Owner/Head
Instructor:
Let me start by saying the martial arts have been a wonderful
addition to my life. I have been a student for approximately
twenty five years, and I hope to continue studying and teaching
for at least fifty more!
I have been very blessed and have had
the opportunity to study many different martial art styles. As
such, I hold black belt ranking in multiple systems with
different foundational emphasis: via the United Martial Arts
Alliance (U.M.A.A.), with a foundation rooted in Kung-Fu,
through the International Eclectic Karate Kung-Fu Association (I.E.K.K.A.),
with a foundation in Tae Kwon Do and Ed Parker’s Kenpo, and
through the American Institute of
Karate (A.I.K.), with a foundation rooted in Muay Thai. I am
recognized by the U.M.A.A. as a third degree black belt and
authorized to instruct as a Sensei.
In 2003, members of the Board for the
United Martial Arts Alliance, under the direct guidance of
Kyoshi Robert Austin, and amongst witnesses present at the time,
examined my combining of martial arts styles. After physical
examination, presentation of katas/kuens, kickboxing, and
self-defense concepts, and after intellectual questioning and
review, the Board recognized my system as unique, and awarded me
the honor of founding a new system of study.
Sho Biyn Jiu (translated as "First
Understand Peace") was formally recognized. This was the
first time in the Board's history that such an honor was
bestowed, and I do not take the
responsibility lightly. I continue to train with instructors
from around the country and advance the system, which at its
heart, is one of peace.
Additionally, I am the Executive
Director of the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of Hampden County.
I sit on the steering committee for the Partners In Prevention,
a group initiated by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic
Association; I was the faculty advisor for Tunxis Community
College’s Christian club, I am the Vice-President of MADD
Massachusetts (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), and I am a member
of the Hampden County District
Attorney’s Task Force On Domestic Violence.
I am a licensed and experienced social
worker, and, as a former police officer, I bring a level of
personalized understanding regarding physical confrontation to
the material I teach.
Karate
In Action
Many people look at the martial arts and see punches and kicks.
There is a much deeper meaning, though. The true practitioner is
an artist- life is the canvas upon which s/he paints.
A number of students and
parents have come up to me and talked about how training with
Plus One Defense Systems is proving to be beneficial in their
lives. Of course, hearing the stories makes me feel wonderful,
and I just have to share. This section outlines some of the
great ways that our students are using their training. Keep up
the good work!
Owner/Head
Instructor:
Additionally, I am the Executive
Director of the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of Hampden County.
I sit on the steering committee for the Partners In Prevention,
a group initiated by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic
Association; I was the faculty advisor for Tunxis Community
College’s Christian club, I am the Vice-President of MADD
Massachusetts (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), and I am a member
of the Hampden County District 
Karate
In Action