My Background

I have been training in Isshin Ryu Karate for over 25 years, starting at an early age in western NY. I earned my black belt at age 10 and have been teaching martial arts since. Several years later I had the opportunity to start training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Wing Chung Kung-fu at the same school. During this time, I was very active in tournaments, both in my first style of Isshin Ryu and in full contact competitions. I have a 4th degree black belt in Isshin Ryu Karate, a 3rd degree black belt in WTF Tae-Kwon-Do. I am working to increase my training for Wing Chung and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and have started training in Systema.

Since graduating from college my wife and I have lived in several major cities on the East Coast. I have taught martial arts in Georgia, Maryland, Virginia and the DC area. Over the past two decades I have taught multiple disciplines to students that range in age from toddler to 90. I have seen the amazing benefits of martial arts not only for myself but also for so many students. One of the most important parts of martial arts for me is self-defense, “which is not fighting,” but rather is about keeping yourself safe. I am very adamant about making sure that every student can defend themselves if the situation was to ever arise. Over the years I have had multiple students use what they have learned on the floor in real life situations to protect themselves or others.

wife and I have decided to settle down here in Charlotte and want to serve the community the best way we can by helping to teach people how to protect themselves.