To become a black belt (or Dan rank) in Ketsugo Goju-Ryu one must train diligently for many years. This should normally take 5 years if the karateka trains diligently 3 to 5 days a week and demonstrates the skill and maturity that this rank holds. Black belts must be 18 yrs of age or older.

Receiving a black belt is a great honor but it does not mean one has mastered the art, this is a common misconception, training does not cease upon receiving your black belt. Receiving the black belt means you have entered a new stage and understanding of the art, and you can begin to delve more deeply into the advanced techniques of the art.

For over 50 years Shodai Jay Trombley has dedicated his life to the teaching and training of karate-ka, and the development of Ketsugo Goju-Ryu.

Shodai continues to train students and his black belts in the same tradition he brought back from Okinawa.

Although Shodai has trained thousands of students from all walks of life, he has only promoted 26 students to the rank of Shodan (first degree black belt).

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Sensei David Griffin began his karate training under Shodai in January 1980. In 1990, Sensei Griffin was the first Ketsugo Goju-Ryu student to receive the rank of Sandan During his early karate training, he competed at numerous tournaments as both a junior and adult. He won many titles and awards, including the TKL men’s division in 1992.

Sensei is particularly fond of teaching; he enjoys seeing students transition from beginners to skilled karateka. In his training, Sensei devotes special attention to the performing Goju-Ryu kata, and his diligence in this is evident.

Outside of the dojo, Sensei Griffin has had a long and successful career as a firefighter. He has drawn upon his karate training (both physical and mental) to perform at the level required in this profession.

Sensei Griffin is proud to be a part of the tradition of Ketsugo Goju-Ryu Karate, a tradition he hopes to promote for many more years.

Sensei Brodie Wolgamott participated in many tournaments early in his training; however, he much prefers the tradition and strength of the training in the dojo.

Although he enjoys every aspect of his Goju-Ryu training, he particularly enjoys performing and teaching Sanchin kata, self-defense, and sparring.

Sensei received his Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in October 2006. He has been an instructor for over 7 years, and in concurrence with his regular training schedule, teaches the Monday night class.

Sensei Robert Oliver began his Ketsugo Goju-Ryu training in November 2002 at the age of 31. After watching a two-day black belt test (which included current black belts Sensei's Wolgamott and Perry), he realized karate was in his future. He was deeply impressed with the demonstration of Sanchin kata, the central kata of Goju-Ryu, and signed up the next day.

A dedicated student, Sensei has attended classes regularly since the beginning of his training. He enjoys the challenge of being the newest black belt instructor. Recently he has begun training in multiple traditional Okinawan weapons. Since attaining black belt in June 2007, Sensei has had the privilege of instructing many children and adults, showing them that spirit and attitude pave the road to success.

Sensei Ashley Oliver began her training in Ketsugo Goju-Ryu as a young girl in the 1980's. She represented the system at numerous tournaments as a junior rank, bringing home many trophies for kata and sparring.

Much of her success - inside the dojo and out, both personally and professionally - she attributes to her strong martial arts background.

Sensei takes pride in the opportunity to instruct new students in the art that shaped her life. She spends her days teaching middle school math at a local Catholic school, and her evenings teaching both children and adults self-defense, passing on the lessons of discipline, respect, and fitness that changed her life over twenty years ago.