Dan Vena - has studied with Grand Master Ed McGrath since 1977 and through his perseverance, tough work outs, fighting ability and capability at teaching, has attained the rank of Roku Dan or 6^th Degree Black Belt. Sensei Vena began with Sensei McGrath in his dojo at the YMCA in Lindenhurst , Long Island . That dojo was renowned for it’s fighters and Sensei Vena had to become an excellent fighter and kata performer to hold his own with the senior black belts. At tournaments, he excelled and upon receiving his Third Degree Black Belt or San Dan, which is teaching grade in Isshin-Ryu, he started to prove that he was not just a fighter but could be a Sensei as well. In 1997 he opened his own dojo, with Master McGrath’s blessing and soon had an excellent group of students. During his 23 years in Isshin-Ryu, Sensei Vena has continually improved, earning promotion over that period of time, until at present he has become a Roku Dan or Sixth Degree Black Belt and is entitled to wear a red and white obi (belt). On September 29, 2000 , Sensei Vena was awarded the “Silver Lifetime Achievement Award,” by The American Okinawan Karate Association, founded by Grand Master Donald H. Nagle in 1963.

          Recently, one of his original students, Greg Melita, a young brown belt with just two years in Isshin-Ryu karate, to first place in fighting, second place in empty hand forms and third place in weapons forms, at the prestigious Al Smith “Red Dragons” Annual Tournament in Easton, Pennsylvania. Sensei Vena is now the “Dai Ichi” or chief assistant to Master McGrath at the Dojo.

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