My Sensei Renzo D’ Ignazio’s passion for the Martial arts began at the age of 13, in Venezuela, during high school. Seeking for something interesting to do with his time, and since he was always intrigued by martial arts, he started Shotokan classes until he started to attend college.
After getting his college degree he moved to USA to get a higher education, at The university of New England. This is where he found Cuong Nhu and started training right away. For him, finding a style that combined seven other styles within itself was something never heard of at that time and he became hooked right away. At the age of 25 he was promoted to black belt.
Sensei Renzo later on moved back to Venezuela and founded Sendai School, in 1992, in the area of Carrizal. Hundreds of students of all ages came to train with Sensei Renzo, and in 1999, he promoted the first black belts under his wings, Sensei Luis Costa, Sensei Salvatore Tranchina and Sensei Orlando Martinez.
Through the mastery of the elements of Cuong Nhu martial arts, and the pioneer of the style in Venezuela, he has quickly recognized by the martial arts community in Venezuela and USA. His impeccable style and his remarkable understanding of our seven martial arts styles, made of Sensei Renzo an icon in this field.
Sensei Renzo and his students participated in numerous martial arts tournaments representing Sendai School, always leaving an excellent impression and many new students. Besides competing he also was invited to attend numerous seminars in places such as Miami, California, Atlanta, North Carolina and more.
Sensei Renzo passed on from this life in 2015. He became a mentor for a lot of people, leaving behind a great legacy. His inspiring life and the love for the sport will always be remembered among all of us.
“The opportunity of helping other people and give a positive influence in their lives is the most rewarding feeling one can experience. Seeing children become adults. Its like having an extended family. You start to care to the point that all of them are part of your Life. I thank God for having me led to this path, and for still giving me the strength to carry on and continue teaching and getting the joy of seeing how people move on with their life, being successful with their lives”.
Sensei Renzo D’ Ignazio