Head instructor
Sensei Vladimir Ferdman
10th Dan. He leads the dojo now, teaching what he learned from Shihan Vincent Merenda.
Zen Goju Temple has been on the same block since 1972. Sensei Ferdman teaches the Monday and Thursday karate and self-defense classes. See the week.
Data missing · Sensei Vladimir Ferdman
- A biography in his own words, at whatever length he wants.
- The year he began training at this dojo, and the year he took it on.
- How he wishes to be addressed. We have his rank on record and have deliberately kept the title as Sensei until he says otherwise - a form of address is given, not deduced from a rank.
- A photograph he is happy with, at 800px wide or better.
The floor
Who else you will train with
Yakov's list, as given. Names and roles only — nothing here is written for anyone.
- Sensei Vladimir Ferdman
- Head instructor today
- Sensei Dimitri
- Teaches the Saturday adult class
- Sensei Vito Agate
- Elder. 10th Dan
- Sensei Tom
- Teaches at the dojo.
- Sempai Chris
- Teaches at the dojo.
- Sensei Michael Distefano
- Sempai in the photograph; promoted to Sensei since
- Sempai Jesse
- Background in the group photograph, behind the front two
Data missing · The roster
- Confirm this list is current, and that everyone on it is happy to be named on the site.
- Rank and the classes taught, for each person who wants them shown.
- Anyone missing.
Remembered
The teachers who came before
Past tense, and deliberately kept separate from the people teaching today.
- Shihan Vincent Merenda
- Deceased 2025. Also addressed as Hanshi
- Sensei Antonio Gonzalez
- Deceased 2023
Meet them on the floor
Your first class is free. Call (718) 645-2402 and we will tell you which class to come to.