Our Instructors
Norman Yonkers - Owner/Head Instructor
Master Yonkers, is the founder of the Goshin-Do system. He holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Goshin Jutsu, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a 5th Level in the Hayastan Grappling System, and is ranked in Russian Sambo. While studying in Japan he was awarded his 4th Degree Black Belt. A former National Champion in NASKA and PKL, he has now turned his efforts and talents towards the full-time operation of his school. In 2004, he began the NYS Grappling Championships in Fredonia. In 2006 he was invited to join the prestigious Hayastan Grappling Circuit of Gokor Chivichyan and Gene Lebell. He now runs 2 tournaments each year in Fredonia which includes a weekend seminar with World Champion Gokor Chivichyan; his grappling instructor. In addition, Mr. Yonkers is a certified instructor through the American Council of Martial Artists and the prestigious Cooper Institution of Dallas, Texas. He has also been a proud member of the Health and Wellness department at SUNY Fredonia as the self-defense instructor in their accredited program since 1999.
Vince Gugino - Instructor
Sensei Gugino has been training since 1991 and is a 2nd degree Black Belt. Vince has a soft spoken and caring way that a shy young person can relate to. He is an excellent communicator both physically and verbally. Using these talents, he is able to share his background in the martial arts with all of our students in a most effective manner.
Greg Cramer - Instructor
Sensei Cramer began his training in 1992 and is a 2nd degree Black Belt. He is a true perfectionist of the art. His demanding yet humorous personality draws students to work hard for him in class. Mr. Cramer has won many martial arts championships but says he believes the traditional values of karate to be the most important.
Daniel Torres - Instructor
Sensei Torres started his martial arts training in 1995, and is now a 2nd degree Black Belt. Dan expects a lot from all of our students, yet at the same time, he delivers a fun loving attitude to which everyone from adult students to our youngest students, The Little Ninjas, can all relate to. He is a member of our Demo Team and is always the leader who believes you should strive to be your best.
Joshua Kozlowski - Instructor
Sensei Kozlowski came to The Karate Connection when he was 10 years old in 1997. He earned his Black Belt in May of 2005. Since Josh began with us as a child, he now is able to see himself in our Little Ninja and Pee-Wee students and help them achieve their individual goals. Josh's determination at such a young age to become a Black Belt, is an inspiration now to all of our young students that he teaches.
