Deputy Joe Fiorentino
Joe Fiorentino is a 14-year Cook County Sheriff Department veteran, volunteer, Defensive Tactics instructor, and a Shidokan Black Belt.
On Sept. 19, 2009, he took...
Keith Hirabayashi Cooke
Keith Hirabayashi Cooke was born in Seattle, Washington on September 17, 1959. He grew up in the Seattle area and attended the University of...
Hakudo Nakayama Iaido
Hakudo Nakayama was born on February 11, 1872 and he was also known as Nakayama Hiromichi. A Japanese martial artist, he was the founder of...
Kent Fung
As a martial artist, Kent Fung has been training in one style or another for more than 25 years. The base of his training...
Brandon Vera
Brandon Vera was born October 10, 1977 in Bronx, New York. He is a Filipino/Italian-American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, who fought for the...
Otto Johnson Passed Away
Shihan Otto Johnson
May 2, 1959 - November 2, 2004
Shihan Otto Johnson's life was tragically taken in a hit and run accident in San Bernardino,...
Father and Son Martial Arts Instructors: Robert Kovaleski and Eric Kovaleski
In this article we interview a father, Robert Kovaleski and a son, Eric Kovaleski. Both men are respected, skilled and knowledgeable martial artists in...
Michael Goldman
With a flashy fighting style, an almost uncanny kicking ability, a pair of fast hands and a refined sense of timing that put him...
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong on April 7, 1954 to Charles and Lee-lee Chan who named him Kong-san Chan which means "born...
Henry Naiken
Dr. Henry Naiken’s interest in the martial arts began at the young age of fifteen when he began formal study in the art of...
Ralph Jaschke Has Passed Away
8th degree Black Belt Ralph Jaschke began his karate training in 1967 under Sensei Tom Redmon. Ralph was awarded his Black Belt in 1970...
A Martial Artist To Chat About Mike Chaturantabut
Michael Chaturantabut, or Mike Chat as he is known, was born on April 30, 1975 in Rayong province, Thailand. He is a Thai-American actor...
Kurtis Goodwin
Guru Kurtis Goodwin started training in martial arts in 1976. While Christmas shopping he was the victim of a robbery at knife point. His...
Sam Luke, Sr.: Jujitsu
Professor Sam Luke began studying Jujitsu when he was 10 years old. He recalls being a reluctant student because his friends were out playing...
Joe Olivarez Kajukenbo
Black Belt Hall of Fame nominee, Professor Joe Olivarez has been continuously involved in the martial arts for over 45 years. He received his...
Kim Aldus Tai Chi Ch’uan
Kim Aldus began taking Tae Kwon Do in September of 1987. She began studying under Mr. Kelly O’Keefe. Other Peoria area instructors she has studied under...