VAJ-Instructors 

Instructors

Shihan Scott Stewart

A native of Brooklyn New York, Shihan Scott is a 9th Dan and the Head Instructor of the VAJ Staten Island, New York dojo. He began his training at age 21 in 1976 under his father, the late Sensei Harold Stewart who was a student of Professor Vee in the original Vee Jitsu Te – Vee Jitsu Ryu system. After his father’s passing in the late 1980s, Shihan Scott continued training under Professor David James (inheritor of the VAJ) and Professor Vee. Today Shihan Scott is one of the most senior ranked instructors in the Vee Arnis Jitsu system. He is very knowledgeable on the Visitacion Arts and has been inducted into several Hall of Fames. He is also known as a co-host of the long-running martial arts television show, “On The Mat”, which was produced by Shihan Ron Howard on the BCAT network and aired in the New York metropolitan area.

Shihan Erskine Isaac

Shihan Erskine Isaac is a 6^th degree Black Belt in Vee Arnis Jitsu. He is a well versed practitioner with a background in boxing, Kung Fu and wrestling.  He studied American Karate in 1973, in Harlem New York.  In his late teens, he began his studies of Shorin-Ryu Karate under Shihan Scaglione also in New York. He saw the martial arts documentary “ The Warrior Within” which featured Professor Vistitacion and the Vee Jitsu system.  In 1998, Sensei Erskine began his training with Professor David James.  Sensei Erskine has been a senior instructor at the Staten Island dojo, since 2005.

Lady Sensei

Lady Sensei is a 5^th degree Black Belt in the Vee-Arnis-Jitsu system since 2009. She also holds a third-degree Black Belt in Ninjutsu from the late Professor Ronald Duncan, O’Sensei Way of The Winds Martial Arts System. She specializes in weaponry and self-defense for women.  She brings a fresh female perspective to the dojo. Lady Sensei is also a certified verbal de-escalation and non-violent instructor in Behavior Healthcare Services for the city of New York.  She is our first female Black Belt at the Staten Island dojo. She appeared on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire-Knife or Death show as a blade competitor. In February 2021, she was inducted into Black Belt Magazine’s Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year.

Lady Felicia

Sensei Felicia Rivers holds the rank of 3 rd dan and began training at the VAJ dojo at age 48. She became the second female black belt instructor. She is retired law enforcement and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our students. Our students describe her as warm, enthusiastic, and very supportive when she teaches. Sensei Felicia serves on the executive committee of the Women’s Martial Arts Network and travels throughout New York City and Canada to teach and role model the beauty and strength of women in the arts, inspiring others to train at any age.