Rochester – Local martial arts instructor and multi-school owner, John Ingallina, received an international license and black belt rank in Koryu Uchinadi Karate on July 23, 2010. The award was presented directly by world renowned martial artist, author and historian Hanshi Patrick McCarthy who chose Rochester as one of his stops on his European and North American tour.

Sensei Ingallina has been teaching martial arts for 22 years and holds three other black belts, but says this one was the most rewarding.

Ingallina stated, “To receive an award such as this from a man of Patrick McCarthy’s stature is truly an honor. It was a long but extremely rewarding journey. The biggest thrill for me is to be able to share the knowledge I have obtained with my fellow instructors and students.” Mr. Ingallina has owned the United Martial Arts Center in Brighton for twelve years and the school by the same name in Victor for three. Along with teaching karate, he regularly teaches many law enforcement personnel and is an advisory board member at Rape Crisis Services of Rochester.

“I am very proud to be able to have an individual such as John Ingallina as a representative of our tradition. His quick ascent was due to his lifelong study of the arts and a true passion that is evident whenever he steps on the floor,” says Hanshi McCarthy.