Instructors
Sifu Mandarino trains and teaches all classes.
He is supported by Gofus (Black Sash Instructors), who provide valuable assistance with individual and group instruction. For more information on Sifu Mandarino, visit the page Norman Mandarino under 'Legacy and History".
The combined years of martial arts experience of Sifu Mandarino and his six active instructors totals almost 200 years.
Active Instructors at Mandarin Kung Fu:
Gofu Daniel Ettipio
Gofu Daniel Ettipio holds the rank of Fourth Degree Black Sash. He was born on September 5, 1962. Gofu Ettipio had some training under Master Ting Fong Wong at Sifu Mandarino's school and has trained directly under Sifu Mandarino since 1980. Gofu Ettipio is the highest ranked student in our system. He stresses strong fundamentals & contact work. He is especially adept at refining the movements of higher ranked students. Gofu Ettipio is highly regarded for his powerful hand techniques. His specialty forms are all weaponry, Sip Do Jung (Four Corner Cross form) and Loon Fu (Dragon Tiger form).
Gofu John DiNatale
Gofu John DiNatale holds the rank of Third Degree Black Sash. He was born on April 19, 1958. He began studying martial arts when he was 14 years old at International Studios of Self Defense, a Kempo style, were he trained for 4 years. After the school closed, he continued to train privately with a small group of former instructors and dedicated martial artists until 1979. Thereafter, he continued to train on his own until joining Mandarin Kung Fu in 1984. Gofu DiNatale has a strong awareness for continuous improvement in his art. He openly shares his insight and knowledge with students who are willing to learn. Gofu DiNatale has notable kicking skills and specializes in all weaponry forms, the Tiger forms and Sia Shu (Snake form).
Gofu John Boron
Gofu John Boron holds the rank of Second Degree Black Sash. He was born on October 13, 1955. Gofu Boron has been studying with Sifu Mandarino since 1979. He teaches Continuing Education classes as well as all introductory classes for children and adults. Gofu Boron specializes in Sip Do Jung (Four Corner Cross form) and Wu Yep (Butterfly)
Gofu Paul Belanger
Gofu Paul Belanger holds the rank of Second Degree Black Sash. He was born on May 28, 1971. Gofu Belanger trained for 14 years in Siu Lum Tiger Crane Kung Fu under Master Steven Sun, and earned the rank of Second Degree Black Sash. He left the Siu Lum Studio in 1993 to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Gofu Belanger continued to train Tiger Crane style for 4 years on his own while in school. In 1997 he joined a long hand school and trained for 4 years under Master Joseph Bruschetta. Gofu Belanger started his training at Mandarin Kung Fu with Sifu Mandarino in 2001. Sifu Mandarino offered Gofu Belanger the option to wear his Black Sash while he trained in Mandarin Kung Fu. Gofu Belanger respectfully declined, and started at the very beginning with a White Sash. His diligent training & past experience have enabled him to reach the rank of Second Degree Black Sash within 6 years. Gofu Belanger is always willing to train at maximum power with anyone in class. He specializes in all Tiger forms and all Iron Hand sets.
Gofu Barbara Andrade
Gofu Barbara Andrade holds the rank of First Degree Black Sash. She was born on September 7, 1955. She had some training under Master Ting Fong Wong at Sifu Mandarino's school and has trained directly under Sifu Mandarino since 1975. Gofu Andrade left the school in 1980 to raise to her family and returned in 2001. She is a very valuable asset in the development of new students. Her specialty forms are Sip Do Jung (Four Corner Cross form) and Wu Yep (Butterfly form).