Green Hill Martial Arts

RIP Tim Tackett, one of JKD's stellar ambassadors.

Congratulations to our JKD students for passing their tests last night!

Kyle Neumann (level 3), Brian Vechitto (level 3), and Vince Gracco (level 6)

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our Green Hill Martial Arts event at Shipwreck Tavern! 🥋💚 We’re proud of our students, instructors, and community for showing up strong — both on and off the mat!

Here’s a fun senior alumni story about Ed Ricciuti of the Class of 1959. Although he is deep into his 80s now, Ed continues to lead an active lifestyle as president and senior instructor of a non-profit martial arts school, Green Hill Martial Arts in Killingworth, Connecticut. Recently, however, he got a totally unexpected surprise: a six-year-old girl actually took Ed down with a leg sweep! And here’s the photo to prove it! In effect, this six-year-old student beat up a life-long martial artist, a two-time Notre Dame Bengal Bouts champion, and first winner of the Bengal Bouts’ best boxer award. According to Ed, “She really surprised me. I was going to take the fall on purpose to increase her confidence but was shocked when she actually uprooted my balance and caught my leg perfectly with a sweep. One of my favorite students. Waves to me each Sunday at Mass.”

Photo credit: Janice Sina

From Ed Ricciuti: Taught two great nights of adult class at Green Hill Martial Arts exploring different locks, throws and other takedowns in multiple situations and positions. Demonstrated one that I really like but have hesitated to do with increasing age. Still works, I found. Go to the armpit armbar but don't stop there and kick out both legs so you land in a semi-sitting position with your uke face down and still in the armbar plus a wristlock. I think there is a name somewhere for this but I can't remember it. Uke needs skill at falling for this one. Anybody now if there is another name for it?

Green Hill Martial Arts -- a non-profit that cares for its students

Green Hill Martial Arts: Learning Self-Defense and Self-Confidence for All Ages By Janice Sina (May 18, 2025) — Ed Ricciuti has worn many hats in his 87 years. Born and raised in tough city neighborhoods, he learned fast the art of self-defense and situational awareness…

Tonight at JKD: SDA, ABC, IA, PIA, ABD, TMI. 6PM - Basic Attack Applications.

Jackson Shore, of Higannum, receives his Youth Hapkido yellow belt on graduating from Hapikdo Hornets. It was on his sixth birthday. Gabe Lilburn, 8, holds a target while Jackson demonstrates kicks.

Last night, Kyle Neumann and Kiefer Neuman (Clinton) were awarded their 3rd Dan (degree) Certificates in Combat Hapkido! So few who set out in martial arts make it to black belt - fewer yet to 3rd degree! They're two all around great guys who help make our school a great place to train! And we are proud and grateful to have them in our family! Congrats, guys! More info: www.greenhillmartialarts.org