Master Gary Gione

     Master Gione started his career in the martial arts in 1975 at “American Olympic Karate” under Dave Frieburg and Trent Perri. He received his Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) on 10/27/84, from Trent Perri, Ryokudan (7th Degree) “American Olympic Karate.
While attending the New York City Police Academy, he was active on the Police Department Karate Team through the 80’s, placing 1st in kumite, in his division on graduation day (Police Department Karate John Jay College). In 1984, he won the gold medal at the New York State Police Olympics, and the silver medal in 1987. During these years he continued his training in the martial arts and received a Black belt in 1996 in Police Tactics Ju Jitsu under Sensei Jay Bonan and Sensei Al Cardona. He continued his kenpo karate training and received a 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan) from Senior Grand Master Al Tracy (Tracy’s Kenpo Karate Systems) in 1999. Also, in 1999 he received a 5th Degree from Grand Master George Dillman in Kyusho Jitsu. While continuing his training in Kenpo Karate he also started to study in a Jui Jitsu system founded by Shihan Hector M. Negron (San Yama Bushi Jujutsu) and has achieved the rank of Menkyo (5th Degree Black Belt) in 2001. He is currently still attending San Yama Bushi Ju Jitsu to attain higher ranking in this art.
     Master Gione is the current owner and operator of Elite Defensive Tactics located Yorktown Heights where he teaches both Kenpo Karate and Ju Jitsu. Currently there are four Mokuroku (3rd degree Black Belt instructors): Lawrence Byrnes, Daniel Sateriale, Adam Schlein, and George Vatore. There are 100 students enrolled in the various programs ranging from 4 years of age to 76. This school is dedicated to teaching, training, and educating people about the martial arts.
     Master Gione knows he must continue his studies and has traveled the country and attended seminars with: Grand Master George Dillman, 1997 “Instructor of the Year” (Black Belt Magazine), Senior Grand Master Remy Presas, 1994 “Weapons Instructor of the Year”, 1982 “Instructor of the Year” (Black Belt Magazine), Grand Master Royce Gracie, 1994 “Competitor of the Year” (Black Belt Magazine), Grand Master Jeff Speakman, 1993 “Instructor of the Year”, (Black Belt Magazine), Senior Grand Master Wally Jay, 1990 “Man of the Year”, 1969 “Instructor of the Year” (Black Belt Magazine), Senior Grand Master Joe Lewis, 1986, “Instructor of the Year”, 1975 “Competitor of the Year” (Black Belt Magazine), in addition to Grand Master Relson Gracie, Senior Grand Master Leo Fong, Master Frank Cucci, Senior Grand Master James Ibrao (Ed Parker’s first black belt), Senior Grand Master Larry Tatum (American Kenpo), and Senior Grand Master Al Tracy (Tracy’s Karate Systems). He is also a certified as personal trainer under I.F.P.A. (International Fitness Professionals Association.)
     Master Gione became a New York City Police Officer on 9/2/80. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1985, and then subsequently promoted to Lieutenant 1995. During his tenure in the Police Department his assignments include: Patrol Duty in South Bronx, Narcotics Investigator in Manhattan and the South Bronx, Supervisor of Patrol in the South Bronx, and Supervisor of Detectives in the Narcotics Division. In his 20 years on the Police Department he has had many street encounters and undercover experiences. He has been involved with approximately 5,000 arrests and has protected many dignitaries from around the world. His personal insights dealing with perception, awareness, and sensitivity when encountering a confrontation are dawn from his personal experiences on the streets on New York City.
     Stop in to Elite Defensive Tactics and watch a Kenpo class, or a Jujitsu class. Learn a self-defense art at your own pace, with your peers, and you too can become a BLACK BELT.

Personal Note from Gary Gione: I have always felt that with out this training I might have been on the wrong side of many of these street confrontations. As a student and instructor of the martial arts, I would like to share my specialized police training and the knowledge that I have received in the martial arts with you. I pray you will never encounter a situation where you have to defend yourself or a loved one, but if the situation arises you will be ready. I encourage you to come down to Elite Defensive Tactics, where the emphasis is on personalized self defense training. We want you to get in shape, stay in shape, and have some fun.