Shihan Carlos M. De La Cruz, Sensei

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Shihan Carlos Manuel De La Cruz (referred to as Sensei) began his training in the martial arts in July 1988, as a gift for his 10th birthday from his father. He would later credit his mother for her example of hard work and dedication to her family ”she is the reason I am who I am in the martial arts, she brought me to every class for 9 years, and always tried to help me get better as best she could”. "I felt I owed both of my parents for their sacrifice and I try to pass on their example every day to my students and friends".

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In 2006 he was charged with establishing his own organization by Soke Richard Petronelli which he named Tombo Kai “I chose the dragonfly because its speed and precision was also admired by the Samurai of feudal Japan”. And had inspired him as well, also an insect would distinguished the group from the dragons, gorillas, and tigers that were so readily common in the martial arts at the time”.

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Now residing in Cranston, RI, Sensei Carlos is a full time instructor who teaches programs in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He is active on the seminar circuit, teaching, traveling, and working with individuals of all training levels, ages, and gender.