Dojo-Cho (Head Instructors)


Matthew Ubertini, (Dojo Cho)


The Dojo Cho (Head Instructor) of NYC Budo is Matthew Ubertini who began his study of Japanese Jujutsu and self-defense in 1987, Iaido in 1999 and Kendo in 2002.  Ubertini sensei is one of the very few licensed budoka teaching traditional and koryu Japanese martial arts on Long Island with a verifiable lineage and connection to authentic Japanese budo.

Ubertini sensei studies and teaches Shindokan Aiki Budo through the lineage of Hakko Ryu and aiki elements influenced through Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu.  We also explore the study of Shiatsu massage based on Koho Shiatsu Igaku.  He also studies Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do through the Jundokan lineage of Nakamoto Kiichi, Hanshi of the Okinawakan Goju Ryu Kyokai on Okinawa.

NYC Budo is also member dojo of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai/Jikishinkai Int'l (KNBK) teaching Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho and koryu kenjutsu under the 22nd generation So-Shihan Carl Long, Hanshi and Erik Johnstone, sensei from the Shindokan Dojo in Stonington, CT.  Mr. Ubertini is also a Kendo instructor at Enshinkan Dojo located in Astoria, NY. 

Ubertini sensei has earned the following grades:

  • Dentokan Aikijujutsu (branch of Hakko Ryu):  Menkyo Kaiden & 7th Dan
  • Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho:  Shihan-Dai Menkyo & 4rd Dan
  • Kendo:  4th Dan
  • Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do:  Shihan Menkyo & 4th Dan
  • Goshinjutsu:  Renshi & 4th Dan

He has also extensively studied and trained in other traditional and modern martial arts such as Military and Law Enforcement tactics, Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu, Ono-Ha Itto Ryu Kenjutsu,  Judo, Brazilian Jiujitsu and Shotokan.

Mr. Ubertini's mission and objective is to properly disseminate the spirit and techniques of traditional Japanese budo and applied self defense that is rare to find in our area.


Ken Stagnari, (Aiki Jujutsu)


Stagnari sensei started his practice of Hakko Densho Ryu Jujutsu under the Dennis Palumbo lineage many years ago and eventually became a student of Ubertini and Johnstone sensei in Shindokan Aiki Budo and Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho.  Stagnari sensei leads Masakatsukan's aikijujutsu and applied self-defense practice on a weekly basis.


  • Aikijujutsu:  4th dan


Morgan Hooper, (Dojo-Cho, Enshinkan) (Now Led by Mark Bieri, Sensei)


Morgan Hooper Sensei began practicing Kendo in 1999 under Moses Becerra Sensei, head instructor of Tokubukan Dojo in Miami, Florida. In 2002, he competed in the All United States Kendo Federation's (AUSKF) national tournament competition and placed top eight in the country. Originally from Long Island, Hooper sensei is now teaching Kendo in Astoria, Queens and established the Enshinkan Dojo under the All Eastern US Kendo Federation (AEUSKF) in 2013. 

Hooper sensei is dedicated to passing on the knowledge and spirit of Kendo, the art of Japanese Swordsmanship. Mr. Hooper is also studying the koryu art of the Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho under the KNBK. 

  • Kendo:  5th Dan
  • Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho:  Shodan


















NYC and Long Island's School of Traditional Jujutsu, Classical Japanese Sword Arts and Kendo

NYC Budo

Aiki Jujutsu | Iaijutsu | Kendo | Self Defense | Goju-Ryu