In 1972, after numerous attempts and hundreds of "kung fu" movies, my parents agreed to let me enroll in Karate classes. After studying three styles of karate, winning three national AAU karate championships, and representing the U.S.A. throughout the world on the US National Team, I still give respect by acknowledging my past.
In 1983, a dream came true. I attended my first seminar with Guru Dan Inosanto. Through my experience with Guru Dan, I was able to make a bridge to my "inspiration". . . Bruce Lee. My inspiration soon turned to tremendous respect and awe for the intense and diligent effort of Guru Dan to carry on his teacher Bruce Lee's wishes. Guru Dan opened my eyes to a whole new world of martial arts. He not only introduced me to Kali, but also:
Muay Thai, Silat, Savate, Jun Fan, Shoot, and of course, the concepts of Jeet Kune Do.
In 1985, I had the workout of my life. . . dripping wet and out of breath, I met Arjan Surachai Sirisute. Arjan Chai showed me first and repeatedly how to push your body to its limit. Arjan Chai's awesome power and technique accompanied by his quick-witted humor immediately captivated my respect and admiration. Arjan Chai's unforgiving critique combined with his sincere desire for me to become technically proficient provided the stage for my Muay Thai development.
Ever since 1971 when I saw my first Bruce Lee movie, I wanted to study martial arts. It wasn't until 1987 that I was able to take formal Wing Chun classes. Leaving the Ving Tsun school with a respect for the art and an appreciation for the study of detail, I searched for a Wing Chun Sifu. Guru Dan's wife, Simo Paula, suggested I contact Sifu Francis Fong. From our first phone conversation where Sifu Fong took one hour and a half to talk to "me" long distance, I was sold. Sifu's warm nature and sincere desire to pass on his art was just the combination I was looking for. I moved to Atlanta exclusively to train under Sifu. Sifu not only taught me Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Kali, but also how to take the Wing Chun principles and concepts and transcend them into my other studies. I didn't realize what had happened until a conversation one day with Guru Dan at a summer training camp. Guru Dan said, "That your Sifu epitomized his Sifu Bruce Lee more than anyone he had ever seen. That not only did he have the physical technique, but moreover, the principles and concepts had literally become a part of his every movement." That's when I realized that I had come full circle. . . that I was not only seeing, but experiencing and learning the concepts (in Sifu's interpretation) of Jeet Kune Do. My stay in Atlanta was both rewarding and challenging. I learned much, fought a lot and taught many students and classes. I achieved an instructor ship in Wing Chun under Sifu Fong and in Muay Thai under Arjan Chai,, but more, I move to a much different level in the martial arts.
In 1994, I returned of my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, and in November of that year opened Prodigy Martial Arts Academy. Concentrating on developing a core group of students in the arts of Wing Chun Kung Fu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Filipino Kali, while perpetuating the concepts of JKD as the underlying and driving force behind the school. As the students developed, so did my thoughts on making them functional with their techniques. For me, the Jeet Kune Do meant not only realistic techniques, but realistic and effective training methods. In 1996, while in California for a Silat instructor's camp, I had an opportunity to train with Sifu Burton Richardson. We had met several times previous, as he regularly demoed for Guru Inosanto and I for Sifu Fong at seminars. However on this occasion, I was introduced to the ineffectiveness of my traditional Kali defenses. Sifu Burton showed me some new ideas he had been working on and everything clicked...the light bulbs went off...these were realistic training methods! I began to train with Sifu Burton regularly by either visiting California, meeting at a seminar, or hosting him for a seminar at my school. Finally, the training, competing, teaching, the concepts made sense . . . Jeet Kune Do Unlimited. In December 1997, Sifu Burton certified me as an Instructor in Jeet Kune do Unlimited. However for the betterment and to add strength the growing organization, it was decided in 1998 to have everyone pass a physical test before certification. This was an important move as everyone who tested would have to pass a rigorous sparring test in each range of combat. I was made an Apprentice Instructor in the Jeet June Do Unlimited organization on October 30, 1998. . . and I am very proud to represent Sifu Burton and the Jeet Kune Do Unlimited organization in Richmond, Virginia.
In addition to my JKD training, I have continually pursued avenues to improve my Thai boxing both as a fighter and a trainer. It has been my pleasure to have trained with Kru Sakasem Kanthawong, Kru Walter "Sleeper" Michalowski, and Kru Surichai Surisute . I have trained extensively with Kru Vut Kamnark to learn the in's and out's of Muay Thai. Kru Vut has also influenced me to pursue the promotional end of Muay Thai as well. With his guidance I have partnered with Excalibur Productions to successfully promote many Muay Thai, as well as free fighting, events. We have hosted both ISKA and WKA events that featured both regional and US title cards. In 2001, I was honored by the
WKA with the appointment of
WKA US Representative-Amateur Muay Thai and Kickboxing. 2003 my role was increased to US Representative for both the Amateur and Professional Ring Sports Divisions of: Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing, Full Contact and Submission Grappling. In 2004, I former a management and promotions company and began the Combat Sports Challenge fight show. In late 2006 Prodigy Martial Arts partnered with the principles of MOD Grappling and FX Boxing to open the Combat Sports Center in the West End of Richmond, VA.
