Michael Calandra began his training in 1979. He holds the rank of 8th Dan ( Kyoshi-Go) in Isshin-Ryu Karate. He is a direct student of Master Kichiro Shimabuku, 10th Dan (Hanshi) present head of the Isshin-Ryu system. In 1997 he led the Isshin-Ryu demonstration at the grand opening of the Budokan in Naha, Okinawa.  He is presently the Administrator of the IWKA web page and featured in the IWKA Isshin-Ryu Kata and Bunkai DVD series. He holds the rank of 6th Dan in Matayoshi Kobudo (Ancient Weapons), he is a direct student of Yoshiaki Gakiya, 8th Dan. He also holds the rank of 3rd Dan in Seitei-Gata Jodo, certified by the All Japan Kendo Federation. In December of 2003 he was   accepted as a "Disciple", of Master Chen Zhonghua. He is authorized by Master Chen to teach the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method of Hong Junsheng.  He has trained in Japan with and was certified "Kancho" by the 16th Headmaster of Sosuishitsu-Ryu, Shitama Manzo. He is currently the President of the International Sosuishitsu-Ryu Jujutsu Assn. His article " A Matter of Principle, Sosuishitsu-Ryu withstands the Test of Time", appeared in the September 1993 issue of Martial Arts Masters Magazine. In 2002 he was featured in an episode of "Insomniac" with Dave Attell on Comedy Central.  He has had the honor of training with R. Choji Taiani, 8th Dan  Goju-Ryu ,an expert in Bunkai ( analysis of kata ) and the Bubishi on the deeper principles of martial arts. Michael Calandra was a member of the NYPD for 22 years. He worked in the Transit Division and Dignitary Protection in the Intelligence Division. Serving as the lead Detective on Senator Charles Schumer’s security detail. He is a certified FBI defensive tactics instructor and graduate of the FBI officers survival school. He has trained numerous law enforcement agencies and has also traveled throughout Japan, China, India and North America teaching various arts. He is the founder of the P.C.C.T. Institute for Police Control and Cuffing Techniques. Some of the other arts Calandra Sensei has studied are; Iaido, Kendo, Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, Judo, Naginata, and Escrima.