Meet the Team

Thomas Carrano

Head Instructor: 9th Dan

Shihan Tom Carrano is a 9th Degree Black Belt in the Hoteikan System of Martial Arts, U.S.J.A. Black Belt, licensed Shiatsu massage therapist, and a graduate of Cornell’s Leadership Program. He began training in martial arts at the age of 11 and has been teaching for more than 35 years.

As the Chief Instructor of the Hoteikan Dojo in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, he oversees all classes, teaches the advanced black belt program, and leads the instructor and leadership development program. Well-versed in Karate and Jujutsu, he has trained competitors who have gone on to win regional, national, and world championships.

Shihan Carrano is also the founder of the X-Treme Team Martial Arts League, a team-based competition combining Karate and Judo in a dynamic five-person team format.

Outside of the dojo, Shihan Carrano dedicated over 30 years to the New York City Transit Authority, where he served in multiple roles including mechanic, crane operator, inspector, union chairman, and subway safety director, and was an active leader within TWU Local 100. Above all, he is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose commitment to family, mentorship, and community is reflected in the discipline, character, and lifelong values he instills in his students through martial arts.

Anthony Carrano

5th Dan

Anthony Carrano is a 5th Degree Black Belt in the Hoteikan System of Martial Arts, U.S.J.A. Nikkyu, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and holds a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology. He began training at the age of three under his father, Shihan Tom Carrano, and has accumulated over 34 years of experience in martial arts.

Anthony has coached, competed, and placed in numerous competitions, including the AAU Karate Nationals, the Junior Olympics—where he placed 3rd in Kumite in 2000, Collegiate Judo Nationals, full-contact kickboxing at the Capitale, and Extreme Team MMA. He has been teaching martial arts since 2005, continuing to mentor students and contribute to the growth of the Hoteikan system.

Outside the dojo, Anthony is an Instructional Lead and Athletic Director for NYC Public Schools District 20, an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College, and host of the Movement and Performance Podcast, where he explores the science and philosophy of human movement.

Ryan Berringer

5th Dan

Sensei Ryan is currently a Yondan (Fourth Degree Black Belt) in the Hoteikan System of Martial Arts. He began training in 1997 and earned his Shodan (First Degree Black Belt) in 2001, bringing over 28 years of martial arts experience.

Nicknamed “Iron Ryan,” he is known for his intense training style, combining weightlifting, conditioning, and nutritional knowledge to develop strength, toughness, and discipline. Ryan has competed in AAU Martial Arts tournaments, earning several medals throughout his competitive career.

In addition to competing, he has trained competitors, served as a tournament judge, participated in numerous seminars, and taught self-defense courses. When training with Sensei Ryan, students can expect a challenging workout paired with strong technical instruction in Karate, Jujutsu, and Judo.

Outside of the dojo, Ryan works as Vice President of Client Experience at Fidelity Investments.

Rebecca Carrano

5th Dan

Sensei Rebecca is a pioneer in the Hoteikan System, holding the distinction of being the first female to earn the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt. With over 20 years of training, she has become a pillar of the Hoteikan Dojo community, though her expertise extends far beyond the mat.

Sensei Rebecca holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has served as a dedicated NYC Department of Education teacher for over two decades. Drawing on her training at Columbia University’s Teachers College, along with her background in early childhood development and psychology, she developed the Hoteikan “Lil’ Dragons” and Pre-Karate curriculum. This program is uniquely designed to meet the developmental needs of children ages 3–7, combining martial arts discipline with age-appropriate cognitive growth.

A true student of the martial arts, she has expanded her knowledge through workshops with legends such as “Superfoot” Bill Wallace, Kathy Long, and Billy Blanks. Whether leading a high-energy Cardio Kickboxing class or mentoring students, including her own two sons, Sensei Rebecca teaches with passion.

As a breast cancer survivor, she embodies the warrior spirit, demonstrating resilience, strength, and dedication to her family, her students, and her community.

Daniel Notwicz

3rd Dan

Sensei Dan is currently a Sandan (Third Degree Black Belt) in the Hoteikan System of Martial Arts. Born and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, he began training at the Hoteikan Dojo after it was recommended by a friend and has since accumulated over 25 years of experience in the system.

Sensei Dan has been teaching classes since earning his Shodan (First Degree Black Belt) and is currently working toward his Fourth Degree Black Belt. Outside of the dojo, he is pursuing certification as a personal trainer while also working as a tutor. His other interests include playing guitar, learning computer programming, reading, and traveling. Dan is also a Graduate of the Hoteikan Leadership Instructors Program.

He believes strongly in lifelong learning and growth, inspired by the words of Joe Hyams:

“Only by constantly exposing myself to someone better than I have I been able to improve. It is inspiring to know that even the masters have masters, and that we are all learners.”

Roberto Sequiera

3rd Dan

Sensei Roberto holds a B.S. in Political Science, is a Third Degree Black Belt in the Hoteikan System of Martial Arts, and a Graduate of the Hoteikan Leadership Instructors Program.

Roberto began training at the Hoteikan Dojo in 2006 and has grown through the system both as a student and instructor. Over the years, the dojo has played a significant role in shaping his development in martial arts and leadership.

He has performed in martial arts demonstrations for the NYPD and has competed in both Judo and Karate tournaments. Roberto has also taught self-defense courses for NYPD Auxiliary Officers, Harlem Link Charter School, NYCHA, and CUNY Brooklyn College.

His philosophy is simple:

“All questions will be answered in training.”

Allan Dougherty

3rd Dan

Coming soon.

Eric Ng

1st Dan