Shindokan Budo - Long Island
Traditional Japanese Martial Arts
Our Instructors
We have a fantastic team of caring and supportive instructors. All Shindokan Budo - Long Island staff are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of our students, through their tireless dedication and drive to share their own knowledge and experiences. Get to know our committed team and their role in continuing our educational tradition.
ANDREW KELAPIRE SENSEI, DOJO CHO, HEAD INSTRUCTOR, began his study of martial arts in Rochester, NY, concentrating on Taekwondo beginning in 1990. Kelapire Sensei trained for several years in different locations before beginning his study of Hakkoryu Jujutsu on Long Island, NY in 2006 and in March, 2017, after training for several years, Kelapire Sensei earned the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt). In 2018, while training in Hakkoryu, Kelapire Sensei joined the World School of Traditional Martial Arts Federation, (Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei) focusing primarly in Aikijujutsu, an advanced branch of Hakkoryu Jujutsu. Currently, Kelapire Sensei trains directly under Sandra Smith Shihan. Kelapire Sensei was promoted to the rank of Sandan (3rd black belt) in the art of Dentokan Aikijujutsu in 2021.
DEBORAH A. TAMBORSKI SENSEI, DOJO CHO, HEAD INSTRUCTOR, began her study of Hakkoryu Jujutsu martial arts on Long Island, NY in 2006. In November of 2014, after training for several years, Tamborski Sensei earned the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt). In 2018, while training in Hakkoryu, Tamborski Sensei joined the World School of Traditional Martial Arts Federation, (Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei) focusing primarily in Aikijujutsu, an advanced branch of Hakkoryu Jujutsu. Currently, Tamborski Sensei trains directly under Sandra Smith Shihan. Tamborski Sensei was promoted to the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt) in the art of Dentokan Aikijujutsu in 2024.
SANDRA SMITH SHIHAN, began her study of martial arts in 1991, in Albuquerque, New Mexico training in Kajukenbo under Professor Gerald Chavez. After training in various styles for several years while located in different parts of the U.S. she began her study of Hakkoryu Jujutsu in 2000. In 2019 Sandra Smith became the 1st woman to achieve the rank of Shihan, 5th degree black belt, within the Dentokan Aikijujutsu system within the Hakkoryu branch, training under Jason Gramling, Sensei. Smith Sensei also actively trains in Tai Chi Chuan (W.C.C. Chen, Yang Style Short Form) and is a nationally certified Woman’s Self Defense Instructor through the National Woman’s Martial Arts Federation.
FRANK PFEIFFER SIFU. has been studying Tai Chi Chuan for over 20 years. Initially beginning his study in order to improve his health and to regulate his stress level after suffering a major automobile accident, Master Frank used his Tai Chi practice to help rehabilitate both his body and mental attitude to the point where he was participating in, and winning, champion level competitions. Master Frank Pfeiffer not only received his Teacher Certificate by Grandmaster William CC Chen, he also traveled to Taiwan and passed a rigorous examination in order to receive an internationally recognized Black Belt certification from IKFF-Taiwan. In 2015 he was bestowed the “Master” title from Grandmaster Chen in New York City. Additionally, from 2010 through 2015 he also studied under the last Master Luis Molera learning Taiji Fan, Staff and Shibashi qigong. Master Frank returned from his latest competition in 2018 having won three gold medals in three separate divisions!