Shihan John Ralph

John F. Ralph, The Shihan (Master Instructor)

over 34 years of martial arts experience. This American Dojo (school) reflects the proper etiquette and hard training of a traditional dojo found in Okinawa, Japan.  Located in Aberdeen, New Jersey, Monmouth County, East Coast Martial Arts offers the student a unique and 
unforgettable journey through the world of Japanese-American martial arts as well as standup fighting, takedowns, ground fighting and submission holds.  

As of 2003, Shihan Ralph was the 1st Dojo Instructor in the state of New Jersey to be certified in HaganaH F.I.G.H.T. Self-Defense System,  a system based on Israeli military hand-to-hand techniques.   


Born in Longbranch, NJ, John Ralph is a long-time resident of Matawan and Keyport, NJ.  He is a successful businessman and sole owner of the East Coast Martial Arts. John is dedicated to the personal growth, development and success of his students. Shihan Ralph has also served as a Martial Arts Instructor for local police departments in New Jersey, local Women’s Groups,  Realty Associations and local youth groups.


Shihan Ralph is affiliated with the International Martial Arts KoJuKai based in Farmington, CT, headed by Dr. John Palais Hanshi (Grandmaster), a 10th degree Black Belt. 

He is also affiliated with World Champion Master Kevin Thompson’s Black Belt Karate Association based in Montclair, NJ.  

Ralph Shihan’s diverse martial arts background reflects a wide range of disciplines and “cross-training,” including: 

  • Israeli HaganaH
  • Krav Maga
  • Japanese Goju-ryu
  • Kyokushinkai and Shotokan Karate-Do
  • Judo
  • Aikido
  • Aikijitsu
  • Muy Thai of Thailand
  • Korean Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido
  • Brazilian Jujitsu
  • American Kickboxing and Shootfighting; and Philippino weapons.



Ralph Shihan has a long list of martial arts accomplishments, some of which include:

  • Recipient of “The Samurai Award” from “The International Federation of Jujutsuans (I.F.O.J.J.),

        Martial Arts University; October 2006.

  • “Silver Achievement, Hall of Fame” 2000 Inductee, American Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA)
  • “Hall of Fame” 1996 Inductee, World Karate Union
  • “Most Outstanding Martial Artist” Award (1991), New Jersey Professional Karate League, Inc.
  • Black Belt Karate Fighting Grand Champion
  • Professional Kickboxing Coach, Trainer & Manager for FFKA & K.I.C.K. World-Rated Contender
  • Cornerman / Co-trainer, K1 Heavy Weight Andrew Sullivan; Brookdalecollege, Kyokushinkai trained

Train with the Best to Be the Best!

Master John Ralph (Shihan)

Posted in East Coast Martial arts Staff