Rank: 8th Dan
School: St. Peter's College Isshinryu Karate
Shihan Robert Mansfield
8th Black Belt - Hachi Dan
Isshin Ryu Karate
St. Peter's College
Jersey City, NJ
Shihan Robert Mansfield began his studies of Isshin Ryu Karate under Grand
Master Don Nagle at 524 Mercer St. Jersey City, NJ in the early 1960's. Shihan
Mansfield was promoted to Sho Dan in his first 13 months attending classes 5
days a week and private lessons with Sensei Don Nagle. Shihan Mansfield received
all his ranks up to Shichi Dan – 7th Black Belt under his Sensei Grand Master
Don Nagle. September 29th, 2000 he was promoted to the rank of Hachi Dan – 8th
Black Belt by Grand Master Edward McGrath.
During the many years at Mercer St, he had the privilege and honor of learning,
working out and fighting with some of the greatest Isshin Ryu Karate legends,
Grand Master Don Nagle, Grand Master Gary Alexander, Grand Master Ralph Chirico,
Master Dennis Hoare, James Nagle, Conrad Marotta, Pat DiTorre, Ray Martin, Ed
Alexander, Vincent Manning and so many more.
Shihan Mansfield first taught Isshin Ryu Karate at St. Peter's College around
1965 and taught for a few years. In the late 1960's or early 1970's Grand Master
Don Nagle closed 524 Mercer St. Sensei Mansfield reopened Mercer St School and
operated it for approximately 8 years. In the early 1980's he came back to teach
at St. Peter's College Isshin Ryu Karate until present. During the years at
St. Peter's College his students had won several hundred trophies including
a two time Grand Champion Michael Ruzek. Shihan Mansfield does not charge any
fees to his students and now is semi retired. Presently in charge of the school
is Shihan Mansfield's top student Shihan Tom Flagg, Shichi Dan.
Shihan Mansfield had 28 years of Law Enforcement experience with 23 years
with the Secaucus Police Dept. reaching the rank of Lieutenant and 5 years with
Lehigh Valley Railroad Police Dept. reaching the rank of Sergeant. During the
years with the Secaucus Police Dept. he founded and commanded the first SWAT
team. He also developed the first Field Training Officer program overseeing
all new police recruit development. Shihan Mansfield was involved in teaching
self-defense, police baton, handcuffing and firearms at several Police Academies
mostly at the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy for approximately 25 years.
In addition he served on several NJ State Police Training Commission Committees
improving what was being taught throughout all certified Police Academies. Shihan
Mansfield was certified as a Police Instructor by the NJ State Police Training
Commission. In 1977-78 he was the Secaucus Police PBA President and during his
years with Secaucus Police Dept. he received several commendations.
Shihan Mansfield received the following: 1997 Don Nagle AOKA Hall of Fame
Master Instructor Award, 2000 Don Nagle AOKA Hall of Fame Pioneer in the Martial
Arts Award, 2003 Gary Alexander International of Martial Arts Don Nagle 40 years
Silver Lifetime Award, Inducted in the 2003 Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall
of Fame, 2004 Action Martial Arts Magazine 40 years Spirit Award and 2004 Don
Nagle AOKA Hall of Fame Don Nagle Legacy Award.