Sensei Steven Brigante began Uechi Ryu Karate in 1990 under the direction of Sensei Ric Martin in Largo, FL. After earning his ShoDan (1st Degree Black Belt) Sensei Brigante devoted himself to the study of Uechi Ryu Karate and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps specifically to travel to Okinawa, Japan to study with the highest Masters of the style. He ended up at the World famous Dojo of 9 time consecutive World Champion Kiyohide Shinjo. Sensei Brigante would practice 7 days a week for hours each day! In 2003 Sensei Brigante returned to the United States, and in 2012 returned to his hometown of Tarpon Springs with his wife Lisa. Sensei Brigante has a fully equipped Okinawan style Dojo and teaches the art exactly as he was taught on the Island of Okinawa.