Tom finished graduate school he was ready to again begin training in the martial arts. He found Duncan's Martial Arts in the yellow pages and started studying in May of 2001. Tom earned the rank of Shodan in November of 2004.

Sibak Peter O'Brien - Nidan

Sibak O’Brien began his martial arts training as a kid while attending different summer camps in and around the City of Syracuse. He was reintroduced to martial arts in 2003 when he was invited by Sibak Reyes to formally begin training in Modern Arnis & Kenpo-Jitsu at the CNY Academy of Self-Defense.

Mr. O’Brien continued to train at CNY Academy of Self-Defense until 2004. In the fall of 2004 he was contacted by Sensei Bruno Daniele who accepted him as one of his students at the Syracuse Academy of Self-Defense to study Karazenpo Goshinjutsu and USA Goju. During his training with Sensei Daniele he was awarded rank in the art of USA Goju and became an assistant instructor, while training at SASD Mr. O’Brien met Sigung Rudy Duncan. In 2006 all SASD students and instructors were invited to study Karazenpo Goshinjutsu under Sigung Rudy Duncan.Mr. O’Brien continued to train at CNY Academy of Self-Defense until 2004. In the fall of 2004 he was contacted by Sensei Bruno Daniele who accepted him as one of his students at the Syracuse Academy of Self-Defense to study Karazenpo Goshinjutsu and USA Goju. During his training with Sensei Daniele he was awarded rank in the art of USA Goju and became an assistant instructor, while training at SASD Mr. O’Brien met Soke Rudy Duncan. In 2006 all SASD students and instructors were invited to study Karazenpo Goshinjutsu under Soke Rudy Duncan. Sibak O’Brien continues to train with Soke Duncan as well as assist in instructing the kids program at Bellevue Heights Church under Sensei Daniele who he still actively trains with in the art of USA Goju.

Sibak O’Brien earned the rank of Shodan in the art of Karazenpo Goshinjutsu at Duncan’s Martial Arts Academy on Saturday December 1, 2007. In November of 2009 Sibak O’Brien was awarded the rank of Nidan by Soke Duncan.

Sibak Stacy French - Shodan

Sibak French began her martial arts journey in 1990, training in Washin-Ryu Karate, under the tutelage of Master Hidy Ochiai and Sensei John White. Sibak French began training as a means of learning self-defense. Sibak French quickly realized the multitude of benefits training in the martial arts offers. After a short time, Sibak French began to reap the benefits of improved physical strength and conditioning, and self-defense techniques. Beyond the physical benefits, were self-confidence, patience, setting and reaching goals, courage, focus and giving back to the community. Sibak French competed in local and national tournaments which provided an opportunity to test her martial skills and competitive spirit. Sibak French also enjoyed assistant instructing women’s self-defense and children’s karate classes at the dojo and in the community. At Sankyu level Sibak French took a fourteen year hiatus from her martial journey in which time she began a family.

In January 2008, Sibak French was introduced to Soke Rudy Duncan and began training in the art of Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu Shaolin Kempo (KGS) at Duncan’s Martial Arts Academy. Sibak French earned her Shodan in KGS in June of 2009. Sibak French continues to train in KGS and Kemchido while assisting in the instruction of the children’s and adults KGS class and women’s self defense.

In the Fall of 2008, Sibak French was invited by Sensei Bruno Daniele to begin training in the art of USA GoJu at his school, Bellevue Heights Karate Club. Sensei Daniele has also given Sibak French the opportunity and honor to assistant instruct at his school. At BHKC Sibak French along with Sensei Daniele and Sensei O’Brien provide children instruction in the art of KGS Kempo karate.

In January 2010 Sibak French began cross training in the art of Muay Thai; the art of eight limbs. After 10 months of intensive training, five days per week, Sibak French was given the opportunity to travel to Ft. Lauderdale Florida to train and test with Master H.D. Tran. After a three day test, Sibak French earned her Level 1 Instructor Certification in the art of Muay Thai.

As of January 1, 2011 Sibak French will be taking a six month hiatus from her KGS, Kemchido, and GoJu training to train exclusively in the art of Muay Thai in preparation for her first amateur fight in late Summer of 2011.