Sensei John Costanzo began his martial arts training in 1979 as a student of Master Isham Latimer in the Order of Isshinryu and continues to study under his guidance today. His interest in martial arts began in high school, when, as a gymnast, he became fascinated by its athleticism, discipline, and techniques.

After graduating from high school, Sensei Costanzo served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. He attained the rank of Sergeant E-5 and served as a combat infantry squad leader with the 1st Infantry Division. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and the Army Commendation Medal for valor.

Following his return to civilian life, Sensei Costanzo attended Dowling College under the GI Bill, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He worked for AT&T in New York and New Jersey for 24 years, primarily as a management-level computer programmer. He subsequently taught computer science for 13 years at St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey, before retiring in June 2017.

While studying under Master Latimer, Sensei Costanzo also became a member of the Order of Isshinryu Martial Arts (OIMA) under the direction and counsel of Grand Master Walter “Toby” Cooling. He currently holds the rank of ninth-degree black belt in the OIMA.
Sensei Costanzo is proficient in Isshinryu hand and weapons kata. His extensive martial arts background also includes jujitsu, practical self-defense, and defense techniques involving empty-hand, knife, and firearm encounters. In addition, he has developed expertise in deep-breathing exercises and their application to the ancient Chinese internal martial art of Liuhebafa.

Drawing upon this diverse background, Sensei Costanzo collaborated with Master Latimer and Sensei John McDonald in creating the Chi-Ryu Jiujitsu system. This system blends concepts and techniques from the Order of Isshinryu teachings, traditional jiujitsu, Liuhebafa, and the self-defense ippons developed in Master Latimer’s dojo. Master Latimer, a tenth-degree Grand Master in Chi-Ryu Jiujitsu, promoted Sensei Costanzo to ninth-degree black belt in that system.

Sensei Costanzo has also been promoted by Sensei Popp to second-degree black belt in Filipino Arnis.
For more than 30 years, Sensei Costanzo served as a nonprofit martial arts instructor under the banner of the Order of Isshinryu, teaching in Huntington, Long Island, New York, and at the Woodbridge Community Center in New Jersey.