Hanshi Robert "NIKO" Gelinas

     Hanshi Robert J. Gelinas began training in the Martial Arts in 1973. He began his studies in Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Karate in Watertown Connecticut under Penny Smith at Saint John's School Gym. In 1976 he began training under Sensei Joselito Torress (A long time student of Master Taeso Moon) in the arts of Tae Kwon Do & Judo and earned his Black Belt in these arts in 1979.
     In 1979 Hanshi met and continued training with Master Marcell Beulieu at the Waterbury Boys club in the art of Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do and began his tournament competing journey often earning himself trophys in Forms & Fighting. Hanshi was well known for his Kicking Skills and was often asked in class by Master Beulieu to place both of his hands inside his Belt as to give him a Handicap when Sparring, even against two or three opponents it was almost impossible for them to get in on him because his kicks were so fast and accurate.
     Hanshi met Sifu Welton Sanders in 1982 and began training in Tiger Claw Kung-Fu & Drunken Style Boxing and found himself training from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at least 3 days a week. Hanshi remained with Sifu Sanders for 7 years and became his highest ranking student and assistant instructor at the White Dragon School of Karate in Downtown Waterbury Connecticut.
     Hanshi was introduced to and began training under Sifu Robert A. Nardona at the House of the White Dragon (located in the gym of the local Salvation Army) in the art of Pai Lum Tao Kung-Fu and continued his studies with Sifu Nardona until Sifu sustained a bad knee injury and had to stop teaching.
     While working as a Silk Screen Printer Hanshi was introduced to the man that would become his Instructor and Mentor. Grandmaster Eric Breuer, a State Trooper and Chuck Norris' Highest ranked Black Belt in New England.
     Hanshi resumed his training in Tang Soo Do under GM Breuer and started his training in the arts of Uchu No Michi Ryu Jujutsu, Chun Kuk Do (Chuck Norris' U.F.A.F System), Kenpo, Kun Tao & Judo.
     In the year 2001 Hanshi was awarded the Rank of 5th Degree Black Belt and given the title of Inheritor Soke/Dai of the American Karate System of Tang Soo Do by GM Eric Breuer.
     On August 27, 2006 Hanshi Gelinas was promoted to the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt in the art of American Karate System / Tang Soo Do and 8th Degree Black Belt in the art of Kajukido Kempo Ryu by a group of Masters in attendance at the first official meeting of the Korean Karate Masters Association. Grandmaster in attendance were Walter Belsito, 10th Dan, Donald Belsito Sr., 7th Dan, Raphael Velez, 7th Dan, Brian Fitzpatrick, 5th Dan.
     Hanshi has had the pleasure of training under the following group of Black Belts, Masters & Grandmasters in their respective systems during his 30 years in the Martial arts.
     Grandmasters Joe Rossi , Eric Breuer, Ernest Brunelli, Ronald Russell Rossi Kun Tao Systems (We incorporate some of what was passed on to us directly from Grandmaster Joe Rossi during the times he came to visit the studio and demonstrated his System. I have been certified as an Instructor/Black Belt in his respective art by Soke Eric Breuer, Grandmaster Ronnie Russell & Grandmaster Ernie Brunelli )

Grandmaster Walter Belsito Sr.: Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do
Grandmaster Robert A. Cheezic : Cheezic Tang Soo Do
Master Dennis Spruill : Go Ju Ryu, Shotokan, Kempo Karate
Master Donald Belsito Sr.: Su Bahk Ryu Ninjutsu/Tai Jutsu, Tang Soo Do
Master Paul Zaneiwski: American Kenpo Karate, Kali, Knife Fighting
Master David Teleska: Seidokan Aikido
Sensei Jose Torress: Tae Kwon Do & Judo
Sifu Welton Sanders: Fu Jow Pai, Drunkard Kung - Fu, Shotokan