Sensei Robert Neff
Sensei Robert Neff was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1971 and began studying Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA in February of 1996. He received his first degree black belt in 2002 from Hanshi Robert Scaglione. Sensei Neff was an assistant instructor for Sensei Robert Hodes at the East Meets West Dojo continued his advanced training with Kyoshi David Baker at the Midtown Karate Dojo until early 2006. In March 2006 the Midtown Dojo relocated to the St. Bart’s Community Center, where Sensei Neff continued to teach classes and study advanced karate forms. In October of 2017 Sensei Neff opened Bay Ridge Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA at the Bay Ridge Jewish Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Sensei Neff was promoted by Hanshi Scaglione on August 12, 2012 at the Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu USA 50th Anniversary celebration. He currently holds the rank of Yon-Dan (4th degree black belt). Sensei Neff studies the traditional weapon, the roku-shaku bo under Kyoshi Michael Mackay. Sensei Neff has shared his love of Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA by exposing hundreds of children over the years to the art of karate through various after school programs, summer camps and in school enrichment programs. Sensei Neff’s belief that children who learn karate excel in other aspects of their life is evident through the roster of schools, camps and organizations he has worked with over the years. Following in the footsteps of Ankō Itosu Sensei, Neff introduced karate to students at The School For Global Scholars (PS 748), The High School for Leadership and Public Service, Agnes Y. Humphrey School for Leadership (PS/MS 127), Francis White School (PS/MS 41), Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp, Poly Prep Summer Experience Day Camp, Summer at St. Barts Camp and Wingspan Arts. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994, Sensei Neff worked in TV and Film production in New York City. In 2003 Sensei Neff began his teaching career after being accepted to the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. Sensei Neff wrote his Masters thesis on, “Traditional Karate And How It Effects Student Behavior.” He received a Masters of Education, Childhood (Elementary) Education in 2005 from Brooklyn College. Sensei Neff continued to take course at Brooklyn College and received his certification in Physical Education in 2007. Sensei Neff currently works as a Physical Education teacher at The School For Global Scholars (PS 748). |