Board of Directors

Hanshi Lawrence Vellucci

Lawrence Mark Vellucci has over 40 years’ experience in the martial arts. He spent eight years training in the Far East and is currently the President of the Kobukan Karate Federation with the rank of Hanshi, 8th Degree Black Belt. He currently received his 9 th Dan from the Kokusai Kodai Bushijustsu Remei when he was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. He holds the following martial arts ranks: 8th degree Black Belt in Matsumura Shorin - Ryu Karate and Okinawan Hakutsuru White Crane Karate (Hanshi), 4th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo, and1st Degree Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo. Hanshi Vellucci has a Master’s Degree in Ancient and Classical history and a Master’s in Education. Hanshi Vellucci has published eleven books including Nintai: Philosophical lessons in Okinawan Karate and his most recent work: Stoic Taoism: Modern Lessons from Ancient Philosophies. He has also produced 15 martial art videos and is a noted seminar speaker. He is a former Marine Officer with several years’ experience in law enforcement and private security.

Hanshi T.J. Gentry

Most importantly, I am married to Amy, and we have five children and two grandchildren! My study of martial arts began in 1984 in Shaolin Kung Fu and expanded to classical Ju Jitsu in the early 1990s. Since then, I trained in Tai Chi, Qigong, Judo, Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, Silat, Krav Maga, Kali, Army Combatives, and White Crane Karate. I am the founder of Senshi Ryu Ju Jitsu and Zhan Shi Kung Fu and a certified Tai Chi and Qigong instructor. I earned the following dan-level rankings: Renzoku Ju Jitsu (Hachidan), Budoshin Ju Jitsu (Godan-earned through cross-certification), Ng Ying/Five Animal Kung Fu (5th Black Sash), Kan Shu Kenpo (Sandan), White Crane Karate (Nidan), Goshin Ju Jitsu (Nidan), Taiki Ryu Judo (Shodan), and Songham Tae Kwon Do (Ildan). In addition to teaching martial arts, I am a pastor and seminary professor. I served in the Army Chaplain Corps as a Chaplain Assistant and a Chaplain. I received my B.A. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University, M.A. in Philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, M.A. in Apologetics from Luther Rice College and Seminary, M.A.R. in Church Ministries/M.Div. in Chaplaincy/Th.M. in Theology/Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University, D.Min in Pastoral Counseling/Ph.D. in Leadership/Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Carolina University, and Ph.D. in Theology with Missiology from North-West University.

Hanshi Greg Poitras

Mr. Poitras has studied and trained in the martial arts for over 35 years with more than 30 years of teaching martial arts in the Western Pacific, Far and Middle East and stateside. He has spent over eight years training in Japan and Okinawa. He has instructed U.S. Navy Military Police in Atsugi, Japan and U.S. Customs Air Interdiction Agents while performing Southern Border, Central and South American drug interdiction operations with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine.

Mr. Poitras holds the following ranks: 8th Degree Black Belt (Hanshi) in Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu, Matsubayashi Ryu and Ryukyu Kobudo, 7th Degree Black Belt (Kyoshi) in Okinawan Hakutsuru (White Crane) Karate. He is a 25-year retired Navy Veteran who has served as a Tier 2 Combat Air Crewman. Hanshi Poitras earned a B.S. in Aerospace Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a M.S. in Strategic Security in Terrorism/Counter-Terrorism Studies from the National American University-Henley Putnam School of Strategic Security.

Kyoshi Kasi Vellucci

Kyoshi Cassondra Lynn Vellucci has over 25 years’ experience in the martial arts and fitness industry. She is currently the Director of Training and Curriculum of the Kobukan Martial Arts Federation and holds the following ranks: 7th Degree Black Belt (Kyoshi) in Okinawan Hakutsuru White Crane and Matsumura Shorin-Ryu Karate Kyoshi Kasi also holds certifications as a Personal Fitness Trainer, Reiki Master, Life Coach, and is currently completing her Instructor Certification in White Tiger Chi Gong. She also the founder of the Yoki Flow Training Program, a combination of Yoga, Martial Arts, and Tai Chi. She has a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services Counseling.