Last night at the Bay Ridge Dojo in Brooklyn, New York, I was promoted to the rank of Renshi, 5th Degree Black Belt. I was elevated by the Grand Master and Founder, 10th Dan in Vee Jitsu, O’Sensei and a man I love dearly, Professor Rick Riccardi. My instructors, Professor Mike Junsch and Professor Nic Alonso, my two greatest Ju Jitsu mentors were beaming with pride. All three men spoke about me in a way I’m certain I don’t deserve. It was truly humbling. The Dojo was packed with students and well wishers. Of course my wife and children were there as well as my brother-in-law(brother), who is also a Ju Jitsu Blackbelt. It was a special night and one I will never forget. Few things in life truly have meaning, significant others, children and in my case, Niseido Ju Jitsu. Possessions are just that and can easily be replaced. A car, no matter how fancy or expensive, is just a vehicle with four wheels at the end of the day. But loving family and friends can never be replaced.
I truly never thought about rank when I started training. I did it for the love of the Art, the system and most importantly, the people. Niseido Ju Jitsu is a Special Martial Art. We are truly a family more than anything else. We hug and kiss when we greet each other out of love and respect. But anyone confusing our love for each other as a sign of weakness, has never stood toe-to-toe with any of the instructors. Niseido Ju Jitsu is a hard-core, Traditional Ju Jitsu, in a world where law suits take precedent over training. We are not Brazilian Ju Jitsu. We don’t claim to be, nor do we want to be. We simply want to be the men and women who walk away from battle in the street, in one piece, as the attacker(s) or perpetrator(s) seeks medical attention or head off to the morgue. As the handout, which is given to every new student states, “don’t confuse our passivity as an unwillingness to fight because if forced in to battle, our defense will be relentless and unforgiving.” The ability to defend ourselves is what allows us to be passive. Men’s anger and aggression is based on fear. When the fear goes away, so do the aggressive tendencies. It’s that simple. For those who need to no more about the true Martial Artist, study the Code of Bushido. It’s a wonderful and peaceful code to which everyone should aspire. I want to thank everyone who attended for being there and for those who couldn’t, thank you for the kind words. The love and respect in the Dojo could be felt by everyone. There’s a line in the Wizard of Oz, when the Wizard is giving the tin man his heart that states, ‘A heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others”. If that statement has any validity, then I must be the luckiest man on the face of the earth.
CJujitsu/sv_TrueLove 
My name is Joey palombo I was a student at the Bay Ridge dojo for approximately one year in 1994 obtaining a yellow belt under sensei Mike junsch and Sensei Nick Alonso who to this day I often think and talk about .Especially when I am in the company of anyone involved in the martial arts ,it has been over 20 years since I stepped onto the mat at the Bay Ridge dojo. However what I was taught by both of these amazing men I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life. I can honestly say that the year I spent studying at the Bay Ridge dojo was one of the best in my life. And that I remember it as if it was yesterday. I feel blessed to have been able to study martial arts at the Bay Ridge dojo Where I was taught what it truly means. To be a martial artist.I still remember the sign that read. If your Enemy refuses to be humble destroy him. What I loved so much about the Bay Ridge dojo was how everyone treated each other with respect and how much we encouraged each other no matter what color belt we held. I would also like to thank Professor Rick, sensei’s doc, John Lombardo ,Will,Jose for their part in instilling in Me the love I have today for the martial arts with much love and respect Joey Palombo
My name is Joey palombo it has been approximately 23 years since I stepped onto the mat at the Bay Ridge dojo where I studied for approximately one year obtaining my yellow belt and being taught what it truly means to be a martial artist by senseis Mike junsch and Nick Alonso . What I learned I will carry with me for the rest of my life I often think about these amazing men as well as the other sensei’s at the dojo I can honestly say that this was one of the best years in my life . I remember it like it was yesterday I can even remember the sign that read. If your enemy refuses to be humble destroy him. Perhaps one day when my life’s responsibilities allow me to I will return to the mat at the Bay Ridge dojo. With love and respect Joey palombo
Joey, Thank you for your e-mail. I joined Bay Ridge Dojo 24 years ago so I am sure that we spent some mat time together. Professor Mike and Professor Nic still own the dojo and all is well. The 24 years I have spent there have changed my life and taught me to be humble and kind. But at the same time as our handout states don’t mistake our passivity for weakness. It’s our ability to defend ourselves that allows us to be humble and kind. Many people would not understand that, especially non-marital artists. I was actually promoted to Shihan 6th Dan last year at the Bay Ridge Dojo 50th anniversary party along with Professor “Doc” Steve Abraham and would be honored to meet you if you ever wish to come and visit. Thank you for your e-mail. Humble Regards, Curtis