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Shotokan Karate Jutsu Academy |
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David Loeb |
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Mr. Loeb, aka. Thor, Mr. Muscles, The Leopard, is a dedicated student. David has been training since 1993. He has attended several seminars with well known karateka such as Sensei Ozawa, Sensei Patrick McCarthy, and Sensei Edmond Otis. He has also attended numerous karate camps such as the AJKA camp in 2003. He has limited experience in tournaments but has competed in the Ozawa Cup and the Miyazaki Invitational. In 2000, David earned his Shodan or First Degree Black Belt and then he was given Nidan. He has tried other forms of martial arts such as Tai Chi, and Capeoira and Brazilian martial Art. He helps out with the Special Needs Program in Marlton. He also volunteers his time in the Special Needs Tournament held every April. He finds the program rewarding and he loves to give back time to karate. His main goal is to develop his own special needs karate program and have karate become a part of the Special Olympics. David will try to pursue an Instructors Degree in Karate. David earned his Associates Degree from Camden County College and His Bachelors Degree from Rutgers University. He currently works at Virtua Health in Registrar. Karate keeps David focused at school and on the job. David also volunteers as a proof reader on this very website. He alerts the webmaster of any spelling errors that need to be made. August 5, 2008
How I Feel About Sensei Paul Lopresti?
Sensei Paul as referred to in the Shotokan Karate Jutsu Club is a karate instructor by trade and has become my friend and mentor. Paul has constantly e-mailed me back when I have e-mailed him about questions about karate or with anything at all. Not only that Paul outside of karate is a Dad, Flyer's fan and works at Jiffy Lube so outside of karate Paul has a life and is a very understanding person.
Paul is a great martial arts instructor and teacher. He pushes his students to the limit and the students deliver. Paul's teaching makes you think about what he is talking about in class. Also, Paul will answer any of your questions in his classes and if he does not have the answer to the question he will find out. Paul gives back time to karate as well by attending numerous seminars to pass down what his Dad has taught him as well as Patrick McCarthy who he attends seminars with.
Paul gives great lectures as well especially at the end of his class leaving you with something to take home. Also, Paul lectures during Instructor Training which he has developed with his Dad and Sensei Romano. Paul's lectures on anatomy and physiology, they are intense and everyone listens.
Paul's gives karate 110 percent and it shows because he cares about his students and makes them better for it. I learned from Paul that karate is about giving back to the community and your dojo. Just, recently I have begun teaching at the Cherry Hill Aquatic Club on Thursday mornings. Also, I have given back to the community by going out and teaching special needs martial arts classes because of Paul. The karate teaching started after IUKO Karate Camp 2008 when I was asked to teach by several students. All the Black Belts at camp told me I should give back. I took their advice. These Black Belts from our associated clubs are my friends and Paul's too. They are very trustworthy people to be around.
Our friendship truly started when I got my Nidan or Second Degree Black Belt. I was very appreciative of all the advice he gave me and felt he was there for me and in my corner. He also told me to look for a gym to workout at to compliment my training. I did go and look at a gym and take this advice which has helped me with my karate training and life.
Paul's friendship went to a greater level when he invited to his Mixed Martial Arts classes spending time with me so I could like Aki KenpoJu Jutsu which is derived from Sensei McCarthy's Koryu Uchinadi. Together, Paul and I along with several students made a Mixed Martial Arts commercial. Paul has brought me to MMA events in DE. I have seen several fighters from the club participate which has been a different experience. All of these people that Paul has met have become my friends as he introduced them to me.
Paul has recently accepted me into his KU program where he learns this style of martial arts under direct supervision from Sensei McCarthy. I call Paul "Sensei McCarthy Jr" because of his technique and excellent hip rotation/vibration. Under this style I have seen Paul earn his black belt and become an instructor of this style. Once again Paul has taken me under his wing and has introduced me to a whole other world and I have met his friends. Most recently, I have met his friends at the North American Gasshuku 2008 held at Paul's Shotokan Karate Club. The event was fun and I was invited with Paul and several students to attend the annual event in July 09 which I will be attending so I can see these wonderful people Paul and I enjoy spending time with. Paul still does not shy away from Shotokan Karate but loves KU as do his followers. I have seen Paul achieve numerous success from this style. Paul has shown me a deeper appreciation for kata application.
Paul and I tease each other and know how to make each other laugh. I enjoy practicing with Paul because he brings out the best in me. Paul, I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done for me these past few years. Your friendship has not gone unnoticed. You have made me a better person for being your friend and I appreciate the time you give to me as well as sharing your stories about martial arts. I understand what you are trying to accomplish and support you all the way. You are my friend and any martial arts practitioner would be lucky to have you as their teacher.
By David Loeb
Ouch this hurt. David Loeb did not do this to me. Rabbi Morty Rabinowitz |
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