I began to study Martial Arts at the age of 15. Martial Arts for me is not just about fighting, but rather a way of life to balance the mind, body and spirit.

I embarked upon a journey 28 years ago, a journey from which I never thought would bring me up to present day. However; somwhere in the midst of that journey I became involved in drugs and alcohol, which truely wasted about 12 years of my life, but now with the help of various 12 step programs I have 9 years clean and sober. Martial Arts is a big part of my spirituial recovery. On November 23, 2002. I received my Black Belt in Tang Soo Do under the watchful eye of Sa Bom Nim, Don Burnel and his instructor Master John Santiago. Although Tang Soo Do is my base art, I am now begining the study of Kendo and Iaido under the watchful eye of Master John Santiago, who also holds high ranking in both of those arts.

I am not one who believes that one Martial Art is supperior over another. Martial Arts developes charactor, mind, body and spirit. Martial Arts is also a way to develop inner peace and there is somthing to be learned from every Martial Art Martial Arts is not just about fighting. I believe Martial Arts can bring people together; famalies, communities, countries and cultures... it's not just a sport, it's a way of life.