Active Black Sashes

Sifu Mandarino trains and teaches all classes. He is supported by Gofus (Black Sash Instructors), who provide valuable assistance with individual and group instruction. Since our opening in 1974, Mandarin Kung Fu has promoted 32 students to the rank of black sash. The following is a list of our active black sashes. Some have been with us for over 40 years.

GOFU DANIEL ETTIPIO

Fifth Degree Black Sash

Gofu Daniel Ettipio holds the rank of Fifth 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 Shu (Dragon Tiger form).

GOFU JOHN Di NATALE

Fourth Degree Black Sash

Gofu John DiNatale began studying at Mandarin Kung Fu on April 2, 1984. He earned his 4th degree black sash on January 6, 2012. Gofu DiNatale is the Executive Vice President of Operations at a major communications company. He began studying martial arts when he was 14 years old at International Studios of Self Defense, a Kempo style, where 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 PAUL BELANGER

Fourth Degree Black Sash

Man in black sash in kung fu pose in front of bo staffs and yin yang on wall

Gofu Paul Belanger holds the rank of Third 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. 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 in 6 years. He specializes in all Tiger forms and all Iron Hand sets.

GOFU JOHN BORON

Second Degree Black Sash

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 CHRIS WEBER

Second Degree Black Sash

Gofu Chris Weber began studying at Mandarin Kung Fu on January 18, 2001. He came to our school with a background in kempo and karate. He earned his 2nd degree black sash on January 6, 2012. Gofu Weber also founded the Camerata di Sant’Antonio Chamber Orchestra which he has directed since 2003. He has championed new composers & has premiered numerous works. Outside of kung fu and music, Chris is an independent consultant & analyst who designs and builds database applications for his clients. Gofu Weber is always available to assist new students & is instrumental in guiding them on the right path to learning our art.

Gofu Weber’s favorite forms are Long Hand, Fut Gar and Dragon-Tiger.

GOFU FRANK GRIMALDI

Second Degree Black Sash

Gofu Frank Grimaldi began studying at Mandarin Kung Fu November 1, 2004. He earned his second degree black sash on April 4, 2014. Frank is a very quick learner & is always looking for sensible ways to improve & enhance his art. Frank is the owner of San Marco, one of Western New York’s finest fine dining restaurants. San Marco specializes in authentic Italian cuisine. Gofu Grimaldi has an extraordinary understanding of our art. His favorite forms are The 5 Animal Short Frame Form, The Crane form & all Weapon Forms.

GOFU STEVE HALASZ

Second Degree Black Sash

Gofu Steven Halasz began his training under Master Ting Fong Wong in the early seventies. He began training with Sifu Mandarino on March 1, 1986. He earned his 2nd degree black sash on May 4, 2012. Gofu Halasz specializes in tiger movements & is known for his strict attention to

detail.

GOFU CARL NORECK

Second Degree Black Sash

Gofu Carl Noreck has been away from kung fu for over 20 years. He returned to our school on August 1, 2016 after undergoing many serious and life threatening setbacks. The reason for his absence was physical. Gofu Noreck suffered from a heart attack, went through chemo therapy, had a hip replacement, reconstructive foot surgery, tendon transfer surgery in his right elbow & the installation of a plate in his left leg from a motorcycle accident. His kung fu discipline helped him get through these obstacles. He is now back in full form.

GOFU SEAN RILEY

Second Degree Black Sash

Man in black sash in kung fu pose with bo staff in front of bo staffs and yin yang on wall

Gofu Sean Riley began studying at Mandarin Kung Fu on March 8, 2006. He earned his black sash on May 6, 2011. Gofu Riley is an excellent athlete who played hockey for SUNY at Buffalo. Sean enjoys our contact classes & is always willing to oblige any of our classmates who want to test his skills. Gofu Riley’s favorite forms are The Elbow Form & The Snake fights the Crane contact set.

GOFU LARRY MENTKOWSKI

Second Degree Black Sash

Gofu Larry Mentkowski studied with Master Ting Fong Wong from 1967 – 1972. He moved out of town for a career opportunity. He returned in 1978 & continued his training under the tutelage of Sifu Mandarino & earned his black sash on May 4, 2012. Gofu Mentkowski is a dedicated martial artist who always strives for excellence. Gofu Mentkowskiis is the General Manager of K – TECHnologies, Inc. He is a very dedicated teacher of our Little Dragons class. The kids love him and always look forward to the challenging kung fu workouts he conducts. Gofu Mentkowski’s favorite forms are Fut Gar & The Long Hand Form

GOFU NICK GRAY

Second Degree Black Sash

Gofu Nick Gray began his journey in Mandarin Kung Fu on January 5, 2004 at the age of 6. With very few exceptions, you have to be at least 18 years of age to earn a black sash at Mandarin Kung Fu. There have only been three exceptions to this rule in the 40 plus years that we have run our school. Gofu Gray is one of the exceptions. He earned his black sash after he turned 16 on August 9, 2013. His love of kung fu has always been apparent & his diligent training made it possible for him to achieve his rank at such a young age. Gofu Gray is willing & able to spar with any of our senior black sashes. He is an excellent role model for our younger students. Gofu Gray’s favorite forms are The Pudao &The Snake fights the Crane contact set.

GOFU WYATT BELANGER

First Degree Black Sash

Gofu Wyatt Belanger began his training at Mandarin Kung Fu in 2009 at the age of 6. With much additional guidance from his father, Gofu Paul Belanger, Wyatt reached the rank of 3rd degree brown sash by the age of 15. Wyatt took a four-year break from Kung Fu to focus his attention on the sport of marksmanship. Upon graduating from Clarence High School and his high school rifle team with two state championship team victories, he returned to Mandarin Kung Fu to train for his black sash, which he acquired May 20th, 2022, at the age of 19. Gofu Belanger’s favorite form is the double sword and staff.