About Renshi Benedict

Renshi under Kyoshi Joe Mansfield – Mansfield’s Karate Jutsu RyuTe® Renmei

23 Years Martial Arts training  1984 – current

Rokudan (6^th Degree Black Belt) Joe Mansfield’s Karate Jutsu RyuTe® Renmei

Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt) E.S.K.A.  Korean-Okinawan Martial Arts

Tai Chi for Health – Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan

Credits

Certified Police Defensive Tactics Instructor – DSI  8/1990

Co-Founder of the Empire State Karate Association  10/1990

Certified Civilian Defensive Tactics Instructor – CIDT  1/1993

Founded Nae-Do Han Karate School  10/1996                                    

Awards

American TaeKwonDo Society Executive Council Award

American TaeKwonDo Society 5 Year Dedication Award

George Bush Presidential Sports Award (Tae Kwon Do) 1990

Defensive Systems International Lifetime Member Award

American TaeKwonDo Society Quality School Award

Mansfield’s Ryukyu Kempo Karate Continuous Support Award

East-West Martial Arts Academy (5 hours)

Eastern TaeKwonDo Union Fall Camp Award (10 years)

Super Summer Seminars Karate Camp Award (7 years)

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan – Martial Spirit (Sifu Joe Calkins)

Regional Karate Tournament Champion in Forms & Fighting

Teaching History

Assistant Karate Instructor Stewart Army Subpost

Head Karate Instructor Stewart Army Subpost

Head Instructor Nae-Do Han Karate

1998-current  Mansfield’s Karate-Jutsu RyuTe® Renmei  

Tai Chi Chuan Instructor for the YWCA of Orange County

Fresh Air Fund (Camp Mariah) Assistant Karate Instructor

1996–2002  Faculty Member Mount Saint Mary College

Super Summer Seminars Assistant Instructor 

Super Summer Seminars Clinic Instructor 

Eastern TaeKwonDo Union Fall Camp Instructor 

Personal Philosophy

Having been involved in the Arts for so many years, and pursuing as many different avenues with the Arts that I have (i.e. dojo owner, instructor, facilitator, and above all as a student), I have strong feelings about the way the Martial Arts are presented to the public in the Hudson Valley. It is my opinion that all too often instructors are far to concerned with making a profit than passing on the “true” Arts to his or her students. I consider the Arts more as a lifelong personal journey more so than personal training. It is my responsibility as a student to understand what I am learning, so I can improve myself and in turn possibly improve those that I interact with. I have chosen to follow an ancient code of ethics and principles. If one truly allows the principles and the training to become a part of his/her life, he or she will become a better person.   

Many years ago I received these words from Kyoshi Mansfield, I recite them often.

WITHOUT TRADITION THERE IS NO ROOT

WITHOUT STANDARDS THERE IS NO VALUE

WITHOUT DISCIPLINE THERE IS NO ORDER

I am dedicated to passing on the concepts, mottos, principles and techniques of the Old Way of Karate.

Through the years I have had the opportunity to train with many skilled martial artists, whether attending camps and seminars or through private personal instruction. The list would be too great to name them all so I will name only a few and offer my apologies to those that I miss.  

Thank you KYOSHI – 17+ Years and counting. I am honored to be your senior student.

Thank you SHIHAN STEPHEN ORR – Proud to at one time call you student, now, training partner, confidant and above all else good friend. We have so much ahead of us to do.

Thank you SIFU JOE CALKINS – So many things were brought to light from you sharing the Grand Ultimate. My thoughts and prayers are with you, keep fighting the good fight. 

Thank you KWANG JANG GEORGE LEWIS – Your dedication is unparalleled.   Keep the Korean Martial Spirit alive.

Thank you BARBARA BENEDICT – my wife, my very best friend, I couldn’t do it without your support and understanding.   

Renshi Derek Benedict

PO Box 7006

Newburgh, NY 12550

(845) 566-9112

email: HVRyuteKan@hvc.rr.com