I grew up at a time when taking Karate was becoming all the rage. I wanted to study it, but there were no dojos where I grew up. At age 10, I got a book on Kenpo karate and enlisted my sister to be my first Uke. I decided the elbow break would make an interesting first technique… after I almost broke her elbow, she refused to work with me ever again. My training began at the age of 34. Some would say that’s really late to start something like this, but nothing could have been further from the truth. I’ve become stronger and the only major injuries I‘ve ever received, have had nothing to do with karate. It has influenced my mindset and affects every situation I encounter. I laugh easier than I ever used to and I enjoy the moment more and worry less. Karate enables me to cope with much more than I ever thought I could. No one is perfect, but through karate I’ve come to understand that with a little determination and perseverance, you truly can achieve whatever you set your mind to. It’s a worthwhile endeavor for anyone, at any age and it tickles me to think that in some small way I can help others on this path.

TRAINING (consistently for one year or more)
USA Goju-Shin Ri Tan Kyu Martial Arts Academy - Renshi Kevin Suggs, Uechi Ryu-Florida Dojo - Senseis Richard Petrokas  and George Pisseta

TRAINING (supplemental)
Sensei Ed Pierroti (USA Goju), Sensei Martin Cohen (USA Goju), Kathy Long (Kickboxing), Sifu Mark Cardonna (Drunken Monkey Kung Fu), Sifu Milton (Drunken Monkey Kung Fu), Kyoshi Hector Rodriguez (Chinese Goju), Guro Doug Marcaida (Pekiti-Tirsia Kali), Sensei Chris Dammann (Bo Staff), Sa Bum Nim Christopher LaCava (Jung Ki Hapkido), Sensei Douglas Firestone and Sensei Sylvie Firestone (Aikido of Westchester) and Shihan Dayton Guinee.

TRAINING (seminars)
Super Summers Seminars, Sifu Kevin Seaman, Sensei Larry Tatum, Sensei Casey Marks, Sensei Trever Nash, Sensei Lance Loomis, Sensei Raffi Derderian, Sensei Jeff Melander, Ricardo Marchado, Sifu Sharif A. Bey, Guru Doug Marcaido, Sifu Tom Dorsett, Mario Lione, Shihan Micheal Campos

WEAPONS TRAINING
Bo, Arnis