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Chief
Instructor Steve Cianelli, Sensei
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Cianelli, Sensei began
his martial arts journey in 1988 at Temple University, where he trained in
Shotokan Karate under Teruyuki Okazaki, Sensei until 1989. In 1992, he
transitioned to studying USA GoJu, guided by Senseis John Austino Sr. and
Jr., ultimately achieving the rank of 6th degree.
In 2017, Cianelli,
Sensei began an inspiring new chapter under the mentorship of L
Luis Morales, Hanshi of KenshiKai
Okinawan GoJu Ryu Karate Jutsu Kobu-Jutsu Association.. His
dedication and hard work paid off in 2019 when he was officially welcomed
as a student and Branch Dojo. By June 2022, he earned the title of 7th Dan
in Okinawa GoJu Ryu and also achieved the rank of 7th Dan in Ryukyu Hokama
Kobu-jutsu under the esteemed direction of Hanshi Luis Morales. Cianelli,
Sensei is passionate about continuous learning and growth, traveling to
Okinawa in 2018, 2023, and 2025 for training at the Honbu dojo in Nishiara.
There, he had the honor of receiving instruction from Hokama, Sensei in
both empty hand techniques and kobudo. Additionally he serves as the
Executive Secretary to Hanshi Luis Morales for the North America KenshiKai
Organization.
In 2018 he was accepted
as a member of the Seiryukan Kokusai Budo Rengokai and was presented with
a certificate of membership (#0011) by Sensei Ron Nix.
In addition to his
martial arts pursuits, Cianelli, Sensei is an long standing active member
of the United Martial Arts Referees Association, where he serves as
Executive and Recording Secretary and is also an Executive Board member of
the Tiger Family Iaido Association. He holds a certification as a UMARA
Class “A” Referee and has gained recognition as an outstanding
competitor in U.M.A.R.A. for Forms, Weapons, and Sparring from 1996 to
present.
Cianelli,
Sensei is also a dedicated professional outside the dojo. He graduated
from Temple University School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in
Electrical Engineering and has made significant contributions to the
design of power plants and substations. Currently, he serves as a Program
Manager for a New Jersey architecture and engineering firm, overseeing
multidiscipline engineering projects for various power utilities across
the country.
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Addionally,
Sensei Cianelli is a dedicated and experienced practitioner of White Crane
Chi Kung and Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, having studied directly under the
esteemed Grandmaster S. L. Martin
since 1996. His profound journey into the martial arts began long before.
As a master level instructor at the Green Dragon headquarters school,
Sensei Cianelli plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of
martial artists. He is also an active member of the Green Dragon Demo Team
and the prestigious Green Dragon Chinese Martial Arts School International
Exhibition Team. His commitment to martial arts has taken him far beyond
the classroom; he has had the honor of accompanying Grandmaster S. L.
Martin on eight trips to Taiwan, Republic of China, as well as travels to
Japan in 2014 and South Korea in 2019. In recognition of his hard work and
dedication, Sensei Cianelli was promoted to Black Sash in the White Crane
Chi Kung System of Taiwan in November 2007 under the guidance of
Grandmaster S. L. Martin. A decade later, in November 2017, he was awarded
the esteemed title of Tai Shih 大師
(Master) in Taiwan Hung System White
Crane Chi Kung, reflecting his mastery and commitment to the art. Sensei
Cianelli’s passion for martial arts and his extensive experience
continue to inspire students and peers alike. |
Tsuru Ki Black Belts
Michael
DiTaranto, Ni Dan
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Sensei DiTaranto began
his journey in GoJu Ryu martial arts in 2012. Under the guidance of
Cianelli Sensei, he has dedicated himself to mastering this art form. His
commitment and skill were recognized in April 2018 when he was promoted to
Sho Dan, a significant achievement in his training. In addition to his
personal practice, Sensei DiTaranto was an active top competitor in the
United Martial Arts Referees Association League, showcasing his skills and
dedication in competitions. He is now has a "B" Level Referee
certification, further contributing to the martial arts community through
officiating. Sensei DiTaranto continues to inspire and lead others through
his passion for GoJu Ryu and commitment to excellence.
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Barbara
Anne Gardenhire-Mills, Ni Dan
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Sensei Gardenhire-Mills embarked on her martial arts
journey in 1991, initially training in Shotokan and Tae Kwon Do while
attending Rowan University (formerly Glassboro State College). Her
dedication to martial arts led her to begin training in Goju Ryu at Tsuru
Ki Martial Arts under Sensei Cianelli in 2011. Since then, she has
consistently studied under him and earned the rank of Sho Dan in March
2019. In addition to her martial arts expertise, she contributes to the
United Martial Arts Referees Association as a “B” Level Referee.
Professionally, Ms. Gardenhire-Mills is a seasoned
leader in community relations, program management, and professional
development, boasting extensive experience across government, nonprofit,
and private sectors. Currently, she serves as the Director of Compliance
& Engagement for the Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation (CBAC),
recognized as one of the top ten “mission-based” lending organizations
in the United States, as identified by the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA).
Her previous roles include serving as one of the 14
federal liaisons for the White House Promise Zone Initiative during both
the Obama and Trump administrations. Additionally, she has held leadership
positions in various nonprofit organizations and the insurance industry.
Ms. Gardenhire-Mills also worked directly and as a subcontractor for
several federal, state, and local government administrations, and has been
appointed to two national and three state task forces.
Her exceptional work has garnered presidential
recognition in both 2000 and 2010, and in 2016, she was honored as the
“Women’s Advocate of the Year” by the National Association of Women
Business Owners (NAWBO) South Jersey Chapter.
A distinguished academic, Ms. Gardenhire-Mills
graduated first in her class from Rowan University in 1992, earning her
Bachelor of Science in Political Science with Honors, along with
concentrations in Pre-Law/Constitutional Law and Women’s Studies, as
well as two academic achievement awards. She continued to pursue her
education through numerous career-related certificate programs and
fulfilled a personal promise by earning her Master of Science in Executive
Leadership from Champlain College in 2017.
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Adrienne
Cianelli, NI Dan
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Sensei
Adrienne Cianelli embarked on her martial arts journey in 1992. After
taking a significant break from training, she rekindled her passion in
2011 by focusing on Goju Ryu. Under the guidance of Cianelli Sensei, she
dedicated herself to mastering the art. Her perseverance and commitment
culminated in March 2021 when she earned the rank of Sho Dan.
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Patricia
Phillips, Ni Dan
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Sensei
Patricia Phillips embarked on her martial arts journey in 2011 at the
remarkable age of 63. Driven by passion and determination, she quickly
became an integral part of her dojo, inspiring others with her dedication.
In March of 2021, at the age of 73, she reached a significant milestone by
testing for and successfully earning the rank of Sho Dan. Her achievements
serve as a powerful reminder that age is merely a number, demonstrating
that it’s never too late to pursue one's dreams and excel in new
challenges. Sensei Patricia continues to motivate students of all ages,
showing that with perseverance and commitment, anything is possible.
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Joseph
Mills, Sho Dan
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Sensei
Joseph-Mills began his journey in martial arts in 2011, training under the
esteemed Cianelli Sensei. With a dedication to his craft and consistent
study under Cianelli Sensei, he achieved the rank of Sho Dan in June 2020.
In addition to his foundational training, Sensei Joseph-Mills practices
Hokama Ryukyu Kobudo and Iaido, studying under the Tiger Family Iaido
Association. His commitment to martial arts continues to deepen as he
explores the intricacies of these disciplines, embodying the spirit of a
lifelong learner.
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Ricky
Raymond, Sho Dan
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Ricky
Raymond began his martial arts journey at the age of 5. He is a dedicated
student of the martial arts, a scholar, and a genuinely excellent young
adult. His dedication over 14 years of training, from a young child to a
young adult, has been an unforgettable journey. He was well aware that, in
our school, we do not promote children to the Black Belt level. Black is
something you earn through hard work, dedication, and a maturity level
that is demonstrated, which shows you are capable of carrying the true
weight of the Black Belt. Ricky trained every day, and upon reaching
adulthood, he demonstrated that maturity. He has learned the basics of the
empty-hand system and kobudo, opening more doors and allowing the true
learning process to begin. Very similar to his college endeavors, where he
graduated from High school at the top of his class with honors and is now
in college pursuing a degree in education with an emphasis on mathematics.
He is one of those we term the 1 in 10,000 students who become true
teachers.
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Jared
Pearce, Sho Dan
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Jared
Pearce is a truly remarkable man and an active-duty US Marine. His journey
began like any dedicated parent, enrolling his talented son in a martial
arts school. After a few weeks of observing classes, he came to the dojo
one day and simply stated, “I’m in,” marking the start of his new
path.
With
an unwavering determination, Jared has proven himself to be a force of
inspiration amongst his fellow students. His commitment to excellence
drives him to master every aspect of the system, from the foundational
basics to the advanced techniques of Kata, Tuide, Kyusho, Atemi, and
Kobudo.
Jared’s
journey is just beginning, with countless opportunities ahead to explore
and learn. His dedication and passion make him a role model for all within
the dojo, embodying the spirit of perseverance and growth.
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Christopher
Styskal, Sho Dan
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Christopher
Styskal commenced his journey in martial arts in 2017. Since then, he has
demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to his training. His
hard work culminated in a significant achievement when he was promoted to
Sho Dan in September 2023. Christopher continues to train diligently,
embodying the values of discipline and perseverance inherent in martial
arts. His journey reflects not only personal growth but also a deep
commitment to the martial arts community.
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Bianca
Cianelli, Sho Dan
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Mrs. Cianelli has been passionately
involved in martial arts since November 2000, when she began her training
in the GoJu Ryu style under the guidance of Master John Austino Jr. at
Austino's Karate. Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated her
commitment to the art, becoming a top-rated competitor in UMARA across
weapons, forms, and sparring categories.
In 2011, her martial arts journey took a significant turn as she
began training under the direct instruction of Sensei Cianelli with the
opening of the Tsuru Ki dojo. That same year, she attained the Junior
Instructor level, allowing her to assist her father in teaching the art
she loves. Additionally, she is an adept student of Chi Kung White Crane,
further enriching her martial arts experience under her father's
expertise.
Ms. Cianelli is also a proud member of the renowned Green Dragon
Chinese Martial Arts School International Exhibition Team. Her dedication
to martial arts has afforded her remarkable opportunities, including
accompanying Grandmaster S. L. Martin on six memorable trips to Taiwan,
R.O.C. since 2004, as well as traveling to Japan in 2014.
In
June 2014, Ms. Cianelli achieved a significant milestone in her martial
arts career by earning the rank of Sho Dan, which is the 1st Degree Black
Belt. Her commitment to excellence and her passion for teaching continue
to inspire those around her, solidifying her presence within the martial
arts community. |
Lisa
Peterson, Ni Dan [Not Active]
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Sensei
Peterson began her journey in martial arts training in 1988 at the
Okinawan Karate Institute in Totowa, NJ, where she studied Shorin Ryu
Shorinkan. She was a dedicated student of Kyoshi Robert B. Herten until
2008, achieving the rank of Yondan. During this time, Kyoshi Herten was
known for his expertise, having trained under Hanshi Shuguro Nakazato in
Naha, Okinawa, while serving in the Air Force until the early 1990s and
later becoming a student of Hanshi Seikichi Iha in Lansing, MI.
In
2013, Sensei Peterson expanded her training by becoming a student of AJ
LaForte and Rob McFee at the Fredericton Karate Dojo. Both men are
prominent students of Hanshi Ken Tallack, known for his Meitoku-ha Goju
Ryu in Ontario, Canada, as well as Renshi Greg McKenna, associated with
Okinawan Goju Ryu in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Sensei Peterson had the
privilege of training at the Fredericton Karate Dojo for approximately one
year before returning to her home state of New Jersey.
Upon
relocating to the Mount Laurel area of NJ, she continued her martial arts
education by studying under Cianelli, Sensei of Tsuru Ki.. In April 2018,
she received a promotion to Ni Dan from Cianelli, Sensei, marking her
continued dedication and growth in the martial arts.
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Brock
Sherman, Sho Dan [Not Active]
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Brock
Sherman embarked on his journey in martial arts in 2018 after a diligent
search for a school that offered authentic and traditional training. Under
the expert guidance of Cianelli Sensei, Brock committed himself to
consistent practice, displaying notable progress and dedication throughout
his training. This commitment culminated in a significant achievement when
he was promoted to Sho Dan in September 2023.
An
athletic individual, Brock is recognized for his dedication and ability to
learn rapidly, traits that benefit him not only in martial arts but also
in various other endeavors. During his high school years, he excelled in
baseball, gaining recognition as a top pitching prospect, which serves as
a testament to his competitive spirit and determination.
Beyond
his athletic pursuits, Brock is deeply family-oriented. He actively
supports his grandparents, reflecting his values of loyalty and community
engagement.
In
his professional life, Brock works as an electrical technician for Amazon,
where he applies his technical skills and strong work ethic to contribute
effectively to his team. He continues to balance his professional
responsibilities with his passion for martial arts and his commitment to
family, embodying a well-rounded and dedicated individual.
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Harman
Ransi, Sho Dan [Not Active]
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Harman Ransi began his journey in the martial arts by
training in GoJu Ryu in 2012. Under the expert guidance of Cianelli
Sensei, he has dedicated himself to consistent study and practice, which
culminated in his promotion to Sho Dan in March 2019.
As a passionate and skilled martial artist, Sensei
Ransi distinguished himself as an active top competitor, earning the title
of Triple Crown Winner in the United Martial Arts Referees Association
League. In addition to his competitive accomplishments, he holds the
certification of a "B" level referee, demonstrating his deep
commitment to the sport.
Beyond his martial arts endeavors, Mr. Ransi has also
excelled academically. He studied computer science at Rowen University,
graduating with honors. He is now on the path of pursuing a career in the
computer field, blending his love for technology with his dedication to
lifelong learning.
Harman Ransi embodies the spirit of perseverance and
determination, both in the dojo and beyond.
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Mike Sian,
Ni Dan (Spectrum
Fitness, Minot ND)
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Mr. Sian began his karate training Kenpo Karate
in 1984, at age 11, training under Master Sung Hwan Cho, eventually
earning a 3rd Dan in 2007. From 1993 – 1995, he studied North American
Tae Kwon Do under Sensei Tom Ziedlik while stationed in Grand Forks, ND,
earning his 1st Dan. In 2003 he began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,
attaining the rank of purple belt in 2010 under
Professor Gianni Bertazzon. Mr. Sian was promoted to the rank of Ni Dan, 2nd
Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate under Master Stefano Cianelli in May
2016.
Mr. Sian is a 23 year veteran of active duty service
with the Army and Air Force. He has served as a Military Policemen,
Security Forces member, and Special Agent with the Air Force Office of
Special Investigations (AFOSI). He is a certified Advanced Military/Law
Enforcement Krav Maga Instructor with Krav Maga Worldwide, an Intercept
– Stabilize –Resolve (ISR) Field Instructor (ISR Matrix), and holds a
basic certification in Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT TM). He is the
former Krav Maga hand to hand combat instructor for the AFOSI
Anti-terrorism Specialty Team, San Antonio, TX.
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Mr. Sian has instructed Federal/State/Local Law Enforcement
Seminars, AF Explosive Ordinance Disposal personnel, AF Emergency Services Teams, AF Special Response Teams and has taught in both the U.S. and overseas
(during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan).
Mr. Sian
has extensive experience in Protective Service Operations. He has also worked on
the protective service details for multiple four star generals and foreign
dignitaries in Europe, Afghanistan and Iraq.
He is an Intercept-Stabilize-Resolve (ISR) Field Instructor,
certified Advanced Military/Law Enforcement Krav Maga Instructor with Krav Maga
Worldwide, and holds a basic certification in Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT
TM).
Mr. Sian has taught defensive tactics to multiple law enforcement agencies
(local, state and federal) in Georgia, Texas, North Dakota, California, and
Italy. In addition, he was a senior defensive tactics instructor for the Office
of Special Investigations Antiterrorism Specialty Team from 2003-2006, teaching
hand to hand combat to Special Agents deploying in support of high intensity,
austere environment combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa theaters
of operations.
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