Ed Roge

Ed Roge began his study of Isshin-Ryu, “The Art,” in 1992, while Master McGrath was teaching at the Bay shore YMCA, in Long Island . He was typical of many white belts, befuddled by the strange movements of this Oriental discipline and was given an average assessment. However, over a period of time, the Master noticed a difference, with regard to Mr. Roge. Two attributes stuck out; a dogged persistence and a fearless attitude in kumite (free-style fighting). He was always willing to take one, in order to give one. He worked out, in the fashion of the students of Don Nagle’s first dojo in America . Nothing Mr. McGrath or the other Black Belts, asked him to do, was too difficult. He worked on kata endlessly, becoming an excellent devotee of kata, whom I have used, since he was first made a Black Belt, to teach the Basic Exercises and Kata to new students. In his kumite, he has built a defense that is almost impregnable, taking Master McGrath’s code seriously, “Don’t get Hit.” His defense, since Mr. Roge is a well built and large individual, is a an impenetrable wall and reminds me, at times of the famed, defense/offense technique of Grand Master Peter Urban, “The Wall.” Even if Ed is outgunned in a match, there is no fear shown and no backing up, since his offense is a relentless pressure on his opponent. He is a fighter who you want on your side, in an alley fight. Win or lose, he is a bulldog that is always dangerous.

He is also one of the finest gentlemen that I have ever had the pleasure to know. Highly intelligent, his reserved demeanor covers a good sense of humor, which I depend on in pressure situations. He is the example of Dojo etiquette, on and off the deck.

On 12/15/03 . the Sensei promoted him to San-Dan, since he was able to watch his ability to teach, while assisting Mr. McGrath, in teaching Hand-to-Hand Combat to active duty Marines, stationed at the First Marine Recruiting Depot, in Garden City, Long Island, N.Y. Teaching the Marines to defend themselves, in life and death situations, is teaching in the Crucible. Mistakes are unforgivable. Under that pressure, Mr. Roge has been a stalwart assistant, teacher and compadre for his Master. When Sensei McGrath was stricken and in a coma in 2002, he took over the teaching duties, until recently, as Sensei has made a come-back on the deck. As an NYC Policeman, he presently works a twelve hour shift and yet, he shows up at our dojo, in Patchogue for his turn on the deck.

Ed, outside of the dojo, has a legal background and is a member of the Bar, who is presently utilizing his legal knowledge as a Policeman in the New York City Police Department. Master McGrath is sure that he will put the same determination into this line of work, as he has in his karate. He is a true credit to Isshin-Ryu, as a follower of the line of Donald Nagle’s Isshin-Ryu and reverential toward the memory of both Master Nagle and Soke Shimabuku. He has also become one of Master McGrath’s favorite students and friends.

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