Shihan John Busto
8th Degree Black Belt
Why did I get involved in the martial arts?
It is funny how small things can lead to life-changing events. For me, this was a beloved childhood TV show called Kung Fu, following a martial artist and his adventures. I loved watching them showcase supernatural abilities such as catching flying arrows in their bare hands or walking on rice paper without leaving a mark. Nine-year-old me was amazed by the practitioners on the show and wanted to be able to do those things. Funnily enough, at that time one of my older sisters was taking martial arts classes. Over time, watching her in the classes, I was hooked and began to participate myself shortly after.
As I was participating in the classes, I found out more and more each day how martial arts not only helps one physically but mentally as well. Each and every class brought a new lesson. Discipline, respect, positive self-talk, perseverance and resilience, all important qualities that helped shape who I am today. The martial arts have always been about self-development and self-discovery, while promoting a disciplined and moral lifestyle. It continued to draw me in by showing me how to tap into my internal being. To a degree, the training always seemed like working up through something of a secret society of individuals, developing us towards our great potential.
Like many children, I tried a number of sports in my youth. Baseball was a big one, but I did not like team sports. Football and wrestling looked fun because of the physical contact but ultimately could not hook me. Even though the martial arts are frequently taught in a group setting, it is ultimately about the individual and their personal achievements. If you fail it does not affect the team and you can pick yourself up at any time. In other sports, there is often only room for one superstar on the team. Only subsequently smaller numbers of participants will be able to advance to each successive level no matter how hard they work. Within the martial arts however, every individual can be their own superstar. Everyone willing to put in the time can earn their black and continue to push higher and higher.
Many of the younger students at my school will also play one or more team sports. Looking at the differences between what they go through in soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. vs their martial arts training is quite interesting. Over the years, youth team sports have been getting more and more competitive. They are requiring ever increasing levels of both time and athleticism from these kids. If a participant cannot keep up due to injury, reaching their personal limits, needing time for other things in life, etc., then they are letting the team down and have a good chance of getting cut. All of this for what kind of end result? Yes, a very small number of participants will be able to “go pro”, and a larger group will be able to use their participation to help get into and pay for college (although recently the news has been filled with reports of how schools mistreat their athletes.) Commitment to something you love is always laudable and I will never disparage someone who chooses to pursue these traditional team sports because it brings them joy. However, as an outsider looking in, I sometimes feel like these team sports are getting too competitive for their own good.
Compare this to the martial arts, an individual sport where the only person you are competing against is yourself. Instead of being bound to the team for the season, students work towards their personal goals when and in what capacity their schedule allows. We can accommodate each student’s personal situation. Special needs students have achieved black belt at my studio. Students of mine who were playing another sport where they got injured and now cannot participate, have been able to continue their martial arts training, working around their injuries while they recover. I was at one point in time training a man constrained to a wheelchair. Tailoring the curriculum to the individual is part of being a high-level instructor. The challenge of doing this when faced with a student with some sort of disability combined with the joy of seeing them achieve their goals make these some of the most rewarding students to work with.
There is a longevity to the martial arts that I feel is missing in other sports. One can only maneuver a ball back and forth across a field for so long before injury or age makes doing this with any kind of regularity no longer feasible. To martial artists, these same challenges only enhance our training. As the years have gone by, and I have accumulated my own list of aches and pains, learning to work around these issues has taught me to become ever more efficient with my movements. This, along with experience, is where the “magic” of the art comes from, where the old grand master can throw you with the smallest movement. I have students who have been training with me for ten to twenty years or more. Seeing how much their training has added to their life, some have even started bringing their own children in for class. My father trained under me at eighty-six years old.
Even with all of this focus on the individual, the community is one of the best parts of being a martial artist. My studio is one big family. We all support each other, both in class and in life. Students are encouraged to help each other with the material which keeps them engaged during class, helps weaker students keep up with the material, and allows stronger students to work on their leadership and teaching skills. Doing so also helps them socialize, leading to friendships outside the studio. This has even led to a few marriages.
I make a point to always have a sizable number of instructors working under me, all of whom are students, many of which started teaching as teenagers. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to give these kids the same opportunities to develop as instructors that were given to me in my youth. Many will keep teaching for me throughout high school and college, a testament to how rewarding the experience is. One of my long-running students-turned-instructor even opened his own studio under the Busto’s Martial Arts banner.
This focus on community extends outside of the studio as well. There is an amazing community of martial artists in my area. These fellow studio owners are some of my closest friends. We run tournaments together and do seminars at each other’s schools. I also make a point to provide services for my local area. Most frequently, this is in the form of self defense classes for teens and adults. We also do self-defense classes for girl scout troops, among other things.
I have had many wonderful instructors throughout the years, starting with my first instructor, John Mack, who I am eternally grateful to for starting me on my martial arts journey. Each has helped me to develop my art both for myself and for my students.
Grand Master Bart Vale has been my longest running instructor. We met in 1994 at a Kenpo gathering. He was running a seminar, demonstrating movements from his Shootfighting system (a mix of Kickboxing and Catch Wrestling.) I was intrigued by his material, so asked him to come to my school. All I wanted was to learn from Mr. Vale, but soon after he asked me to be a part of his instructor program. Our relationship continued to evolve, with me eventually becoming a regional director for the Shootfighting Association and one of Mr. Vale’s top students. Shootfighting has become my signature art throughout the community. Mr. Vale has been an incredible teacher, mentor, and friend to me throughout the years, and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to train with him.
Master Norman Sandler is my current primary instructor. Known as the “Mr. Miagi” of Plainview, NY (the same town where my studio was located,) he did not run a studio despite being one of the top Kenpoists in the country. Ever since I was a teenager I had heard about him and had been curious to see what he could do. One day in 2009, he contacted me. His instructor, Gilbert Velez, was in town and Mr. Sandler wanted to know if I would be interested in having Mr. Velez teach a seminar at my school. I jumped at the opportunity to pick the brains of these two legends of Kenpo. Afterwards, Mr. Sandler and I continued to train together, with him teaching me the American Kenpo system (previously I had practiced Tracy Kenpo, a different system in the same style.) A few years later, I made the decision to switch my studio over to the American Kenpo system and to integrate into the greater community of Mr. Velez’s Kenpo International organization. It is a great honor to have Mr. Sandler as an instructor and friend. He has helped push both me and my students to the next level in our training. Kenpo International is a great community and it has been wonderful to both learn from and contribute to it.
Sifu James Ibrao was a small but vital link in my journey. Like Mr. Vale, we met at Kenpo gathering. I knew of his history as one of the first black belts in Kenpo and how he had branched into the more traditional Chinese aspects of the system. At this time I was moving away from the Tracy Kenpo Organization but had not yet met Mr. Sandler and started transitioning into American Kenpo. Looking towards charting my own path, I felt that Mr. Ibrao’s material would be a great compliment to my training. Shortly after, I had him at my school, then trained at his house. When I was there I had the honor of meeting his instructor, James Wing Woo (co-creator of some of the Kenpo beginner forms). Afterwards, I trained through his distance training program, becoming the first person to earn a black belt through the program. Mr. Ibrao unfortunately passed away a few years ago, but I continue to teach his forms in my standard curriculum both to honor him and pass along the valuable lessons he taught me.
Master Zach Whitson is my most recent instructor, and the instructor that is currently driving my training to the next level. We met in 2010 through Mr. Sandler, which led to both Mr. Sandler and me training under him in his Counterpoint Tactical System (a combination of American Kenpo, Doce Pares and Pekiti Tirsia.) Although at first I saw this as supplemental material, I have been getting more and more involved over the years, to the point where CTS material is now a major component of my standard curriculum. I look forward to continue to train under Mr. Whitson in the future.
All these qualities drew me into the art and have kept me involved for over forty years. At fourteen I received my black belt in Kenpo Karate and started to teach; at twenty-two, as a second degree black belt, I bought the studio from my instructor and made teaching my livelihood. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have built a business that brought me into the lives of so many people. It goes without saying that, if my sister wasn’t taking karate, if I didn’t go with my father to pick her up that one fateful day and if my father didn’t take me religiously to karate, no matter how busy he was, I might not have been able to realize the dream I live each and every day.
Shihan John
Master Norman Sandler
Mr. Norman Sandler began training 1973 through the instructor program in Tucsan AZ. It was the start of over forty years of ongoing instruction from Grand Master Gilbert Velez, the owner of the first IKKA Ed Parker Kenpo Karate studio in Arizona. In 1978, Mr. Sandler had the unique privilege of being the first student to receive a Black Belt from GM Velez.
Mr. Sandler received his first degree black belt in 1978 under the supervision of Senior Grand Master Ed Parker, and later received second, third and forth degree black belts under Grand Master Velez and System Grand Master Ed Parker.
Mr. Sandler was a member of the United States National Karate Team from 1977 to 1987 and won gold, silver and bronze medals during his tenure in fighting and forms. He was also one of the founding members of the National Budweiser Karate Team.
Mr. Sandler has written articles for major martial arts magazines and published his first book, “Martial Arts for Kids” in 1997. He has also received black belts in Shotokan (ISKF / JKA) and GoJu Ryu Karate and continues to train in the Filipino Martial Arts (CTS).
Renshi Brian Tang
Renshi Brian Tang grew up in Westbury and then Huntington along with his six siblings. Renshi Brian began learning martial arts while in high school following along with one of his brothers. When he was a brown belt, Shihan asked him to help out in one of the classes on Saturday morning. It was a lot of fun but very challenging. It was something he took a great deal of pride in. Teaching was his first real job and responsibility. Renshi Brian continued to teach while attending college at Stony Brook.
The summer after Freshmen year, he earned his black belt, a day he will always remember. Renshi Brian graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and currently works at Stony Brook University Hospital in the IT department. Martial arts has helped him deal with the challenges and stress of day to day life. The training is difficult but very rewarding. Renshi Brian enjoys teaching and working with many different students. Teaching has definitely helped further his own training. For this, he wants to thank all the other instructors and students for encouraging him along the way. A special thanks to a great martial artist, Shihan John Busto, for giving him an opportunity to teach and be a part of the Busto’s family. He hopes to be active in martial arts well into his eighties, nineties and one-hundreds!
Renshi Russell Kraner
Renshi Russell Kraner started training with Shihan Busto in 1998. He received his first degree black belt in January of 2007, and was most recently promoted to fifth degree black belt by the Kenpo International board in July of 2021. As one of Shihan’s longest running students, Renshi Russell has had extensive training in multiple martial arts styles, the notable ones being Kenpo (both the Tracy and American systems), Bart Vale’s Shootfighting (a combination of stand up fighting and grappling), James Ibrao’s Five Forms to Black (a kung-fu forms-based system), and Zach Whitson’s Counterpoint Tactical System (a stick and knife based tactical counter offense system).
An instructor since 2006, Renshi Russell is one of the most senior teachers on staff at Busto’s Martial Arts. Renshi is heavily involved in major promotions (ie. Brown and Black Belt tests), from advising Shihan regarding testing timelines to directly working with students preparing for these major steps. Since raising his first student to junior black belt in 2010, he has brought over forty students to that level. If a lower level instructor is preparing a student for a major promotion, Renshi will usually use his experience to oversee and advise them. He raised his first student to first degree black belt in 2016, and continues to raise students to that level and beyond.
Shihan is always exploring new elements to integrate into the curriculum, helping us continue to develop strong, well-rounded students. As one of Shihan’s most senior students, Renshi Russell is one of the first people Shihan shows new material to; it is not uncommon for Renshi to study alongside Shihan. Renshi will then help Shihan distribute this material to the student body at large. He has helped Shihan integrate first Shootfighting then CTS into the standard Kenpo-based curriculum. Also, he has helped to run classes teaching this material directly.
Always looking to make sure that Busto’s can provide the best possible training for our students, Renshi Russell is Shihan’s right hand man when it comes to instructor training. Once a new instructor is recruited, Renshi generally takes responsibility for making sure that they are proficient in the requirements. He continues to work with the established instructors, making sure that they stay up to date as belt requirements evolve. Many of the current Senseis earned their Black Belts training under him and continue to train under him.
Renshi grew up in Bethpage, graduating from Bethpage High School in 2007. This was followed by studying Computer Science at Stony Brook University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in the subject in 2011. He currently works full time in software development. Russell is a big fan of fantasy & SciFi books, with favorites including Dune, The Wheel of Time, A Song of Ice and Fire, and The Stormlight Archive/anything written by Brandon Sanderson.
Renshi Matt Federico
Renshi Matthew Charles Federico started Karate with Shihan John Busto in the year 1994. He was inspired to join after sitting at the door watching his older brother train. After eight years of dedicated training, he began teaching at the Busto’s Martial Arts Headquarters in Plainview, New York. By his tenth year of training, he had earned his first degree black belt and official instructors license. At the same time, Renshi Matt also attended Stony Brook University, and graduated with a bachelors degree in psychology. He loves learning, teaching, helping others and, of course, training - not only in martial arts, but also in life.
Under the direction of Shihan John Busto (founder of Busto’s Martial Arts), Renshi Matt opened his own school - and Busto’s second location - Busto’s Martial Arts of Holbrook. Due to his amazing teaching style, the school has grown rapidly. Renshi Matt is able to connect with his students on a personal level, instilling a feeling of "family", while providing excellent, one-on-one mentorship to each and every student.
Renshi Chris Fingerhut
Renshi Chris began his training in the martial arts in 1988 at the age of nine. Since then, he has been fortunate to train under such great Kenpo instructors as Norman Sandler (10th degree) and John Busto (8th degree). In addition, he has attended martial arts seminars taught by Bart Vale, Dan Severn, Frank Shamrock, Zach Whitson, and others.
He became a first degree black belt in Kenpo in 1997 and became an instructor that same year. Since then, he has regularly taught private and group lessons in Kenpo and mixed martial arts. He has been teaching some of his individual private students for more than 20 years. He achieved his sixth-degree black belt in Kenpo in 2023. He is also currently a red belt in the Counterpoint Tactical System.
Renshi Chris' favorite aspect of training at Busto's Martial Arts is the sense of community among all of the students. He continues to train and teach because Busto's Martial Arts emphasizes that there are always new skills to learn and perfect. Most importantly, training can be tailored to suit an individual student's personal needs. In the years to come, he looks forward to progressing in the martial arts and sharing his knowledge with new students.
Sensei Rich Levy
Sensei Rich Levy was born in Queens in October 1960. He grew up in Westbury where he played football, baseball, wrestled and swam at Westbury High School. He attended SUNY Buffalo where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Sensei Rich started his journey in Martial Arts while in college; lived in Brooklyn where he studied tae kwon do achieving a third degree brown belt. He’s married and has three children; two girls and a boy. He enjoys coaching basketball, little league baseball and attending Daddy & Me dances. Besides using his degree in economics in his own business, he gives back to the community by tutoring children in math as a community service.
Sensei Levy started at Busto’s Martial Arts in 1994. Then, in 2004, he received his black belt. He loves the many benefits he derives at Busto’s, learning self defense and getting in condition. Rich conducts the sparring classes and says that, “If I put together all the concepts of karate, and they are practiced in a controlled, safe setting, nothing is better.” Why Busto’s? Rich answers, “Because it’s not a karate factory. It is very tailored to the individual where they can develop at their own pace.” He also says that “individual or private lessons are the way to accelerate the learning process.” Sensei Levy is honored to be affiliated and know Renshi John Busto and how he molded Busto’s so that it doesn’t shy away from children with learning, physical or emotional problems. In fact, the school has developed a reputation for helping special needs children through the martial arts.
Sensei Scott Mansouri
Hello everyone, my name is Sensei Scott Mansouri. I am currently a third-degree black belt studying under Shihan John Busto. My martial arts journey began in 2005, when I was six years old, and I have been practicing ever since. I started attending classes at Busto’s because my sister, who became an instructor as well, loved taking classes there. As the years went on, I progressed through the ranks and achieved my junior black belt at the age of twelve. This also marked the beginning of my tenure as an instructor at Busto’s. I began as a helper and then progressed to the instructing rank of Junior Sempai at thirteen years old, and then Sempai at fourteen years old. With the help of Renshi Russell Kraner, I eventually earned my first-degree black belt and the instructing rank of Sensei under Shihan John Busto. I tested for my first-degree black belt with Sensei Frank Klein. Frank and I became great friends throughout our years of training and working at Busto’s. Frank and I trained together with Renshi Russell, and we progressed to the rank of second and then third-degree black belt together.
Outside of the Dojo, I work in the accounting field as an auditor for a middle-market accounting firm in Melville, NY. I graduated with a degree in accounting from LIU and SUNY Old Westbury, and I am currently studying for the CPA exam. The best part of my journey at Busto’s has been the close and long-lasting relationships that I’ve developed with coworkers and families.
Sensei Frank Klein
Sensei Frank Klein embarked on his martial arts journey in 2004 at the age of five under the guidance of Shihan John Busto, transitioning from a two-year study in a Shotokan school. What originally started as an after-school activity soon blossomed into the focal point of Frank's life and became a source of joy, continuous learning, and enduring connections.
In 2012, Frank officially stepped into the role of an instructor at Busto’s, attaining his Junior Sempai belt. This marked a turning point in his story, as he discovered his passion for teaching karate. The opportunity to impart the knowledge accumulated over the years became a source of fulfillment for Frank. The milestone of testing for his first-degree black belt arrived in 2017, a journey shared with his longtime friend and fellow instructor, Scott Mansouri. This accomplishment earned Frank the instructing rank of "Sensei." Continuing their collaborative training under Renshi Russell Kraner, Frank and Scott most recently achieved another milestone, testing for their third-degree black belt in November 2022.
Beyond the studio, Frank's diverse interests manifest in his love for working on cars and pursuing graphic arts as a college major. As Sensei Frank's journey in martial arts continues to unfold, he remains excited about the future. Witnessing the growth, learning, and passion for martial arts among his students is his cherished reward and an ongoing source of motivation. The canvas of Sensei Frank's martial arts narrative continues to evolve, with each chapter promising new experiences and opportunities for both personal and martial arts development.
Sensei Adam Arlotta
Sensei Adam Arlotta started training at Busto’s when he was eight years old, alongside his sister, Sensei Allison. He started taking martial arts because his parents felt that itwas a good opportunity to learn about self-defense. Due to the passion and influence of Shihan and his instructors, Sensei Adam quickly took a liking to the art and adopted it as a lifestyle.
In 2016, Sensei Adam began his role as a helper and was eventually promoted to Junior Sempai. He taught at Busto’s throughout high school, and in his senior year he was promoted to first-degree black belt and achieved the rank of Sensei. He has continued teaching throughout college, and enjoys connecting with the students and their families.
Outside of the studio, Sensei Adam is a Computer Engineering major at Stony Brook University. Upon graduation, he intends to attend graduate school and obtain his Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. He enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and watching the New York Mets.
Sensei Jenn Talenti
I am a proud senior karate instructor at Busto’s Martial. I began training when I was 39 in 2008. I started teaching at Busto’s after I earned my green belt around 2011 or 2012.
I earned my first black belt in 2016. My greatest karate achievement has been earning my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree black belts through the IKC. I am currently training to prepare for my 4th-degree black belt. I am fortunate to train with Shihan and Renshi Chris. They have helped me reach all of my targets and goals.
One of the things I am most proud of is that I have trained students to achieve their first-degree black belts. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Renshi Russell in the Review Class. This has given me a greater understanding of what needs to be considered when preparing students for their tests. There is a science to learning the timing and layering that need to be part of this preparation.
My favorite class to teach is the teen class. I am fortunate to work with amazing and dedicated students. I love to help students challenge themselves and realize their potential. By training students in the teen class, I feel as though I am providing them with transferable life skills that will help them throughout their lives.
One of the programs that I have enjoyed working with is the Women’s Self-Defense Seminars. I believe that the skills that Shihan teaches in this course are necessary survival skills for everyone. I like that this class also pulls out some of the skills in the curriculum and offers the opportunity for real-life application.
Other than teaching classes at the studio, I have had the opportunity to work with Shihan at karate tournaments, helping with score-keeping and judging. I have learned a great deal about martial arts from this experience, as well as from connecting with the network of martial artists in the community.
The reason that I began training. When my own children, Joey and Juliana, were little, we were invited to a birthday party at Busto’s. Joey loved it and wanted to join. Juliana saw one of the girls doing a competition with tricks and wanted to take classes as well. For a few months, I hung out in the waiting room and watched the kids take classes. Then there was a women’s self-defense class. I decided to take it, and I loved it. After that, I signed up for classes for myself.
I grew up in the Bronx. I graduated from the State University at Albany with a BA in Spanish. I earned my MS in Teaching English as a Second Language. I earned an advanced degree from the College of Saint Rose for Educational Administration.
I started my teaching career in the Bronx, teaching middle school. Currently, I teach English as a New Language (basically ESL) to grades K–8.
Most recently, I earned my doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. My dissertation topic was “Exploring Teachers’ Perceptions of Best Practices for Teaching English Language Learners.”
Fun facts:
I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
I love to read historical fiction, science fiction, and the classics.
I keep a karate notebook that helps me study.
I use a playlist to help me learn and time my forms and sets.
Family Facts:
Married to Joe Talenti
My son, Joey Talenti, has earned his 2nd degree black belt. He will graduate from Manhattan College in May 2024 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He will begin his career as a Level 1 engineer after graduation.
My daughter, Juliana Talenti, has earned her 1st degree black belt. She attends Mercy College and plays Division 2 women’s lacrosse. We are her number-one fans. We try to attend as many games as we can. She is currently studying Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy.
Fun Pet Facts:
I have two shorkies named Vienna and Daeny.
One chinchilla anmed Stitch.
One zebra finch named Meep.
Sensei Anthony Asturizaga
Sensei Anthony Asturizaga began his martial arts journey at Fontanez Karate when he was eight years old, taught by Master Steven “The Rock” Katz. Later, Master Katz founded the Combined Martial Arts Academy & Fitness Center, where Sensei Anthony broadened his skills in Tae Kwon Do, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu. The new curriculum developed by Master Katz places great emphasis on conditioning, continuous sparring, and grappling. Sensei Anthony earned an advanced rank under Master Katz before pausing his training.
In 2010, Sensei Anthony resumed training at Amerikick Martial Arts in Brooklyn, studying Kenpo Karate. He learned from very talented martial artists and developed new skillsets, which included the ability to point fight. Sensei Anthony’s journey led him to Busto’s Martial Arts, where he enrolled his daughter, reigniting his own passion for training. In 2021, under Shihan John Busto and Master Norman Sandler, Sensei Anthony achieved his 1st degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate.
Now, he's actively involved in coaching the Busto’s Competition team and helping with sparring classes. Sensei Anthony strongly believes in using martial arts to not only develop skills but also build character. His story reflects dedication, resilience, and a deep belief in the positive impact of martial arts.
Sensei Anthony is married and has two daughters, who both train at Busto’s. He graduated from Baruch College with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and is an executive at a major financial institution. He has a passion for mentorship and actively coaches professionals.
Sensei Allison Arlotta
Hi! My name is Sensei Allison Arlotta. My family and I fell in love with Busto’s ever since my brother and I’s first day. I have been learning karate at Busto’s since I was six years old. I am now nineteen. Busto’s has taught me more than just karate. It has taught me that everyone works at their own pace and that if you continue to put work into your goal, you will always improve. Busto’s has helped me stay out of trouble, has taught me how to defend myself, as well as taught me discipline, respect for myself and others, and patience. Busto’s has honestly become family to me. Shihan has given me the opportunity to become an instructor and teach what I have learned to so many people. Every week I get to teach all different age groups, and these kids have also become family to me. I started teaching at Busto's on my first day as a junior in high school. I am now a sophomore in college. Working as an instructor has taught me many lessons that I will get to take with me for the rest of my life. It has taught me how to communicate with people, how to take responsibility, and even helped me figure out what I wanted to study in college.
Outside of Busto’s, I attend school at Adelphi University. I am majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders, hoping to become a speech therapist. Busto’s has helped me realize that I love helping people and how rewarding it is to help make a difference in people’s lives. My favorite part of being at Busto’s is all of the amazing families I have gotten to meet along the way.
