Doug started his formal martial arts training in 1980. He has received the following instructor rankings:

• 1983, received 1st Dan Black Belt in SHORINJI TORAKEN DO-KEMPO KARATE
• 1984, received 2nd Dan Black Belt in SHORINJI TORAKEN DO-KEMPO KARATE
• 1984, received 1st Dan Black Belt in SHORINJI TORAKEN DO-JIU-JITSU
• 1991, received Instructor Level in JUN FAN MARTIAL ARTS under DAN INOSANTO
• 1991, received Instructor Level in FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS under DAN INOSANTO
• 1993, received Instructor Level in MUAY THAI (Thai Boxing) under AJARN CHAI (SURACHAI SIRISUTE)
• 1985, became certified stuntman
• 1990, co-founder, PMA (Practical Martial Arts) with GURU ROB KELLY
• 2005, opened ULTIMATE GYM
• 2010, Instructor Level in the United States Muay Thai Association

Programs:

• Muay Thai
• Jun Fan Martial Arts Program
• Filipino Martial Arts Program
• Practical Martial Arts
• Street Survival
• MMA

Crossfit NoDa

I was a multi-sport athlete growing up as a child throughout college. My passion led to a focus more on soccer. After I finished playing competitively, I felt the need to stay close to the game, so I started to referee. Fitness is very important to a soccer referee and my regular workout routine wasn't doing the job properly. I was first introduced to CrossFit in Oct. 2007 and was hesitant at first, but quickly realized CrossFit was a superior training method. The results have made me stronger mentally and physically, improving my fitness as a referee and other recreational activities. I became a CrossFit L1 trainer in May 2010 and have been sharing the passion of CrossFit with others since.

Programs:

• Open Gym
• CrossFit NoDa

I started Kyokushin Karate at the age of 12 in 1976 under Shihan Seiji Kanamura in Brooklyn, NY. At the age of 18 I trained under the late John C. Grinnage at the Bed-Stuy Boxing Association along the time with Mark Breland and Riddick Bowe for the Golden Gloves. In 1981, I resumed my Karate training under Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura in World Seido Karate for seven years. I was influenced by the late Shihan William Oliver, Shihan Charles Martin, William Best and others. In 1991, I returned to study Kyokushin under Shihan Kanamura and then relocated under the tutelage of Kancho Henri Oh and later Shihan Jacques Jadotte. I have competed and won numerous trophies and awards in point, semi and full-contact competition between 1984 - 2003. I have since retired from competition and now teach karate classes to adults and children.

I am affiliated under Kyokushin IKO Sosai Japan.

Classes are 1 hour and 15 min each, beginner and advanced classes are available.
Contact Ultimate Gym for more info and sign up specials.

Programs:

• Kyokushin Karate

Kirk Miller began his martial arts journey in the late 70's in Shotokan karate and judo under Sensei Mark Dobbins. Since then his path has taken many twists and turns, ebbs and flows but has always seemed to be part of his life.

• 1983 – Received purple belt in Shotokan and judo under Sensei David Watson
• 1987 – Received Red belt in Shotokan under Sensei Mark Fitzpatrick
• 1990 – Joined US Army and trained with Marcus Freedom in Wing Tsun, and Tae kwon do. Was introduced and started training in Bujinkan Nippo Ninjitsu under Sensei Paul Pawella.
• 1994 - Left active duty and continued training in judo and Bujinkan under Sensei Mark Norman.
• 1995 – While taken a break from training in the Bujinkan, received Shodan in Tae kwon do and Hapkido under Sensei John Curtis.
• 1997 – Received Shodan in Black Dragon jujutsu under Renshi Aaron Reynolds.
• 1997 – Received Shodan in Takagi Yoshin Ryu under Sensei Mark Norman.
• 1998 – Became a certified Police Defense Tactics Instructor under Major Robert Kutz and received Shodan in judo under Renshi Aaron Reynolds.
• 1999 – Received Shodan and Shidoshi-ho certification in Bujinkan Nippo Ninjutsu.
• 1999 – Received Nidan under Renshi Aaron Reynolds in Chi Sai Tomme Jutsu (tested out to Shodan level).
• 1999 – Sensei Mark Norman created the Masa Yoshi Ryuha, which was a combination of his 30+ years of experience in the martial arts, military, and law enforcement: these included Bondo Waso (under Major Frank Taylor-CPD), Judo, Tai Chi (Master Chu), Bujinkan Nippo Ninjitsu (Renshi under Grandmaster Hatsumi), White Tiger/Praying Mantis Kung fu (under Dr. Wong) among others. Under this system Kirk was tested to out to the level of Nidan.
• 2000 – Tested under Shidoshi Reynolds to Yondan in Shadow Warrior Ninjutsu of the Black Dagon Association.
• 2000 – Received Shodan in Iaido-jutsu under Shihan Ernie Reynolds and Nidan in judo.
• 2001 - Received Nidan in Bujinkan under Sensei Mark Norman.
• 2003 – Received Sandan in Chi Sai Tomme Jutsu.
• 2004 – Received Sandan in Bujinkan and was pasted control of the Masa Yoshi Ryu from its founder Shihan Mark Norman, promoted to Yondan.
• 2006 – Started training in Target Focus Training under founder Tim Larkin

Programs:

• Street Survival

A native of Charlotte North Carolina has studied martial arts and boxing since the age of nine (1971). He is a fully certified instructor in the fighting arts of the Philippines- Kali, Arnis & escrima under the world renowned Dan Inosanto. In Addition Reuben was one of only three students to ever complete all phases of training under Sifu Larry Hartsell (1942-2008) and is a senior instructor under Mr. Hartsell in Bruce Lee’s jeet kune do.

Reuben Griffith Jr. is regarded by many as Mr. Hartsell's prize pupil with exceptional speed, flexibility and true technical understanding of the material.

A former amateur boxer and professional kick boxer, with Instructor ranks in Serrada escrima, Wing Chun Gung Fu, a Silver glove(technical) degree in savate(French foot fighting) and a 7th degree black belt in Karate-do. He is also trained in capoeira, shoot fighting, and various forms of Chinese gung fu. As a lifelong student of the martial arts Reuben has sought out several of Bruce Lee's former students becoming one of the most knowledgeable practioners of jeet kune do in the world.

39 Years of martial arts experience

• 7th degree Black belt Instructor in karate- do – (1977)
• Instructor in Lee Jun Fan martial arts, under Sifu Larry Hartsell (1979)
• Instructor in Filipino Martial arts, under Sifu -Guru Inosanto (1983)
• Instructor in Jun Fan Gung fu- Kickboxing (JKD) Under Sifu-Guru Dan Inosanto (1983)
• Instructor in Bruce lee’s Jeet Kune Do-Oakland era, under Sifu Howard Williams (1991)
• Instructor in Suriyasak/ Muay- Thai boxing under Master. (KumronVaitayanon)(1990)
• Instructor in Non-Classical Wing Chun Gung-fu- Under Sifu Larry Hartsell (1977)
• Senior Instructor in Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do under Larry Hartsell (2007)
• Training and conditioning coach for MMA/UFC fighters
• Instructor to members of navy seals, marines, and law enforcement agencies
• Lecturer and personal safety consultant
• Featured in Black Belt, Inside Kung FU * Inside Karate magazines

Programs:

• Jun Fan Martial Arts Program
• Filipino Martial Arts Program
• Boxing

Mark Jakabcsin of Fort Mill , SC , is a certified instructor in Systema, Russian Martial Art under Chief Instructor Vladimir Vasiliev. Mark started training in martial arts in 1975 and has studied numerous arts including Judo, TKD, Aikido and Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu. Mark travels extensively throughout the United States and Canada seeking the very best instructors to learn from and has even taken trips to Russia and Japan to increase his knowledge. By request, Mark has provided training to local police departments and SWAT teams in the Upstate area. Mark also served as a United States Naval Officer, receiving the Navy Commendation Medal for his service. Mark can be reached at 803-389-9393 or pslionz@aol.com. Palmetto Systema

Programs:

• Systema

Si Hing David Whitlow began his training while living in Wilkesboro, NC under the guidance of Master Jason McGuire of the Foothills Kung-Fu Arnis Academy. He has trained in the arts of Sil-Lum, Chin-Na, Sasamba, Ba Gua, Tai Chi, and Iron Palm. He has achieved to the rank of second degree black sash in Sil-Lum Kung-Fu and continues to train under Master McGuire and Grandmaster Rick Ward.

Programs:

• Sil_lum Kung Fu

Jiao Si Lee Thompson, Is a first degree black in Sil-Lum Kung-Fu. He started his martial arts training under Tuhon Master Rick Ward at Foothills Kung-Fu Arnis Academy. For the past year he has been training Sil-Lum Kung-Fu under Master McGuire and Si Hing David Whitlow. Lee also hold a green belt in Angola Capoeira under Patrick Deibel.

Programs:

• Sil_lum Kung Fu

Sixth Degree Black Belt in Akayama Ryu Ju-Jutsu.  Honored to serve as a senior ranking belt in “Red Mountain Style” Ju-Jutsu.  An exclusive martial arts group, inclusion into this Ryu is by invitation only. Travels extensively to teach Akayama Ryu throughout the southeastern United States.  Assists in instruction at seminars and camps (extensive seminars) and contributes to the style’s knife-fighting techniques.  Evaluates candidates for black belt ranking within the system.

Fourth Degree Black Belt in Judo from the United States Judo Association.  Was certified as a Level II Instructor, Coach, Kata Instructor, and Regional Referee.

Third Degree Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu with the United States Judo Association.  Was one of a group of Judoka (judo students) that founded the UJSA Ju-Jitsu program.  Was informal leader of the USJA Ju-Jitsu Law Enforcement Program.

Soke (founder) of NanaFukuro Ryu Ju-Jutsu.  No rank held, but founded this devastating art where every technique is designed to kill or maim your opponent.  Taking judo a few steps backward, this art uses the commonly accepted throws of judo as part of its principles-based style that uses chokes and bone breaking as terminating techniques.  One of the only known Ryu of Ju-Jutsu that includes confined space fighting techniques.   

One of very few American Yawara (short hand staff) instructors.  In its many incarnations (kubotan, key chain baton, etc.), this ancient and innocent-looking tool is a destructive weapon when wielded with knowledge.  The Yawara uses bone pressure as well as pressure points to gain pain compliance.

Founder, Developer, and Chief Instructor for the StreetSafe Programs designed to teach lay people effective personal safety and self-defense techniques using key chain batons, pepper spray, expandable batons, and knives.  These seminars last 3 hours and give students a solid base in which to use their weapons to defend themselves or others from attackers. 

Founder and Main Instructor for The LadySafe Society.  A group that promotes free self-defense seminars for women and advice for avoiding confrontations through its website and monthly seminars at Seven Owl Dojo.  Over 50 members of this group enjoy this community-based free public service.

Lead Dojo Instructor and Program Manager for Ju-Jutsu at Seven Owl Dojo.  Rightfully called “The Carolina’s Home of Quality Martial Arts,” Seven Owl Dojo is a cooperative-based martial arts dojo (place of enlightenment) in the metro Charlotte, NC area.

 

 WORK EXPERIENCE

National Park Ranger from 1978 to 198

National Park Ranger from 1978 to 1989.  Stationed at Dinosaur National Monument (CO and UT), Independence National Historic Park (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), and Saguaro National Monument (AZ).  Performed and supervised all aspects of Ranger Activities including Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Search and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, and Visitor Services.  Trained the first air-scenting search and rescue dog used by the National Park Service.  Successfully infiltrated an occult group using Saguaro National Monument as a ritual base.  Successfully prevailed in two gunfights while enforcing public law in national park areas.  Served as a Firearms Instructor and Law Enforcement Instructor.  Supervised up to 35 paid and volunteer Rangers.  Detailed to the U.S. Forest Service (Law Enforcement and Large Wildland Fires), the U.S. Department of State  (Dignitary Protection), and various state and local law enforcement agencies (Training and Special Operations) including The California Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) and served as a Special Deputy (Search and Rescue) with the Uintah County (UT) Sheriff’s Department.

  Special Agent for the U.S. Customs Service from 1989 to 2002.  Stationed in Arizona and North Carolina.  Investigated all aspects of international smuggling including narcotics, currency, firearms, stolen art, jewelry, and international organized crime groups.  Worked in conjunction with the U.S. Customs Air Branch during surveillance and special operations.  Investigated fixed-base operator airports and international commercial airports.  Served as a Firearms Instructor and Defensive Tactics Instructor.  Detailed to the U.S. Secret Service (Dignitary Protection for two national political campaigns and the NATO and United Nations anniversaries), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (National Criminal Background Checks for illegal firearms purchases), and the Federal Aviation Administration (Federal Air Marshal performing counter-terrorist operations and national aviation security, including establishment of initial post 9/11 FAM procedures at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC.

Federal Air Marshal with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2001 until retiring in 2009.  Performed as a plainclothes counter-terrorist operative flying domestic and international flights to provide aviation security and law enforcement aboard operating U.S.-flagged aircraft.  Highly isolated and greatly outnumbered, was both team member and team leader and participated in emergency operations involving counter-terrorist activity with extremely large numbers of unaware civilians present.  Served as a Defensive Tactics Instructor and a Collapsible Baton Instructor as well as a Field Training Officer when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were assigned to augment existing FAMs.

 

Programs:

• MMA
• Judo/Ju-Jutsu

Sensei Seth Black

Sensei Seth Black began his Aikido training in “92”.

Since then has had the opportunity to study…

·        Daito ryu aiki jujutsu

·        Shindo Muso ryu jodo

·        Kendo

·        Nana Fukuro ryu yawara jutsu

In 2006 he introduced a powerful new style of aikido known as

“Shinbu”

Shinbu Aikido relies on “aiki” and appears magical.

However, Sensei Black’s teaching methods quickly dispel the mysticism. The techniques in this system rely on whole body movement coordinated with subtle off-balancing and joint manipulation. There is no magic, only many hours of practice and a commitment to a deeper understanding of the "aiki" principles once used by the great masters of olde.

Programs:

• Shinbu Aikido

Currently a fifth degree black belt, Dr. Willer founded the TaeKwonDo organization, American Martial Arts in 1980.  His AMA instructors currently teach thoughout the Midwest, California, and New Jersey.

His background is as follows:

Education: