Te Combat Kuntao Ju Jitsu

Tuhon Richard Petronelli, Jūdan 十段

Now also Tuhon (named so by Grand Tuhon Supreme Leo Gaje in Sept 2016 at a ceremony in Johnston RI at Petronelli's Dojo) , Soke, Richard Petronelli resides in North Providence, Rhode Island. He has devoted his life to the practice of martial arts and is a life time student (never stops learning.) At the age of five, his father, Mike, introduced him to Mr. John Lee with whom he trained in the art of Jiu-Jitsu until the age of ten. Shortly thereafter, Richard trained under Master Peter Deblaiso in traditional Karate. It was during this time that he met Master Peter Rogers. Thus began a 15-year training relationship in which he learned trust, discipline, respect and most of all – harmony. He received a 4th Dan from Master Peter Rogers in Koba-Ryu.

Richard's progressed while training with Professor John Wooten, as well with other great masters and professors including Master Shoon Yip in Kung Fu, Master Charlie Hu, and Master Chong L. Woo. His martial arts knowledge includes styles in Karate, Kung Fu, Combat Jiu-Jitsu, Wing Chung, Monkey Style Kung Fu, One Touch Knockouts and Judo.

​​In 1987, Professor John Wooten introduced Richard to the late Professor Florendo M. Visitacion, known to his students and friends as “Professor Vee.” During this time, Richard trained with Professor Talib Mohammed.

On May 4th, 1994 Richard received his 10th Dan from Professor Vee.  Their relationship became a close bond that lasted until Professor Vee’s passing on January 4th, 1999.  Richard, now Professor Petronelli, once again made the three-hour drive to the Bronx, New York – where he had learned the art of Vee-Arnis-Jitsu – "The System of Systems" – to pay tribute to this great man. "Professor Vee taught me much more than how to punch or kick. I was taught about life – and how to give unselfishly the pearls of wisdom to my students. Martial arts is not a profitable entity, but a way of life and devotion of love for me. One that I hope will impact and inspire my students to continue."

In March of 1999 Professor Petronelli was nominated for and inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He also received his Doctorate Degree in Martial Arts from Dr. Miguel E.A. Moore, PhD, Sc.D, P.S.A. President/Founder/CEO, W.M.A.H.O.F.

November 5th of that same year he tested and successfully presented his system in front of the World Head Council – the same board in front of which Professor Vee himself tested. With the completion of this, he earned his Soke-ship and 10th degree in his own system,Te Combat Kuntao JuJitsu.

​Soke Professor Petronelli’s accomplishments in his art also include inductions into the United Martial Arts Hall of Fame, the Vee-Arnis-Jitsu Hall of Fame – both in 2003, VSK Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2023. He is a member of the Head Family Board of the International Society head Founders, an executive officer of the Kokon Ryu Bujutsu Renmei Federation, and has been elected Executive Chairman on the board of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

  "Tuhon" Petronelli Titled by Grand Tuhon Supreme Leo Gaje Head of Pekiti Tirsia Kali

範士 ゲイリー·ディ·パドヴァ 宗家代 十段 有段者 奥印 

Gary Di Padua / Hanshi / Sōke-dai / Jū-dan / Yūdansha is the Grand Master and Chief Instructor for Kuntao Combat Ju Jitsu System Ree System Te, (the first generation of Te Combat Kuntao JuJitsu (™). Hanshi Gary Di Padua’s Martial Arts journey began 50 years ago. He lived with his grandparents, who instilled in him the strong moral values by which he lives his life to this day. In 1970, his uncle, John Di Martino sent Hanshi and his cousin Gary to Donald and Arthur Rodrigues, martial artists from Warwick, RI who had just started to teach Karate. After a short period, Hanshi and his cousin left their training, but picked it up again near the end of 1973. Hanshi and his cousin again trained together, then with Nick Cerio in Coventry, RI. His cousin earned his Shodan Yūdansha (1st Degree Black Belt) in Kenpo in December of 1978.

Early in the spring of 1979, Hanshi’s cousin and training partner opened up a Dojo (school) and named it Coventry Martial Arts Academy in Coventry, RI. Hanshi continued to train with his cousin and taught at the school until it closed in 1981. His cousin moved to New York City to begin a career with the US Marshals Service.

Several months later, Hanshi began training with a co-worker, Sensei Raymond DiRaimo. Sensei Raymond DiRaimo held two Black Belts, Shodan Yūdansha in Oikiru Ryu Kenpo, and a Nidan Yūdansha in N.E. Kenpo Karate and was directly training under Soke John Rubiano in Kumiuchi Ryu Jiu-Jutsu where Hanshi had his first exposure to Kumiuchi Ryu Jiu-Jutsu.

Hanshi’s wife Lynne is also a martial artist who currently holds a Nidan 二段 (2nd degree) Yūdansha (Black Belt) in Te Combat Kuntao JuJitsu (™) (aka Kuntao Combat JuJitsu System Ree System Te), a Red/Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.


During this period, Hanshi also began training with Sensei Mario Mennella, his Tae Kwon Do instructor, and with his Kenpo Jū-dan  Grand-Masters – Chuck Sullivan and Vic LeRoux, who themselves trained directly under Grand-Master Edmond Parker, the father of American Kenpo. In the early 1990’s, Hanshi began training with Tuhon (aka Soke) Richard Petronelli. At that time, Tuhon Petronelli was teaching Vee-Arnis Jitsu Vee-Jitsu JiuJitsu, Te Combat Kuntao Ju Jitsu (™) (aka Kuntao Combat Jujitsu System Ree System Te), and Tai Jutsu. In September 1996 received the rank of Shodan 初段 Yūdansha in Kuntao Combat Jujitsu System Ree System Te.


Hanshi’s constant training in multiple systems, combined with his total dedication to the Martial Arts, has helped him throughout his life. He strives to continue learning, improving and excelling in his martial arts skills while instructing and passing down these ancient traditions to dedicated students (Deshi / Kohai).


Hanshi’s Martial Arts accomplishments as of August 28th, 2020 include a Chodan 초단 初段 (Black Belt) in Tae Kwon Do, Shodan  初段  Yūdansha (1st Degree Black Belt) in Tai Jutsu, Nidan 二段  (2nd degree) Yūdansha in Vee Arnis Jitsu, Jū-dan 十段 (10th Degree Black Belt) Yūdansha Grand Master Certified Instructor in Kenpo Karate, and a Jū-dan 十段 (10th Degree Black Belt) Yūdansha Grand Master in Te Combat Kuntao Ju Jitsu (Kuntao Combat Jujitsu System Ree System Te).

Hanshi is a Lifetime member of the Kokon Ryu Bu-Jutsu Renmei, Kuntao Jujitsu Federation, International Karate Referee’s Association of New England (KRANE), International Karate Connection Association, Society of Ancient Warriors, World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and a Lifetime member of the International Society of Head Founders / Head Families (ISHH) where he serves on the board as a Executive Secretary under the the direction of the immediate previous and current Executive Council Board members of Soke John Rubiano, Soke Eugene Coutu, Soke Rick LeClair, Soke Thomas Burdine, and Soke Dan Grady, and Soke Frank Vargo. Other board members of the ISHH were Soke Charles B. Stanley, Si Tai Gong Dr. Andrew P. Tamper, and Soke-dai Jim Arrasmith.


On November 3rd, 2018 meeting with Soke John Rubiano, Tuhon Richard Petronelli, Soke Eugene Coutu, Soke Rick LeClair Prof. Keith Santagata asked Hanshi Gary Di Padua to sit on the Gedatsukai Martial Arts Federation Board of Directors with Professor Nixon & Cynthia Nixon, John Bennett, David Fitzgerald, Herman Ross, Rodney Delaney, and Professor Keith Santagata.

In March of 2000, Hanshi was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, where he was also put in to become a Sōke-dai 宗家代 of Kuntao Combat JuJitsu System Ree System Te. In April of 2003, Tuhon (aka Soke) Richard Petronelli promoted him to the title of Shihan 師範. In May of 2006, Tuhon (aka Soke) Richard Petronelli promoted him to the title of Professor (Sei Kyōju 正教授). In October of 2013, Tuhon (aka Soke) Richard Petronelli promoted him from Saikō Shihan 最高師範 to the title of Hanshi 範士 at the rank of Kudan 九段  Yūdansha. In August 20th, 2016, Tuhon (aka Soke) Richard Petronelli promoted him to the rank of Jū-dan 十段 (10th Degree Black Belt) Yūdansha 有段者 in Te Combat Kuntao Ju Jitsu (Kuntao Combat Jujitsu System Ree System Te). In September 20th, 2017, he was awarded an inheritor certificate by Tuhon (aka Soke) Richard Petronelli naming Hanshi Gary Di Padua the 1st inheritor in succession to Te Combat Kuntao Ju Jitsu (Kuntao Combat Jujitsu System Ree System Te) system.

Hanshi Gary Di Padua had a challenging responsible position as a Lieutenant within the Rhode Island Sheriff Division where he utilizes his related work experience; education, specialized training, interpersonal skills, communication skills, ambition, and commitment to excellence in his 30 plus years as a Law Enforcement officer prior to retirement.


As a Lieutenant within the Rhode Island Sheriff Division, he coordinates and supervises Deputy Sheriff subordinate staff with the aim of securing, maintaining order, security, custody, control and safety within the Rhode Island Judicial Court System in a professional manner!


Some of Hanshi’s other professional experience include: Tactical Response Team Corporal for three years, Correctional Officer for five and half years, RI State Marshal for five years, RI Sheriffs Division for 19 years, President and Chief Executive Officer of three Corporations : GD Services, Inc. for five years, RI State Marshal’s FOP Lodge # 24, Inc. for five years, and RI State Sheriff’s FOP Lodge # 24, Inc for sixteen and a Glock Amorer for fifteen years.


Hanshi currently has three educational college degrees: Associates in Science in Correction / Law enforcement, Bachelor of Science in Management, and Associates in Science in Business. Hanshi is also a graduate of the RI Department of Correction’s Training Academy and the RI Municipal Police Training Academy.


Hanshi was also affiliated in several Law Enforcement Associations: RI Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association, American Society for Law Enforcement Training: Member, RI Law Enforcement Trainers Association, United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, RI State Marshal’s FOP Lodge # 24, Inc., the RI State Sheriff’s FOP Lodge # 24, Inc, and RI Sheriffs Lodge # 38.

Some of Hanshi’s Law Enforcement Instructor experience are: NRA Basic Firearms Instructor: Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun and Home Firearms Safety, American Heart: Health-care Provider, Heart Saver’s: AED & CPR, Family and Friends, and CPR in Schools, American Red Cross: Standard First Aid & CPR, American Red Cross: Community First Aid & Safety Instructor, American Red Cross: Professional Rescuer Instructor, NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, Division of Sheriffs Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, National Law Enforcement Training Center: Handgun / Long Retention and Disarming System: Instructor, and a Monadnock Police Training Council, Inc.: Monadnock Expandable Baton Instructor, and a NRA Range Safety Office.

Hanshi’s Quotes: “The most important rank / belt you could ever earn and receive is a White Belt! Without a White Belt no other ranks / belts could be earned. It is the ultimate start of your Martial Arts Journey! It is up to the student (Deshi / Kohai) follow through with their Martial Arts Journey!”

“In your Martial Arts Journey the students whether a Mūdansha (Kyu Ranks) or the Yūdansha (Dan Ranks) must have the following traits dedicated to Tuhon Richard Petronelli at all times: Loyalty, Integrity, Tact (Respect), Dependability, Courage, Endurance, Judgment, and Brotherhood!” If not, don’t bother going on the Martial Arts Journey! Mind set is everything talent is secondary!”
            
ゲイリー·ディ·パドヴァ 範士  宗家代 十段  有段者 奥印

HACHIDAN, 8TH DEGREE BLACK BELT

"One look at Tuhon Petronelli on the mat was all it took to witness the close quarter striking precision with the best flow in the business."

Professor Manny Pinheiro began training in the martial arts in 1982.  His experience spans over three decades of continuous training with some of the most well respected instructors on the east coast.  Manny started training in Tae Kwon Do under Grand-master Ernie Thivierge and then Grand-master Gene Hong as a young teen.  A couple of years later, Manny also began Boxing / Kickboxing lessons at the Fall River YMCA which culminated into six amateur full contact kickboxing bouts.  Manny now knew the martial arts would be a part of him for life, and decided to pursue his dream, joining the United States Marine Corps in January 1988.

As a member of FAST CO, (Fleet Anti-Terrorist Security Team) Manny became Certified and well versed in USMC Close Combat, LINE SYSTEM (Linear Infighting Neural Override Engagement), CQB (Close Quarter Battle), Bayonet Training and small arms.  In 1989 Manny participated in contingency operations in the Republic of Panama.  The following year Manny was again called to duty participating in Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm.

After the Marines, Manny began training with Shihan Manny Neves (now deceased) in the arts of Kenpo Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Boxing.  The UFC craze had begun and Manny immersed himself in Kenpo and learning every facet of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to become a complete Martial Artist standing as well as ground fighting (Ne Waza).  This is where Manny got his first taste at teaching the morning session classes.

In 1995, Manny was sworn in as a Correctional Officer at the Wyatt Detention Facility.  It was here his Law Enforcement career would begin.  In 1997, Manny was then sworn in to the RI Dept. of Corrections, Maximum Security, as a Correctional Officer, where he still continues to walk the toughest beat in the state.  Manny was a member with CERT (Corrections Emergency Response Team) for eight years.  Manny is Certified in the Following:  PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics),  Monadnock Expandable Baton Advanced Course,  Oleoresin Capsicum Spray, Riot Control, Use of Force Continuum, Arrest and Control, and Pistol- Shotgun- Rifle.  

Manny's martial arts interests changed to more of a street self-defense / Law Enforcement orientation.  He sought out a Former Cop who would change his outlook of the arts.  Manny started training with Grand-master Hector Rodriguez in Genbukan Ninpo Bugei and Goshin Jujitsu/Judo.  After over ten years of training, Manny obtained Full Instructor Dan Status 3rd and 4th Degree in Both Arts.

In 2006, Manny sought out Professor David James, looking for a more Reality Based Combative Style in Vee Arnis Jitsu.  Professor James didn't disappoint.  Manny took quickly to the Professor Florendo Visitacion based system and obtained Dan Ranking.

In 2012, Manny would meet the final piece to his Martial Arts puzzle.  Tuhon Richard Petronelli, 10th Degree under Professor Florendo Visitacion in Vee Arnis Jitsu.  Tuhon Petronelli would go on and create his own art Kuntao Jujitsu.  Manny immediately recognized the transition to Kuntao Jujitsu would be a smooth one.  One look at Tuhon on the mat was all it took to witness the close quarter striking precision with the best flow in the business.  Manny's search had come full circle.  In 2013, Manny was promoted to 5th Degree (Shihan) in Kuntao Jujitsu and Sagola Filipino Martial Arts by Tuhon Richard Petronelli, Hanshi Gary Di Padua and Grand-master R.D. Hondolero.  

Manny is also a respected Kickboxing and MMA coach and referee. He has trained professional fighters in some of the biggest venues on the east coast which include Lion Fight Muay Thai, CES MMA and Peter Rogers Karate and Kickboxing Promotions. Manny is a certified referee under the U.S. Muay Thai Association.  He has refereed hundreds of Amateur Muay Thai and American Kickboxing Bouts.  

In 2017, Manny was promoted to Hachidan, 8th Degree Black Belt in Kuntao Jujitsu and the Filipino Martial Arts.  Manny was awarded the prestigious title of Professor under the tutelage of Tuhon Richard Petronelli and Hanshi Gary Di Padua for his unwavering dedication to teaching and promoting the Art of Kuntao Jujitsu for the next generation.

Jūdan Yūdansha 十段

Grand Master DiTraglia over the years in the Martial Arts since 1970 dedicated himself to constantly strive to learn, improve, and excel as a practitioner and instructor. As an instructor, his goal was to pass down the ancient traditions and the art to dedicated practitioners. He was a roll model to many displaying the principles of loyalty, integrity, bearing, courage, sound judgment, and enthusiasm  to his family, students and the general public.

Grand Master DiTraglia martial arts experience spans over several systems. He currently holds rank in Kuntao Combat JuJitsu System Ree System Te (Jūdan Yūdansha), Vee-Arnis Jiu-Jitsu (Shichidan Yūdansha), and Kumiuchi Ryu Jiu-Jutsu (Shodan Yūdansha). Being a respected martial artist he is a member of several federations and associations, Kuntao Jujitsu Federation 1999 to the present, Kokon Ryu Bujutsu Renmei 1999 t the present, and American Kumiuchi Association 1972 to 1981.  Grand Master DiTraglia was also inducted in the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in March of 2001. 


During his martial arts journey he had the opportunity to train with very talented martial artist the late Grand Supreme Master Florendo M. Visitacion, Tuhon Richard Petronelli, the late Professor Edward Villarreal, the late Grand Master Joseph Arcuri, Hanshi Gary Di Padua / Soke-dai, Professor Manuel Pinheiro, Grand Master Darin Delaney and Sensei Peter R. Marro Jr.

In September 6th, 2017, Bruce Robert DiTraglia was awarded the title of Grand Master and promoted to the rank of Jūdan Yūdansha 十段 in Tuhon Richard Petronelli Kuntao Combat JuJitsu System Ree System Te.

Black Belt 7th Degree ( Shichidan )  

Professor Paul Lavallee is a fully licensed master level instructor in Te Combat Kuntao JuJitsu and a black belt 1st degree in Tombo Kai International. He is trained as well in Petronelli's Kali. He has also been certified as an instructor in Lakan Guro iKali and has trained in Pekiti Tirsia Kali blade. Having first been introduced to martial arts with Villari Kempo and high school wrestling, Paul took a long break from the arts for pursuit of career and family.
After retiring he returned to train under Soke Richard Petronelli in Te Combat Kuntao JuJitsu. Paul has received intensive training under Soke Petronelli, Soke-Dai Gary Di Padua Judan GM, Shihan Carlos DeLa Cruz, Shihan Filiberto Rosales, Professor Manny Pinheiro, Shihan Bill Sitko (RIP), and Sensei Mike Ianero.

In addition he has trained multiple times with Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje, Tuhon Apollo Ladra, Tuhon Bobby Ladra , Grand Master R.D. Hondolero (RIP) & GM Darren Delaney and has attended multiple seminars with Grand Master Lou Ferrer, Dr Robert Mckittrick, GM David Lindsay, GM Michael DiPasquale, Jr, GM Thomas Gettling, Soke 'Lil John Davis and quite a few others. Professor Paul Lavallee was recently inducted to VSK Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2023.