Shotokan Karate Jitsu Academy

Mr. Venuti had always loved to watch the Saturday afternoon movies on television, especially the kind with Asian fighters and dubbed voices. He thought that if he could learn this, it would make him a special person. That journey began in early 1997, when Mr. Venuti was introduced to Shotokan Karate at Dan Iacavone's Gold's Gym. At the time, Mr. Venuti was completing his Medical Internship and starting a Residency in Family Medicine. His only physical exercise was weightlifting with his younger brother. After repeated inquiries and continued "harassment" by some of the club members, he decided to give it a go. It was a long and hard road, but Mr. Venuti had always been a person of stamina and strength. As he set his goal for his career, he decided that he would endure anything that he put his mind and body through. It was comforting that Mr. Venuti's brother and friends encouraged him and pushed him to strive for success. Many teachers were instrumental in his early training, especially Sensei Salvatore Lopresti, Sensei Steve Montgomery, and Sensei Marty Birmingham. Finally after almost six years, Mr. Venuti obtained his Shodan on May 31, 2002, under the wise Sensei Salvatore Lopresti. Today, Mr. Venuti continues to train at the Club Shotokan-Jitsu dojo in Sewell, New Jersey. He also is a busy Family Practitioner and practices in Turnersville, New Jersey. Mr. Venuti is married and lives in Blackwood, New Jersey. He is thankful for the knowledge and discipline that Shotokan has brought to his life and looks forward to his continuing journey.