SHAOLIN SELF DEFENSE CENTERS - Key Persons
Kyoshi Steven Castelli is the chief instructor for Shaolin Self Defense Centers.
He currently holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate under his long term instructor Shihan Thomas R. Ingargiola. He has been studying under Shihan Ingargiola for over 20 years with over 10 years of teaching experience. Kyoshi Castelli has worked with many Masters around the world to improve his martial arts skills.
Besides the many trophies he has won in various martial art tournaments, Kyoshi Steven Castelli fought in many amateur kickboxing and grappling fights in out of the country. With fights in Long Island, NYC, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Canada he has been able to improve even more as a martial artist with his experience from the ring. In 2005 he was inducted into the Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame for Male Competitor of the year. He also in September 2006 fought for Team USA against Team Canada and November 2006 fought for and won the amateur welterweight world title in kickboxing.
In 2005 he became part owner in the Shaolin Self Defense Centers West Babylon location. He presently practices and teaches martial arts daily.
Shihan Ingargiola is a 9th Degree Black belt, in the art of Shaolin Kempo Karate. Which comes through the lineage of the following Martial Art Masters:
Shihan Ingargiola has been Teaching the Martial Arts for over 20 years, at his West Babylon, NY location. His Shaolin Kempo Karate System is a unique blend of traditional material and reactionary activities, which has been designed to give a well rounded experience. The curriculum is designed to constantly challenge the students physical and mental abilities, by using written tests along with the physical aspects for achieving New Belt Ranks. The System is highly regarded and sought after due to it's high standards and thorough Curriculum, many Black Belts and Instructors from various styles have sought to be trained by Shihan Ingargiola for this reason.
His many accomplishments include a series of Belt Rank Videos based upon his Shaolin Kempo Karate System, these videos are available from any Shaolin Self Defense Center, or directly through our website and his Annual OPEN tournament held every November at the West Babylon High School which includes: Continuous Sparring, Self Defense, Weaponry, Kata and Breaking.
Mr. Ingargiola developed a device for helping learn focus and proper striking technique, called "The Strike Master", He was also instrumental in developing a new child alarm system, called: "Kidd-pro-tek", to help locate missing or abducted children. He also helped develop a computer program (TIA System). For running a martial art school, creating a paperless office system. In 1998, he has competed in full contact kickboxing matches; with a record of 9 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, many of these matches appeared on cable-TV channels and as well as ESPN. He has had write-ups in several national Martial Art Magazines.
In 1999, Shihan Ingargiola was inducted into the "United Martial Artist Hall of Fame"for his contributions to the art of "Shaolin Kempo Karate" and was also placed on their evaluation board to evaluate future inductee's. Shihan Ingargiola extended his record to 12 wins 2 loses and 1 draw during 1999 on November 19, 1999 at "Super fights IX" He ended his professional competing with an outstanding challenge. He agreed to fight in 2 matches back to back. The first fight was a 4 round full-contact kickboxing bout and the second match was a 8 minute submission grappling bout. Shihan Ingargiola won both of these matches, to a standing ovation from the sold out arena.
On November 19, 1999 he won the "Professional UKBA Welterweight NYS" Title Belt and the "Lightweight Grappling Submission" Championship. Competing in these 2 matches back to back with "no break" was a first in the Martial Arts World. Since retiring from competing professionally, Shihan Ingargiola still keeps his skills honed with daily training and keeps up on his progress of Shaolin Kempo Karate.
Shihan Ingargiola entered the Open American National Karate Championship and won the Men's Open fighting division as well as placing 2nd in Traditional Hand forms and 3 rd in Weapons . When asked why he decided to enter the tournament his answer was: "to quiz myself and see how my training has been progressing." Congratulations to Shihan Ingargiola!! By the way his entire DVD collection is now available through Century Martial Arts Supply , the leading supplier of martial arts equipment and training aids in the entire country .