ANNOUNCEMENTS, NEWS & UPDATES

Koei-Kan Clifton Dojo realized its sixty year anniversary. O sensei Kaloudis established the honbu dojo at 1245 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ on October 31,1965. Dr. George Scordilis (Scordilis Chiropractic) and Richard McCrohan (artist/author) took over the dojo in 1980. Patrick Ciser (retired police Lieutenant) took over the dojo seven years later.

 

In 2007, Shihan Ciser moved the dojo to 304 Clifton Ave. After maintaining the honbu dojo for almost forty years, the dojo faced another relocation. Rather than close the doors, he passed the school down to Marco Lopez in the fall of 2024. We found a new home next door at 312 Clifton Ave, on the second floor, above Roma Restaurant.

 

As long as I can remember, volunteer instructors ran class and membership fee/dues kept the doors open. I decided to restructure the dojo. IRS granted Koei Kan Clifton non-profit status on 2/3/25. We received NJ state tax exempt status late summer.

 

The Clifton dojo holds a special place in the hearts of those who have shared blood, sweat, and memories over the years. Our goal is to preserve the Clifton honbu dojo for past and future generations to share and grow together. Like any good home, past yudansha and members are always welcome.

 

With this in mind, we established a board to direct the future of the Clifton dojo. The following yudansha sit on the board. Leo Stringer, go-dan. Kyle Smith, Mark Skawinski, and Paul Kadzielawa, yon-dan. Vladimir Vaval, Andrea Lok and Colleen Stringer, ni-dan. All have been instrumental in our survival this past year. Lopez made a seed contribution to safeguard operational expenses. We received a sizeable contribution and matching gift from an anonymous donor. The Stringers and Smith contributed $1200 each for 2025 in addition to providing instruction. Stringer is leading social media marketing and engagement. Smith is coordinating involvement in outside tournaments including upcoming AAU and NKF tournaments. Vaval set up and paid for the initial website in addition to contributing his design skills on marketing templates. Skawinski plans to initiate a boxing program at the dojo where students can branch into traditional class. Kadzielawa is learning to work with developmentally disabled children to create a similar program in the Clifton dojo. Lopez is negotiating collaborations with the Passaic Community Center, Clifton Boys & Girls Club and St. John the Baptist Church in Paterson. Shihan Ciser continues weekly instruction.

 

The board is by no means limited. We welcome past yudansha/members to contribute ideas, skills, time and/or funding. Below is a working mission statement and upcoming projects. This list is not exhaustive. As a 501c3 any contributions to the dojo or a specific project are tax deductible.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

“ To preserve Koei-Kan Karate-Do Clifton Honbu Dojo, established in 1965, as the oldest running martial arts school in New Jersey.

 

To maintain the legacy of our American pioneers, honor the founding precepts of kancho Onishi and balance our social/cultural differences.

 

To this end, Koei-Kan Clifton Dojo will operate as non-profit organization to support our membership towards the goal of preservation, self-betterment and social harmony.”

 

UPCOMING PROJECTS:

1. New floor mats (approximately $1200 for 105 sq.m mats).

2. Remove carpet and add new stair guards ($500) in entrance hallway.

3. Paint entrance hallway (not priced yet)

4. Four sets of chest and head gear to reinstitute bogu style kumite in class ($300).

5. Marketing/advertising costs (estimated $1000).

6. Cross training with other martial arts in the area.

7. Increased tournament participation.

 

DREAM PROJECT: Secure property as a permanent home for the Clifton Honbu Dojo.

 

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Marco Lopez DC

Roku-dan Koei Kan