Our History
For over 57 years, Marvin Labbate, the owner of CNY Okinawan Karate & Kobudo School, has dedicated himself to the art of martial arts. His journey commenced at the tender age of 10, fueled by an unwavering passion that eventually led him to the realization of his dream – opening his own martial arts school.
Stepping away from college, Marvin embraced a path of odd jobs, tirelessly working to turn his aspirations into reality. In 1985, he took a significant leap by acquiring CNY Okinawan Karate & Kobudo School from its original proprietor. Undeterred by challenges, Marvin’s commitment to the academy’s success prompted several relocations over the years, each time adjusting to the growing popularity of the establishment.
Today, as the torchbearer of his lifelong passion, Marvin Labbate remains at the helm, imparting not just martial arts skills but also a profound inspiration to his students. His resolute dedication serves as a guiding force, motivating individuals to pursue their passions with the same fervor and determination.
Our Instructors
Here at CNY Okinawan Karate & Kobudo School, our staff is the secret to our student success. We are proud to have a team of highly experienced and dedicated instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping our students grow. Each instructor has a rich background in Karate and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Marvin Labbate
Owner & Head Instructor
Christian Labbate
Manager
Jonathan King
Certified Instructor
Bob Kohlbrenner
Certified Instructor
Greg Macidyn
Certified Instructor
Greg Scheurer
Certified Instructor
Hugh McCabe
Certified Instructor
James Williamson
Certified Instructor
Patrick Clark
Certified Instructor
Susan Ehlers
Certified Instructor
Our Training Philosophy
CNY Okinawan Karate & Kobudo School teaches through focused repetition—never redundancy. We practice core techniques across varied scenarios to build proficiency and confidence in your self-defense skills.
Our training goes beyond physical strength. You'll develop into a better person—a role model who makes a meaningful impact. Regardless of why you step on the mat, you'll leave each class more passionate and virtuous.
Our instructors are hand-picked and rigorously trained in authentic Okinawan curriculum. They're committed to mastering the best techniques and passing that knowledge to you.