Vice President / Second in Command

Update from Sensei Coffman

The Strong; the Dedicated; the Honorable

SMOKA-USA is proud to have these fine men within the system of Matsumura Seito:

Edward M. Marucci 6th Dan, 2003 website: www.geocities.com/smokausa

DOB: May 31, 1954

Ed Marucci began his life in karate by studying Tae Kwon-do, in 1967. He achieved black belt in 1971, and became a deshi of Sensei Coffman in 1979.

Through his extreme dedication, and hard work, Mr. Marucci has become the lead ranking black belt within our system, achieving the first ever Roku-Dan awarded by Sensei Coffman. Those of you that know Sensei Coffman, will appreciate the amount of hard work, and devotion, that has played a major role in Mr. Marucci's journey from Sho-Dan, to Roku-Dan.

It has been said “Never underestimate your opponent”. This statement seems to have originated for men like Ed Marucci. He is an extremely strong, aggressive fighter, and an excellent instructor. He has devoted himself completely to the perfection of his Art, and truly has the heart of a warrior. With more than thirty eight years of karate experience, Sensei Marucci is currently second in command for the Shorin-ryu Matsumura Orthodox Karate Association. Sensei Coffman is proud to have him as a student and to call him friend.

Information prior to Sensei Coffman's update

Ed, started karate under me in 1979. Ed studied Korean Karate "Tae Kwon-Do" for many years before changing to our Shorin system. Ed made his San-Dan rank in Tae Kwon-Do. Ed was to become the senior Black belt under me here in the States acting as second in command to me. Ed Marucci was to be chosen by me to go to Okinawa in 1995. With over 30 plus years within Karate. Being a man of great size, 230 lbs, Ed was a very good fighter & instructor, plus an all around good Karate-ka. He has a vast amount of knowledge and skill. He reached the Ruko-Dan level, becoming one of the (2) people to reach such a high level under me.