Experience the Historical Perspective by Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale. Founder of the Bushido Ryu Jujitsu Style and BDMAF
Experience the Historical Perspective by Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale. Founder of the Bushido Ryu Jujitsu Style and BDMAF
About: Bushido Ryu Jujitsu
Our Philosophy
Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale
Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale
AikiJujitsu
A Martial Way with a strong Zen influence imbedded in the Art of developing your life through a connection to the life force of the Universe, to the life force of nature, to the life force of others, and to the eternal life force through rigorous training, devotion and to experience Interior Silence.
Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale
Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale
Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale
Began in Kodokan Judo under Sensei Clyde Worthen, who was a student of Yoshisada Yonezuka Sensei, New Jersey, Cira 1969. Trained in Karate, Boxing, Gen Lee Jujitsu, Aikdo, Savate, Iaido - 8th Degree Black Belt in Bushido Ryu Jujitsu (Creator and Soke Sensei).
Certifications
Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale
Certifications
Leonard Cardinale was promoted in 2003 to Kyoshi Sensei, Hachidan (8th Degree Black Belt) as the Founder (Soke) of Bushido Ryu Jujitsu under the Black Dragon Martial Arts Federation (Kuro No Kyu Budoin). Sensei Cardinale holds black belt ranks in Nihon Jujitsu (IMAF), Gen Lee Jujitsu, weapons, Judo, Karate, Savate and Iaido (The Art of Drawing the Sword).
A Lifetime of Martial Arts: A Photo Chronicle
Where It All Started: Kodokan Judo
Traditional Kodokan Judo Tournament Finals 1970
A 1st Place Win in my Division Shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Orange Belt, 6th Kyu In Kodokan Judo
Okuri Ashi Barai (Japanese) - Foot Sweep (Closest Translation)
At Just 7 years old and a yellow belt, I found myself in the finals of a Kodokan Judo Tournament, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, facing a brown belt.
Okuri Ashi Barai (Japanese) - Foot Sweep (Closest Translation)
A 1st Place Win in my Division Shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Orange Belt, 6th Kyu In Kodokan Judo
Okuri Ashi Barai (Japanese) - Foot Sweep (Closest Translation)
About half way through the match, I was able to catch my opponent stepping laterally to my right and swept him. Although I did not receive a full point (Ippon), I was able hold on and win the match.
A 1st Place Win in my Division Shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Orange Belt, 6th Kyu In Kodokan Judo
A 1st Place Win in my Division Shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Orange Belt, 6th Kyu In Kodokan Judo
A 1st Place Win in my Division Shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Orange Belt, 6th Kyu In Kodokan Judo
My Sensei, Clyde Worthen. Hawthrone, NJ, in addition to commitment, skill and experience, Tournament success in competition against a higher rank usually meant promotion.
A Historical Perspective - Gen Lee Jujitsu
Gen Lee Jujitsu
Instructor Trainer since 1983
A Traditional Japanese Art
Gen Lee Jujitsu Founded in 1969 by Soke Sensei Nick DiNapoli. NB Jujitsu Club - A Martial Arts School
A Traditional Japanese Art
Instructor Trainer since 1983
A Traditional Japanese Art
A mixture of Karate, Judo, Aikido and Savate. A unique Jujitsu style that should be preserved for its effectiveness and for its place in Modern History.
Instructor Trainer since 1983
Instructor Trainer since 1983
Instructor Trainer since 1983
A Historical Perspective by Sensei Leonard Cardinale - a Certified Instructor in the Art of Gen Lee Jujitsu at the NB Jujitsu Club.
About: NB Jujitsu Club
Introduction
A Japanese Jujitsu Journey
A Japanese Jujitsu Journey
Overview
A historical account of the NB Jujitsu Club and the style of Gen Lee Jujitsu created by Soke Sensei Nick DiNapoli, located in Belleville, New Jersey. I, Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale spent many years as a dedicated student and as an Instructor at the NB Jujitsu Club. This is a codified account from a historical perspective.
I be
Overview
A historical account of the NB Jujitsu Club and the style of Gen Lee Jujitsu created by Soke Sensei Nick DiNapoli, located in Belleville, New Jersey. I, Kyoshi Sensei Leonard Cardinale spent many years as a dedicated student and as an Instructor at the NB Jujitsu Club. This is a codified account from a historical perspective.
I began my journey in Gen Lee Jujitsu circa 1977 as a beginner. I spent many years working my way through the under-belt ranks (Kyu in Japanese). Under belts are the color belts that you earn through testing prior to earning your black belt. The Gen Lee Jujitsu style was comprehensive, very effective in real life and it was quite challenging to learn.
I was promoted by Nick DiNapoli to 1st degree black belt (Shodan) in the early 1980’s and I was teaching classes at all levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced classes.
When we refer to our Soke Sensei as “Nick,” there is no disrespect. I, as well as other students and other instructors would call him Sensei or Soke, but Nick would correct us and he was adamant that everyone simply called him, Nick. A testament to his apparent humility when it came to martial arts titles.
I am ,more comfortable using the term, Soke Nick.
This website will provide a historical perspective that includes a codified list of the techniques, the philosophies that surrounded Gen Lee and the real-life stories during my time at the NB Jujitsu Club.
A Jujitsu Club that I will sometimes refer to as ‘our school' or 'school.' The traditional Japanese for a martial arts school is ‘Dojo.’ Many Japanese martial arts schools in America refer to their training facility as, dojo. Soke Nick, the other students and the other instructors did not use the word dojo too often. We mainly called it our school.
We were taught quite a bit of Japanese over the years and with good reason. The Japanese Arts we taught to students and that we practiced are considered strictly traditional.
Many of the Traditional Japanese techniques go back as far as ca. 700-1200 and are based on Daito-Ryu Jujitsu, founded in Japan – sometimes referred to as Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu.
By example, most of the techniques in Aikido and Judo do not have an English translation. Over the years, we have come to understand that when the techniques are translated into English there is something lost in the purity of the teaching and in the student's understanding. Additionally many Japanese techniques have no real Literal English translation.
A Japanese Jujitsu Journey
A Japanese Jujitsu Journey
A Japanese Jujitsu Journey
Gen Lee Jujitsu
Gen Lee Jujitsu teaches the beginner and the intermediate students to learn Judo, Karate, Aikido, Savate (French kicking art) and self-defense Jujitsu. The lesson plans are set up in a progressive, codified learning process so that as the student advances, they learn the entire arts of traditional Judo, traditional Karate,
Gen Lee Jujitsu
Gen Lee Jujitsu teaches the beginner and the intermediate students to learn Judo, Karate, Aikido, Savate (French kicking art) and self-defense Jujitsu. The lesson plans are set up in a progressive, codified learning process so that as the student advances, they learn the entire arts of traditional Judo, traditional Karate, traditional Aikido, traditional Savate and traditional Japanese Jujitsu (not the same as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).
In Gen Lee Jujitsu the art of Savate only the kicks were taught in this style. American boxing styles were incorporated in the Gen Lee style rather than the boxing hands of Savate. Boxing was used as part of training and there was no boxing rank is assigned at any level.
All techniques were taught on right and left side. Students are required to be proficient using either side. The students would not be able to pass their tests if they favored one side during testing. Soke Nick was very specific about this.
If a student had failed a test, they were afforded time to practice and take the tests again when they felt they were ready. I have always believed the true power of Gen Lee Jujitsu was the combination of these martial arts.
Soke Sensei Nick DiNapoli - Soke Nick explained that he was a 7th degree black belt (Renshi) in Gen Lee Jujitsu and that meant he was a 7th degree black belt in each of the arts that were incorporated in the Gen Lee style. He continued by saying that in our school a student who reaches 1st degree black belt (Shodan) is considered a black belt in Judo, Karate, Aikido, Savate and Jujitsu.
In the martial arts when you are the Founder of a particular codified and well-documented style, you are the Grandmaster, you are the 10th degree black belt, so-to-speak, you are the Soke (Creator).
Soke Nick and I never really had a specific conversation, but my impression is that Nick was comfortable at 7th degree black belt due to his age and his number of years in martial arts. Grandmasters, generally, have 40 plus years of training and teaching in martial arts. Gen Lee was created in the late 1960’s.
From Beginner to Sensei
A Japanese Jujitsu Journey
From Beginner to Sensei
From Student to Sensei
At the NB Jujitsu Club, shortly after I joined, I was teaching beginner classes and intermediate classes. After a few years, I was teaching classes at all levels, including black belt level classes. I was one of the main instructors. Soke Nick would say that a black belt is no more than someone who is an expert at
From Student to Sensei
At the NB Jujitsu Club, shortly after I joined, I was teaching beginner classes and intermediate classes. After a few years, I was teaching classes at all levels, including black belt level classes. I was one of the main instructors. Soke Nick would say that a black belt is no more than someone who is an expert at the basics.
In 1983, Soke Sensei Nick DiNapoli promoted me to Instructor. Soke Nick explained to me that in the Gen Lee Jujitsu style instructors are considered Sensei. To me, Sensei meant I was a teacher, nothing more. There are many translations and interpretations to which the term Sensei is ascribed. The measure of a Sensei is proficiency in martial arts and someone who possesses the ability to teach and to pass on skills through various forms of communication.
Over the years, I taught many classes. Even on the nights when I did not teach the main classes, I would stay late helping other students and instructors work on their testing for their future promotions.
Most nights the school format consisted of beginner classes first, then the intermediate classes. Following the classes there was a combination of training to perfect one’s skills and working on their future tests. There were nights when the format was altered or changed, but very few.
As moved up the black belt ranks, I spent quite a bit of time working with the other black belts on their technique and on their future tests. During that same time, the higher-ranking students and instructors helped me work on my future tests.
I did not know it at the time, but being a Sensei, training in the martial arts and teaching martial arts would become the main pillar of the basis of my entire life.
Even though decades have passed, I will never forget any of the students and the instructors that I have taught and that I have trained with at the NB Jujitsu Club.
I am forever grateful to Soke Sensei Nick DiNapoli, for his teachings and for his graciousness at the NB Jujitsu Club. Michi Ga Hajimaru, “The Path Begins.”
Testing System
Bushido Ryu Jujitsu Judo Aikido Iaido
The Bushido Ryu Testing System is a unique and comprehensive Testing and Promotion Process that integrates two main Components - the Kyu or under-belt ranks comprised of color belts and color tips. The Dan or black belt ranks wear a blackbelt with red stripes equivalent to the black belt degree rank.
Bushido Ryu Jujitsu Testing System - Kyu Ranks
White Belt
White Belt
White Belt
Beginner Rank
White Belt with a Blue Stripe - 8th Kyu
Blue Belt
White Belt
White Belt
Blue Belt - 7th Kyu
Blue Belt with a Green Stripe - 6th Kyu
Green Belt
White Belt
Green Belt
Green Belt - 5th Kyu
Green Belt with a Brown Stripe - 4th Kyu
Brown Belt
1st Brown Belt
Green Belt
Brown Belt - 3rd Kyu
Brown Belt with a Grey Stripe - 2nd Kyu
1st Brown Belt
1st Brown Belt
1st Brown Belt
Brown Belt with a Black Stripe - 1st Kyu
Black Belt
1st Brown Belt
1st Brown Belt
Black Belt (Shodan) - Red Stripes
Indicated Degrees of Black
Bushido Ryu Jujitsu Testing System - Dan Ranks
Black Belt
Black Belt with Degrees
Black Belt with Degrees
Shinri Jujitsu 1st Degree Black Belt
Sensei Shodan Gen Lee
Black Belt with Degrees
Black Belt with Degrees
Black Belt with Degrees
Shinri Jujitsu 2nd Degree Black Belt
with Under Belt Rack
Black Belt with Degrees
Black Belt with Degrees
Black Belt with Degrees
Bushido Ryu Jujitsu
3rd Dan Sensei
Sensei Yodan Belt
Renshi Sensei Belt
Black Belt with Degrees
4th Degree Black Belt Jujitsu
Bushido Ryu Jujitsu
Sensei Godan Belt
Renshi Sensei Belt
Renshi Sensei Belt
5th Degree Black Belt
Shinri Jujitsu
Judo Jujitsu Karate Savate Aikido Weapons
Renshi Sensei Belt
Renshi Sensei Belt
Renshi Sensei Belt
Renshi Belt 6th Degree Black Belt
and or 7th Degree Black Belt in Bushido Ryu
Master and Grandmaster Belts:
Renshi Sensei - White and Red Stripes with Black Backside
Kyoshi Sensei or Hanshi Sensei - Red Belt on one side White on the other side
Renshi Sensei - White and Red Stripes with Black Backside
The Classic Japanese Jujitsu Renshi Sensei Belt
Can be awarded for 5th Degree Black Belt to 7th Degree Black Belt
Can be awarded for 4th Degree Black Belt up to 8th Degree Black Belt in some styles Bushido Ryu Jujitsu limits the Renshi Sensei Belt and Title to 6th or 7th Degree Black Belt depending on several factors
In General, Wearing the Belt, Black side out indicates 4th or 4th Degree Black Belt
Red and White side out with red stripe on top indicates 5th or 6th Degree Black Belt
White stripe on top indicates 6th or 7th Degree Black Belt
Bushio Ryu Jujitsu Renshi Must have passed all tests in the testing system up to 5th Degree Black Belt - Godan
Kyoshi Sensei - Red Belt with Black Trim
Kyoshi Sensei or Hanshi Sensei - Red Belt on one side White on the other side
Renshi Sensei - White and Red Stripes with Black Backside
This Special Japanese Jujitsu Master's Belt Can be awarded to 5th Degree Black Belt to 8th or 9th Degree Black Belt in some styles Bushido Ryu Jujitsu limits the Kyoshi Sensei Belt and Title to 7th or 8th Degree Black Belt but is rarely awarded at 7th Degree Black Belt depending on several factors
Generally, The Red Belt with Black Trim is a personal decision by the Sensei approved by the Soke Sensei - Creator of the Style
Bushio Ryu Jujitsu Renshi Must have passed all tests in the testing system up to 5th Degree Black Belt - Godan
Kyoshi Sensei or Hanshi Sensei - Red Belt on one side White on the other side
Kyoshi Sensei or Hanshi Sensei - Red Belt on one side White on the other side
Kyoshi Sensei or Hanshi Sensei - Red Belt on one side White on the other side
This Special Japanese Jujitsu Master's Belt Can be awarded to 7th Degree Black Belt to 8th or 9th Degree Black Belt in some styles Bushido Ryu Jujitsu limits the Hanshi Sensei Belt and Title to 8th or 9th Degree Black Belt but is rarely awarded at 8th Degree Black Belt depending on several factors
Generally, The Red Belt on one side and White Belt on the other side is a personal decision by the Sensei approved by the Soke Sensei - Creator of the Style
Bushio Ryu Jujitsu Renshi Must have passed all tests in the testing system up to 5th Degree Black Belt - Godan
Hanshi Sensei - Red and White Panel Belt
Shihan Sensei, Mejin Sensei or Soke Sensei - Red Belt
Kyoshi Sensei or Hanshi Sensei - Red Belt on one side White on the other side
This Special Japanese Jujitsu Master's/Grandmaster's Belt Can be awarded to 8th Degree Black Belt or 9th Degree Black Belt in some styles
Bushido Ryu Jujitsu limits this to the Hanshi Sensei Belt and Title to 8th or 9th Degree Black Belt but is rarely awarded at 8th Degree Black Belt depending on several factors
Generally, The Red and White panel Belt is a personal decision by the Hanshi Sensei approved by the Soke Sensei - Creator of the Style
Bushio Ryu Jujitsu Hanshi Sensei Must have passed all tests in the testing system up to 5th Degree Black Belt - Godan and have the appropriate time in Rank.
Shihan Sensei, Mejin Sensei or Soke Sensei - Red Belt
Shihan Sensei, Mejin Sensei or Soke Sensei - Red Belt
Shihan Sensei, Mejin Sensei or Soke Sensei - Red Belt
This Special Japanese Jujitsu Master's/Grandmaster's Belt Can be awarded to 9th Degree Black Belt or 10th Degree Black Belt in some styles
Bushido Ryu Jujitsu limits this to the Hanshi Sensei or Shihan Sensei Title to 9th or 10th Degree Black Belt but is rarely awarded at 9th Degree Black Belt depending on several factors
Generally, The Red Belt is a personal decision by the Hanshi Sensei or Shihan Sensei approved by the Soke Sensei - Creator of the Style
Bushio Ryu Jujitsu Hanshi Sensei and Shihan Sensei Must have passed all tests in the testing system up to 5th Degree Black Belt - Godan and have the appropriate time in Rank.
Soke Sensei, Creator of the Style - White Belt
Shihan Sensei, Mejin Sensei or Soke Sensei - Red Belt
Shihan Sensei, Mejin Sensei or Soke Sensei - Red Belt
This Special Japanese Jujitsu Grandmaster's Belt Can be awarded to only the Soke Sensei Creator of the Style
Bushido Ryu Jujitsu limits the White Belt to 8th, 9th or 10th Degree Black Belt and to the Soke Sensei who can also be Shihan Sensei, Hanshi Sensei or Kyoshi Sensei depending on several factors including relative age and relative time in Rank.
Bushio Ryu Jujitsu Soke Sensei is the Creator of the Codified Testing System and may promote any rank below his or her current and future ranks.