I first started training in the martial arts when I was five years old. I began in Tae Kwon Do. When I was eight, I changed areas of focus and started training under Sensei Smith in what is now known as The Center for Traditional Martial Arts (CFTMA). I have been training in Karatejutsu since 2003 and now hold the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt). I have been teaching my own class since 2014. I am a Brown Belt in Japanese Jujutsu and a purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In the beginning I wanted to someday be able to defend myself and my family. I feel that I have achieved this goal and have come to realize that I have gained so much more. While at CFTMA, I have learned discipline, self-discipline and the value of a hard work ethic. It has helped me build and reaffirm my morals and views on the subject of self protection pertaining to the amount of violence needed to resolve a dangerous situation. I have learned when to walk away and when to take a stand. My ultimate goal is the preservation of life rather than destroying it.
I am a husband, and a father of four children. I take safety as the highest priority in my home and in my class. I strive to build an environment of trust and safety for all students. We push each other to grow and build the skills and confidence needed for self defense and life as well.
Under Sensei Smith I have learned a great deal on the different types of martial arts in our system such as Karate, Aikido, Jujutsu and Iaido and how they work together. Weapon training of various types have also been studied. As long as I have been training under Sensei Smith, I continue to learn new information all the time.
“You do not rise to the occasion, but fall to the level of your training.”
“Anything worth having is worth fighting for!”