Master Joe learned under his mother, Sa Bom Nim Jo-Ann Falanga. She has trained under and competed for some of the most respected martial arts leaders in the world, including Grandmaster Chong Su Kim, Master John Chung, and Grandmaster In Kee Hong. Master Falanga has been a student of Grandmaster Ho Sik Pak, founder of the Hwa Rang World Tang Soo Do Federation.
A fierce and accomplished competitor, Master Falanga has traveled all over the world competing in forms, fighting and weapons. In 2000 she won the World Champion Forms title in Australia. In 1998, she was NASKA’s (North American Sport Karate Association) #1 World Champion Women’s 30-39 All Around Competitor. SBN Falanga has officiated and competed in NBL (National Black Belt League) tournaments and is the promoter of the annual Rumble on the Hudson which was held for the first time in May 2012 and was a great success! Master Falanga’s competitive spirit and desire to develop sport karate in the Hudson Valley paved the way for her project, Team Rumble–a competitive sport karate team housed in Rhinebeck Karate Academy, but comprised of both RKA and other local karate school students.
Not only did Master Falanga begin teaching martial arts in 1996, she comes with years of additional experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Springfield College and a Master of Science degree in School Health Education from Russell Sage College. Prior to opening her own school, Master Falanga taught in the public K-12 school system for 13 years.
The best testament to Master Falanga’s training methods is the fact that all three of her children consistently trained and successfully competed at the national level.