Sensei's Autobio

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Autobio: Sensei Ralph Wemberly

Birth: I was born in the South Bronx in the summer of 1947. I was the first child of Ralph and Gloria Wemberly.

Childhood: My family moved, in 1953, to the Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, where I grew up. I graduated high school in 1966.

Military Service: I am a Viet Nam veteran. I served in the US Army from 1967 to 1970.

College: I graduated from City College of New York in 1976.

Martial Arts Student: In1975, I studied Tang Soo Do, a Korean style of karate, under Sensei William Rios. I eventually earned a brown belt in Tang Soo Do.

Encouraged by Sensei Rios, I learned Tai Chi Chuan and Aikido. Tai Chi from Sifu Cecil K. Chu, Tai Chi Center of New York. And Aikido at the New York Aikikai, Sensei Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8th Dan. However, my personal aikido instructor was Sensei Luqman A. Hakeem, 6th Dan.

After several years of simultaneous study of these arts, I had to decide which art to maintain and pursue with commitment. I decided to remain with Aikido because of its practical application and the sheer joy of its movements and technqiue.

Currently, I am a 4th degree black belt certified by the United States Aikido Federation.

Martial Arts Instructor: I founded Aikido of Staten Island Dojo in July, 1987. I have taught Aikido and Tai Chi all over Staten Island. Currently, I teach Aikido at Northeast Fitness.

Vocation: I am a retired New York City Civil Servant. I have dedicated my working life to the public service of NYC and its citizens.

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	Home

		Autobio: Sensei Ralph Wemberly

		Birth: I was born in the South Bronx in the summer of 1947. I was the first child of Ralph and Gloria Wemberly.

		Childhood: My family moved, in 1953, to the Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, where I grew up. I graduated high school in 1966.

		Military Service: I am a Viet Nam veteran. I served in the US Army from 1967 to 1970.

		College: I graduated from City College of New York in 1976.

		Martial Arts Student: In1975, I studied Tang Soo Do, a Korean style of karate, under Sensei William Rios. I eventually earned a brown belt in Tang Soo Do. Encouraged by Sensei Rios, I learned Tai Chi Chuan and Aikido. Tai Chi from Sifu Cecil K. Chu, Tai Chi Center of New York. And Aikido at the New York Aikikai, Sensei Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8th Dan. However, my personal aikido instructor was Sensei Luqman A. Hakeem, 6th Dan. After several years of simultaneous study of these arts, I had to decide which art to maintain and pursue with commitment. I decided to remain with Aikido because of its practical application and the sheer joy of its movements and technqiue. Currently, I am a 4th degree black belt certified by the United States Aikido Federation. Martial Arts Instructor: I founded Aikido of Staten Island Dojo in July, 1987. I have taught Aikido and Tai Chi all over Staten Island. Currently, I teach Aikido at Northeast Fitness.

		Vocation: I am a retired New York City Civil Servant. I have dedicated my working life to the public service of NYC and its citizens.


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