Join us as we chat with Glenn Cunningham, 8th degree black belt of Okinawa Gojuryu Karate, owner and Sensei of Kouketsu Dojo. Kouketsu translates to "of blood and sweat" which truly characterizes the philosophy of those who train there. Sensei Cunningham is a retired Second Grade Detective and served over 19 years in the NYPD during which he worked several assignments for the department in nearly every capacity, from personal security for high value targets, to becoming an expert on the Bloods in NYC, to even handling assets for counter terrorism. For his tireless effort and unwavering dedication to the force, Sensei Glenn Cunningham earned the highly prestigious NYPD Medal of Valor. Cunningham Sensei was graded by Miyazato Sensei, one of founder Miyagi's original students, in Sept.1999 to Roku-Dan (6th Dan) and is a lifelong member of the Jundokan in Okinawa. Cunningham Sensei said that “It was a really special experience though because I was one of the last people Miyazato promoted before his passing”. From having worked in homicide investigations, kidnapping, hostage negotiations, city wide gangs, street robberies, narcotics and international terrorism units of the NYPD, Sensei Glenn Cunningham has gone on to a similar field in security. He is currently in charge of all security for Robert De Niro's properties in the city such as Tribeca Grill and the Greenwich Hotel.
