Larry Freiberg was born in Manhattan and lived in the Bronx before moving to Plainview in 1972.  As a teenager he had a passion for street sports, playing punch ball, stickball, baseball and football.  He graduated from James Monroe High School and 3 years later became a New York City Police Officer.  As a member of the N.Y.P.D. he had a wide and varied assortment of assignments, starting in the 41st Precinct (South Bronx) then to the 25th Precinct (East Harlem).  During the tumultuous 70’s he was assigned the Mobile Security Unit, which was a predecessor to today’s Swat Teams.  His duties at M.S.U. included the guarding of dignitaries visiting the City and the removal of barricaded criminals.  From there he became a Firearms and Tactics instructor teaching 32,000 police officers 2 times per year the tactical use of a variety of firearms from handguns to heavy weapons.  He is a N.Y. State and N.R.A. Certified Firearms Instructor.  At age 34, Larry attended the N.Y. Institute of Technology graduating 4 years later Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Behavioral Science.  He continued on to John Jay College earning 9 credits towards a Masters Degree in Public Administration.  Just before retiring with 20 years in the N.Y.P.D. Larry started a cleaning business, Merry Maids Home Cleaning located in Bethpage.  He employs 31 people in an attempt to make Nassau County a cleaner place to live.

Larry started his journey in the Martial Arts at age 50, always wanting to learn Karate but being fearful due to his age and physical ability.  Amazingly the opposite happened; his fear was replaced by confidence, the physical ability by great conditioning thru attending 3 group classes and 1 private every week.  At age 59 he achieved a personal goal, his 1st Degree Black Belt.  Larry enjoys attending various seminars at Busto’s, including Renshi Allie Albirigo, Sensei Mark Tuthill, Dan Severen, Rigan Machado.  He feels they enhance his abilities as a Martial Artist.

Larry has been married for 37 years, has 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 1 on the way.  He loves being with his family (especially the grandchildren), the beach, traveling, volunteering (he was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2001 by Island Harvest), reading and fitness.  Asked for any thoughts about the Martial Arts, Larry replied “Busto’s Karate is a great place to learn, it’s a family and fun atmosphere.  Renshi John and his staff, the students, the safe and professional atmosphere makes me keep coming back”.  One last thought, “Age and conditioning should not keep anyone from enjoying the Martial Arts, it’s all about persistence and attitude.  If I can do it, anybody can”