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About the Speakers |
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Speakers: 
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Allie Alberigo Bob
Alexander, M.Ed. Deborah
Jo Angus Jeff
Cohen Farid
Dordar Apolo
Ladra Brett
Lechtenberg Tommy
Lee Kathy
Long Lou
Marvil |
Michael Parrella
Thomas
J. Patire John
Pellegrini Randy
Reid Mike
Swain Todd
Taylor David
Wahl Bill
"Superfoot" Wallace John
Whitman Andrew
Wood Katalin
Rodriguez Zamiar |
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Allie Alberigo |
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| Sensei Alberigo brings 30 years
of Martial Arts experience to a very ambitious goal----spreading the discipline
of the Martial Arts around the world to students of all ages, teaching them
to excel in all they do while encouraging them to seek a larger perspective,
to learn about the world and its many facets and how the Martial Arts can
make positive changes in their lives. He focuses on how to incorporate love,
kindness and compassion while acquiring the warrior spirit. His pursuit of Martial Arts excellence has always been enhanced by a variety of other interests, from gymnastics, stunt work, motorcycle and horseback riding and scuba diving to his work as a rock musician. In addition, from 1986 to the present, his film experience has included instructional videos, video seminars, TV Martial Arts performances and demonstrations, commercials, pay-per-view and interviews, as well as roles in varied films including "The Cutoff," "Tumbling After," and "To Die For." He is also a published writer and poet, whose work has appeared in "Karate International/L.I. Sportscene Magazine," "L.I. Update Magazine/South Bay News" and "West Islip Community Spirit Magazine," as well as on the America-On-Line Home Page. Sensei Alberigo¹s singular quest for Martial Arts training and knowledge began at the age of three with the study of Judo and Ju Jutsu, and within two years he had achieved the rank of Brown Belt (Ikkyu). When his school suddenly closed, he began training privately with a relative in Aikido and Karate, and after six years, achieved the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in Aikido. Always seeking more knowledge, he went on to earn a 1st Degree Black Belt in Chinese Hawaiian Kempo and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kali/Arnis under the direct guidance of Tuhon Christopher Sayoc of the Sayoc fighting systems. He then began training in Koga Ryu Ninjutsu in the Circle-of-One System, in which he now holds a 4th Degree Black Belt (Yondan). Presently, he studies Kokusai JuJutsu and Genbukan Ninpo Bugei under the direct guidance of Japanese Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura. He also holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Kokusai JuJutsu and a Nidan in Genbukan Ninpo. In addition, his Martial Arts experience includes weapons expertise, Katana (Samurai and Ninja sword), Naginata and spear, archery, thrown weapons (stars, knives and hatchets), firearms (pistol and rifle), Nunchaku, Bo Staff, Hanbo and single stick, Tonfa, Sai and Kama. Sensei Alberigo's contributions to the public and Martial Arts communities are many. He is a founding member of the I.M.A. (International Martial Artists) and the L.I. Martial Art Foundation, which holds many benefits for charities. He has been inducted into the World Sokeship Council Hall of Fame for "Contributor Of The Year 1995." Each year, he hosts a local Martial Arts tournament--The L.I. Mini-Open--which draws hundreds of Martial Artists from all around Long Island to compete in a safe, friendly environment. He has also done numerous demonstrations and programs for local schools and organizations showing the Martial Arts in a proper and positive light. After 25 years of Martial Arts training, Sensei Alberigo finally decided to share his knowledge with the public, becoming a tireless Martial Arts instructor and lecturer. Born and raised in West Islip, Long Island, New York, he decided to give back to the community by establishing a school of Martial Arts and ethics. In 1991, he opened the first L.I. Ninjutsu Center, the Hanata Dojo on Higbie Lane. The school grew rapidly and after one year relocated to its present location at 235 Union Boulevard. The school prides itself on being one of the largest facilities for Martial Arts instruction on Long Island, as well as one of the few schools that teaches traditional Genbukan Ninpo. The 6000-square-foot building has two separate training floors and a full archery range. There are separate changing facilities for men and women and a complete Martial Arts equipment showroom (store catalogues may be requested from www.atouchofzen.com). The L.I. Ninjutsu Hanata Dojo offers unparalleled Martial Arts instruction at extremely reasonable prices. Group classes are taught six nights a week and private classes are available to fit individual schedules, with Sensei Alberigo or a licensed instructor teaching all classes. Of course newcomers are always given a complimentary class. The most recent addition to the L.I. Ninjutsu Centers family is the Shin Shin Dojo, located in East Islip, New York, and run by Sensei Frank Omeada and daughter Jessica. Outside of the United States, Sensei Alberigo has also opened a school in Bermuda operated by Sensei Chuck Renaud. All of the dojos offer complete, comprehensive Martial Arts education, ranging from all aspects of self-defense to Martial Arts ethics, history, tradition and protocol. There are separate programs for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Classes are broken up based on age and ability to ensure that you receive maximum benefit. 
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Bob Alexander, M.Ed.
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| Bob Alexander, a keynote speaker
for the PowerQuest convention, is an inspiring and dynamic speaker that
is a man of impressive accomplishments. He has excelled in almost every
aspect of his life-from his days as an outstanding, honor-winning high school
student and making the dean's list in college, where he earned both a B.S.
and M.Ed. Bob's desire to help other people led him to the field of education, where he was an award-winning teacher, ROTC brigade commander, and high school administrator. His experience in the educational environment, coupled with his work as a coach and karate instructor helped Bob gain valuable insight about challenges students and teachers face. As an educator, Bob was selected as an "Outstanding Young Man of America" in recognition of his professional achievements and his superior leadership ability combined with exceptional service to his community. To fulfill his goals for personal growth, Bob left education to take on the challenge of sales. During his first your of selling he was named "Rookie Salesman of the Year," breaking the all-time rookie sales record. He was soon promoted to area sales manager, where he became the second highest producer in the nation. His leadership skills enabled his area to become the top-producing group in the nation. After being promoted to regional sales manager and then senior regional sales manager, Bob continued to receive accolades and awards. His "Top Producing Regional Manager in the Nation" award and his "Top Producing Senior Regional Sales Manager in the Nation" award resulted in his elevation to the position of national sales manager, where he scheduled conferences, selected product lines and established sales territories, while prospecting, hiring, training and motivating sales people to develop and achieve goals for themselves and their organization. Again, the driving force was to help others excel. In this position, he helped hundreds of people achieve more than they ever thought possible. Zig Ziglar invited Bob to join his team in 1988. After only sixteen months, he became the number one salesperson at the Zig Ziglar Corporation by setting a rookie sales record that still stands today. In 1990, he was promoted to general sales manager where his leadership skills and knowledge of the sales industry helped expand corporate sales. Today, as president of The Alexander Resource Group, Bob continues traveling the country sharing his knowledge and experience, helping salespeople, customer service representatives, sales managers, and business executives and, yes, Martial Arts professionals improve their attitudes, develop self-confidence, set specific goals, and live their dreams.
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Deborah Jo Angus
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| Deborah is currently finishing
her MBA at Drexel University with a concentration in marketing. Her experience
includes over 6 years as a marketing and advertising consultant, and almost
12 years experience in new product development and management. She has been
the marketing director at APS for the last 2 years and has been a consultant
to the company for the last 4 years. Her accomplishments include the launch of 2 community-based publications in New York, as well as taking part in numerous other successful advertising and marketing programs for First USA, Wilmington, Delaware; Westtown School, Westtown, Pennsylvania; West Chester Friends School, West Chester, Pennsylvania; Laser Technologies, Exton, Pennsylvania; Cornerstone Consulting, West Chester, Pennsylvania; and Murphy Architectural, West Chester, Pennsylvania, to name a few. She has also supplied work for the Pennsylvania-based advertising and marketing firms of Topak Marketing in Philadelphia; Century Advertising in Bala Cynwyd; The Hemisphere Group, Exton; and Giresi & Associates, in Malvern. Recently, Deborah won a top prize in a business plan competition hosted by Drexel University. Deborah received her Bachelor's degree from North Texas State University and is a Master of Arts in Political Science.
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Jeff Cohen
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| President and cofounder of Automated
Payment Services, Inc., Jeff Cohen helped make APS the company it is today.
With over 500 Martial Arts and fitness clients and $14,400,000 in annual
billing volume - a figure that increases monthly - APS has become one of
the largest Martial Arts and fitness billing companies in the country. Today,
APS not only serves the Martial Arts and fitness industry, but also services
the portfolios of banks, finance companies and corporations nationwide.
APS's original mission remains - to serve Martial Arts schools from around
the nation with dedication and superior service, to facilitate their growth
and help them achieve their dreams. Jeff graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1989, earning a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in History. His extensive sales experience includes account executive positions with PageNet, the largest paging company in the United States, and Lanier Worldwide's Presentation Division. He earned recognition as one of the top 10 PageNet sales representatives during his tenure and won repeated recognition while at Lanier, where he regularly interfaced with top executives from Fortune 500 companies. Being an entrepreneur comes easy to Jeff. Before APS, he was Executive Vice President and co-founder of Vortex, an up-start computer company specializing in the OEM of portable computers. Under his direction, Vortex achieved spectacular sales growth, marketing its products to customers all over the world. Vision, and the drive to make that vision a reality, are the secrets to Jeff's success. During this convention, he will share some of APS's millennium visions with conventioneers as well as details regarding how technology can help the Martial Arts school owner increase their bottom line.
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Farid Dordar
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| Owner of one the most successful
Martial Arts school in Canada with over 600 students and a monthly gross
of $65,000, Mr. Dordar is also the President and CEO of ChampionsWay Inc.
the company responsible for the development and operation of MAS Software,
kickboxing.com, martial-arts.com,Radio Martial Arts and virtualBlackBelt.com.
Mr. Dordar is a World Champion in Shootboxing 1988 (Japan), and claimed the same title from the World Kickboxing Association in 1993 (Canada).
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Apolo Ladra
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| Master Apolo began his career
in the Philippines as a student of Korean Karate, a discipline in which
he became the top-ranked Eastern Regional Champion during the 1980s. He
then entered the national and international Sport Karate circuits and, by
winning more than 100 first-place trophies and grand championship titles,
quickly became a world-class champion. For four consecutive years (1985-1988),
Master Apolo was recognized as Instructor of the Year by the Master of Tae
Kwon Do Hall of Fame in Pocono, PA, the premier U.S. Martial Arts organization.
In 1991, he was asked to join a select delegation of American Martial Artists
in the first Russian World Championship Martial Arts Tournament, where he
earned both a gold and silver medal. That same year, Master Apolo was named
a member of the National Tae Kwon Do Team set to represent the Philippines
in the 1992 Olympics. He is presently a fifth-degree black belt and professional Karate instructor, whose positive approach to life and to his method of teaching is governed by his philosophy that "Martial Arts focuses on an individual's self-image and lays a foundation of confidence that is so solid, anything can be achieved." He teaches a straightforward, state-of-the-art, progressive program that allows his 1,900 students to learn self-defense while building character and self-discipline. He has developed his own dynamic, results-oriented curriculum of cardio/self-defense kickboxing, and has helped his adult students achieve their personal goals of weight loss, cardio conditioning, and exceptional physical fitness, while learning practical self-defense techniques. Master Apolo has trained 18 national champions, seven Olympians, and 57 state champions during his first three years of operation, and his success has earned him featured coverage in newspaper, radio, and TV. He has personally appeared on Home Team Sports, local news broadcasts, Evening Magazine, Intermission at the Baltimore Blast game, the Capital Center during the Bullets/Celtics basketball game, Convention Center, and the Russian World Championship (1991), along with other national championships. In 1997 and 1999, he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. This master shares his talents in several ways. He recently signed a contract with DojoTV.com to produce a 10-volume instructional video on Tae Kwon Do, as well as several innovative kickboxing videos. The priceless expertise learned in a variety of areas through his successful stewardship of Martial Arts studios has provided a strong, knowledgeable base for his various seminar presentations around the country. His "Formula for Success" seminars examine the following topics: |
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Brett Lechtenberg
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| Master Brett Lechtenberg is a
5th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. As well a licensed and certified tactical
master in the CDT methods of law enforcement and family protection, Master
Lechtenberg is the Utah state president for the United State Tae Kwon Do
Union and is a U.S.T.U. certified referee. Master Lechtenberg specializes
in developing his students to their fullest potential through a comprehensive
program focusing on total personal development and strong family values.
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Tommy Lee
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| This Martial Artist began the
study of Judo at age 7 and Karate at 17, and now has approximately 400 students
at his main studio in Annapolis, Maryland. He has been consulting for about
10 years for both small studios and major companies, and speaks on all sorts
of topics--from telephone and introductions, buddy referrals and special
events, to overcoming objections and closing. He has spoken at conventions
for Andrew Wood and John Graden and is currently scheduled to speak for
APS. He trains people on upgrading memberships, cashing out and all sorts
of internal production, and has worked with small studio owners, as well
as studios with over 1,000 students such as America's Best Karate owned
by Hilery Sandavol in El Paso, Texas, and Fred Degerberger's academy in
Chicago, Illinois.
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Kathy Long
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| Ms. Long, who started Martial
Arts when she was fifteen, is a five-time World Kickboxing champion who
holds black belts in Aikido, Kung Fu San Soo, and Sho' Inryu Karate. She
has also trained in Kali (Filipino stick- and knife-fighting) and Brazilian
Jiu-jitsu. In 1991 she was voted Woman of the Year by the Black Belt Hall
of Fame, in 1992 was chosen by Inside Kung Fu Magazine as Female of the
Year, and by Black Belt Magazine as Kickboxer of the Year, and in 1996 was
inducted into the Bob Elias Sports Hall of Fame. This Martial Artist is in much demand as a trainer and consultant. Among others, she has trained Michelle Pfeiffer, Meryl Streep and Michael Keaton, and has worked with the Young Presidents Organizations and police departments in Pennsylvania and California. She is also widely respected for her seminars in kickboxing and self-defense, which she has conducted throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Most recently she directed a Martial Arts camp at Colgate University, and conducted a two-week in-house lecture and seminar at the University of Illinois, Urbana. Ms. Long clearly has the potential to be an international star in the new millennium. Her peers and action fans alike know her as one of the world's greatest Martial Arts experts. But for all her brawn, she is still the sweet girl next door. The dramatic contrast between her physical strength and her innocent approachability has delighted the media and lead to an unprecedented storm in the press. She has been on over 35 Martial Arts magazine covers in the United States, Europe and Asia, and has been the subject of numerous feature articles in such major mainstream magazines as Sports Illustrated, Longevity, LA Weekly, Jane, Buzz Weekly and Sport Magazine. She is the author of one of the leading books on women's self-defense, No! No! No! A Woman's Guide To Personal Defense and Street Safety, and she currently writes a monthly column for Black Belt Magazine. Since her splash into the acting pool, successful because of her charisma, talent, and skill, Ms. Long has become one of the hottest talents in town. She was one of the first color commentators in the Ultimate Fighting Challenge and the U.S. Satellite Broadcasting all-women's professional boxing show, and has hosted major kickboxing events on Pay-Per-View. She had her first starring role in the Kings Road production of "Knights," letting her talents as a Martial Artist and actress shine. She has appeared in features for "Entertainment Tonight," "The Today Show," E Entertainment, "Hard Copy," Action TV, Chop TV and Prime Network's Press Box "Kick Up Your Heels" Festival, and has guest-starred in "Street Justice" and "Walker Texas Ranger." She has worked with such famous directors as Oliver Stone, Tim Burton and Robert Zemekis, and has starred or been featured in a number of major motion pictures, including "Batman Returns," "Death Becomes Her," "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion" and "Natural Born Killers."
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Lou Marvil
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| Lou Marvil has over 20 years
experience in the Martial Arts and is a Master Instructor of Tang Soo Do.
He has many years consulting experience and has been a school owner since
1986. Mr. Marvil is currently opening a second location in the suburbs of
Philadelphia. Mr. Marvil's specialties include: statistics; scheduling; curriculum; teaching dynamic classes; student service; and developing SWAT/Leadership Teams.
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Michael Parrella
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| Master Parrella grew up in New
York and earned an Associates Degree in Communications. The tremendous fear
that compelled him to run away from everything from emotional issues to
school work and conflict led to his involvement with Martial Arts, which
helped him realize his need for self-empowerment and actualization. He has
had almost 20 years of Martial Arts training, including 15 years of Kung-Fu
and many enjoyable years of personal training with an older master who was
93. He has been a Martial Arts professional for nine years. Master Parrella got tired of working out in the rain and wanted to open his own school, as he enjoyed teaching and wanted to share the benefits of the art with others. Though many friends and family members were critical of his dream to open a school, arguing that he would never be able to make any money, Mr. Parrella made the move anyway, and has since built a business that operates six Kung-Fu and Kickboxing Centers--four schools in New York and two in Texas, with another location under development. Each school has between 375 and 500 active members and grosses between $240,000 and $390,000 annually. He is currently developing limited weight training programs to accompany and complement Kung Fu, Kick Boxing, cross-over classes and personal training programs. He is an honored seminar host and speaker for NAPMA and IFC conventions and Master Mind Weekend, and is a Martial Arts business consultant.
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Thomas J. Patire
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| Mr. Patire's varied professional
resume reflects multiple qualifications and global experience in both the
public and private sectors in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia,
and South Africa. His expertise covers the use of justifiable force as an
expert analysis for law enforcement, security and professionals in all walks
of life. He is an internationally licensed protection specialist and has
been in demand as one of the top bodyguards in the world for celebrities
and VIPs alike. He has been the owner and senior instructor at Tom Patire's Center For Self Defense from 1979 to the present; the President of State of the Art International Security Agency, which specializes in Close Quarter Personal Protection, from 1988 to the present; and is the founder and developer, and has been the senior instructor, of CDT Training Inc. from 1992 to the present. He also was just appointed as Director of Training of Counter Terrorism and Security International magazine. His certifications include, among others, Grand Master of the Martial Arts discipline of Hom-Do; New Jersey State Tactics Instructor; Hand-to-hand Instructor/Federal Marshals; DT Instructor for the FBI; Tactics Instructor for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Defensive Weapon Specialist for classified units at Camps such as Perry and Charles. His qualifications also include training SWAT, SERT and Entry teams for the State and Federal Government and functioning as a Tactical Instructor for the Philippine and Ukrainian Police Counsels, as well as selected units from the Police and Military in Italy and Peru. Mr. Patire is the author of "The Art of Non-Deadly Force," Volumes 1,2 and 3, as well as numerous articles on personal protection, home security, counter terrorism and self-protection in the public and private sectors. He has appeared on "Good Day New York," "The Talk Channel," "Street Stories," CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN and Fox Evening News, as well as many cable shows throughout the world. He was also featured on A & E's "The Inside Story" where his executive protection camp was spotlighted as one of the finest training camps in the world. Mr. Patire will be starring in the motion picture entitled "The Favor Bank," which is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2002 on the big screen.
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John Pellegrini
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| Acclaimed Grandmaster John Pellegrini
has applied over 35 years of experience to the continual evolution of the
Martial Arts and his professional community. He is the founder of Combat
Hapkido, an eclectic, modern, versatile "science of self-defense," which
features a large variety of strikes, kicks, joint locks, pressure points,
trapping, ground grappling, modern weapons and disarming techniques. It
is easy to learn, designed to suit men and women of all ages and physical
abilities and can be taught alone or as a separate self-defense system alongside
a traditional Martial Art. Grandmaster Pellegrini holds Black Belt certifications in several Martial Arts, as well as master instructor certification in the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (Kukkiwon) and in Hosinsul (Self-Defense)/U.S. Martial Arts Institute, senior master certification in Tae Kwon Do, 8th Dan certification from the World Ki-Do Federation, instructor certification in Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do and certification as a police defensive tactics instructor, firearm instructor (NRA) and fitness instructor (FAU). He is the president/founder of both the Independent Tae Kwon Do Association and the World Martial Arts Alliance, is a member of the Board of Directors of the (Hapkido) International Aiki Arts Certification & Accreditation Board, the United States Martial Arts Association and the International Disabled Self-Defense Association (IDSA), is a lifetime member of the Korean Martial Arts Instructors Association and is a member of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, Police Martial Arts Association and American Women Self-Defense Association. He is the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the 1988 "Instructor of the Year Award" from the U.S. Korean Karate Association; mention in the 1992 "Who's Who in the Martial Arts" by "Karate International Magazine"; induction in 1995 into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame with the "Diamond Life Achievement Award"; induction in 1996 into the Florida Martial Arts Hall of Fame with the "Pioneer Award"; induction in 1997 into the WHFSC International Martial Arts Hall of Fame with the "Grandmaster/Soke (Founder) of the Year Award"; induction in 1998 into the Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers & Legends Hall of Fame with the "Founder of the Year Award"; named the 1998 Chuck Norris Martial Arts Expo "Seminar Sensation"; induction in 1998 into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame with the "Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts Award"; and 1999 induction into the United Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame with the "Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts Award". Other unique honors include the April 19, 1997 declaration of "Grandmaster John Pellegrini's Day" in Anchorage, Alaska, and the October 10, 1998 declaration of "Grandmaster John Pellegrini's Day" in Seaside, California, both by mayor's proclamation; the 1996 commission awarded in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels; mention as an honorary fellow of the National Law Enforcement Academy; and appointment to the 1980 and 1983 editions of "Who's Who in American Law Enforcement" and the 1982 edition of "Who's Who on Professional Security." He has been the subject of cover features in many publications, including the March, 1990, April, 1994 and July, 1997 issues of "Tae Kwon Do Times" magazine; the June, 1995 "Martial Arts Business" magazine; the July, 1995 "Tae Kwon Do & Korean Combat Arts" magazine (UK); the August, 1995 "Cinturon Negro & Budo International" magazine (Spain/France); and the June, 1999 "Martial Arts Professional" magazine. In 1991, he was featured on "ESPY-TV: World of Martial Arts."
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Randy Reid
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| A Martial Artist since 1973,
Master Reid became the founder and President of Karate America in Madison,
Wisconsin in 1984. Since that time, the organization--blessed over the years
by the participation of many outstanding people who helped shape the direction
and growth of their schools--has grown to over 20 locations serving thousands
of students. The original goal remains the same today--to provide the absolute
best, most beneficial of Martial Arts programs. Karate America has become
the most successful Martial Arts system in the state of Wisconsin through
the unwavering dedication of the teaching instructors, and the support teams
who maintain the schools and programs. As the director of this program,
Master Reid says that time and money invested in joining the Karate America
team is wisely invested, and that the benefits of their training will be
impressive and lifelong. Each and every day, they receive testimonials about
the positive changes that people are achieving through training at Karate
America, and they are extremely gratified that the Karate America family
is helping students to implement positive changes in their life, to become
more confident, focused, and success-oriented. In addition to Karate America, Master Reid is the President of Fitness America, is an undefeated Kickboxer (10-0), was a nationally rated point fighter in his earlier Martial Arts' days, has trained numerous champions and is a speaker at NAPMA and various seminars.
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Mike Swain
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| The name Mike Swain has become
synonymous worldwide with judo. In 1987, he made history by becomming the
first-ever male world champion from the Western Hemisphere, a record that
still stands a decade later. In addition, he has won or medaled in every
major tournament, including the Olympics (Bronze,1988), World Championships
(Silver,1985 and 1989) and Pan American Games (1987). He is four-time Olympian,
a five-time World Team member and, in 1996, was the U.S. Olympic judo coach
for the Atlanta Olympic Games. Adding to his many awards, he was honored
in 1985 as "Black Belt Magazine's" "Competitor of the Year" and in 1995
as "Instructor of the Year." To hone his skills during his competition career, Mr. Swain frequently traveled to Japan, where he trained relentlessly for several hours a day at Nihon University (Japan's number-one judo university) and at the Tokyo Police Academy. A business marketing graduate from San Jose State University, he is currently the president and CEO of Swain Sports International. In demand as a teacher, coach and seminar leader, he is also involved in market development for Century Martial Arts, and is currently co-producer of several new Martial Arts TV shows--Pro Judo, Pro Tae Kwon Do and Sumo--which have all premiered on ESPN or ESPN 2. Martial Arts are definitely all in the family. Chie, Mr. Swain's wife, represented Brazil in the 1992 Olympic Games, while his father-in-law, Chiaki Ishii, won the bronze medal for Brazil in the 1972 Olympic Games.
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Todd Taylor
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| After more than 24 years in the
Martial Arts, Todd Taylor holds a 5th degree black belt in Taekwondo, a
3rd degree black belt in Combat Hapkido, and is a CDT Certified Tactical
Master Instructor. In the late 1970s, he started as a student in a 12-member
school in Limon, Colorado, as a member of the American Taekwondo Association.
In 1985, while working as a professional bodyguard, he began teaching and
managing a school in Philadelphia for a large Martial Arts organization,
where he became a district manager for six schools, with a student base
of over 3,000 students. He now co-owns and operates Summit Martial Arts, Inc., a successful Taekwondo, Combat Hapkido and Fitness Kickboxing school in Missoula, Montana, a community of around 80,000 people. Since starting with a $50 bill and three students--who he taught in the lunchroom of a local business--his school has grown from 3 locations and 4 remodels to an active student body of around 400 students. He is the State Director of Montana for the Independent Taekwondo Association and the International Combat Hapkido Federation. He is currently working on a joint venture developing a Martial Arts CD-ROM to help students learn a school's curriculum.
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David Wahl
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| David Wahl is the Vice President
of Century Martial Art Supply, and has been with Century Incorporated for
twelve years, eight as Chief Financial Officer and, for the past four, as
Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He has a degree in accounting from
Iowa State University and a Masters in Finance from Oklahoma City University.
Please send your comments and feedback to dwahl@centuryma.com
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Bill "Superfoot" Wallace
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| Nicknamed after his manager saw
an advertisement for a "super foot-long hot dog" at a sporting event, and
now known to the Karate world simply as "Superfoot," Bill Wallace will address
the important issues of flexibility and strengthening----both vital to achieving
speed and precision--in his seminar, "Flexibility and Kicking Techniques--Building
Strength and Speed." Learn about critical muscle groups and how to teach
them to relax from this expert, who holds a Master's Degree in Kenesiology
and Physiology of Exercise and appears courtesy of Century Martial Art Supply. This 5-foot-10 ½-inch native of Portland, Ind., began studying Karate in 1967 after an injury suffered in a Judo accident left him without the use of his right leg for Karate competition. While some observers said Mr. Wallace was committing Martial Arts suicide, he had other ideas, and in the next seven years dominated the point-tournament circuit. As a national champion point fighter three years in a row, Mr. Wallace captured virtually every major event on the tournament circuit. His more prestigious victories included the U.S. Championships (3 times), the USKA Grand Nationals (3 times), and the Top Ten Nationals (2 times). He is known for his signature left leg, an awesome weapon that was once clocked in excess of 60 mph, which helped him leave a string of battered and bruised bodies along the Martial Arts fighting trail. He used his foot as others would use their hands, faking opponents with two or three rapid fake kicks and following with one solid knockout technique. His power was amazing, his precision astounding.
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John Whitman
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| John Whitman is a senior lead
instructor of John Whitman and Chief Operating Officer for Krav Maga Worldwide.
The program that he developed with Krav Maga has, in its first year, helped
over thirty schools grow their adult membership, sometimes as much as 200%,
improve their marketing efficiency, and increase media exposure. He has
taught civilian, military and Federal, State and local law enforcement personnel
for seven years.
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Andrew Wood
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| Andrew Wood is a Black Belt and
a leading expert on Martial Arts business. He is the author of How To make
$100,000 a Year Teaching Martial Arts, Getting the Edge in The Martial Arts
Business, How to Teach So Your Students Never Quit, How To Hire Training
And Motivate your Staff, Conquering Your Market With A One Man Army, and
Black Belt Selling. He can be reached at 352-527-3553 or MartialArtsBusiness.com or e-mail andrewwood@MartialArtsBusiness.com
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Katalin Rodriguez Zamiar
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| This highly qualified speaker
boasts many fitness and Martial Arts credentials, including being certified
as an instructor by the AAFA (American Aerobic Fitness Association) and
the ACE (American Council on Exercise), certified as a trainer by the ISMA/AAAI
(International Sports Medicine Association), and licensed by the Illinois
State Athletic Board as a Boxing Trainer/Second. She has spent 6 years as
a professional Martial Artist, with 4 years as a national competitor. She
is a 3-time black belt----in Shorin Ryu Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Goju Karate--with
19 years of experience in the Martial Arts (Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Wushu,
Kung Fu and Jiujitsu), 13 years in boxing, and 7 years in both personal
training and group-exercise instruction. Ms. Zamiar's immediate fitness experience includes creating the FiTOUR National Kickboxing Certification Program, developing the FiTOUR Martial Arts/boxing/kickboxing education and being one of their national presenters; developing the Martial Arts training programs for SPRI; owning the fitness training company, Contenders, through which she has given over 10,000 boxing, kickboxing and Martial Arts private lessons; and collecting data on the biomechanics of boxing for FitQuest. She has written for national fitness and sports publications, including Black Belt Magazine, Women's Sports and Fitness, Martial Arts Training, Inside Kung Fu, Chicago Boxing, Latino Boxing, StreetZebra, and Home Gym and Fitness. She has also covered professional boxing and has traveled to Cuba to learn the most innovative boxing and training techniques, many of which she uses, including those from the boxing camps of Oscar de la Hoya, Evander Holyfield, and Hector Camacho, as well as the Cuban National Boxing Camp. Her seminars and workshops are available in G I JABBTM Kickboxing Boot Camp; G I JABBTM Kickboxercise; Kia'BoxTM--Intermediate Cardio Target Training; Cardio Rope Interval Training (C.R.I.T.); Biomechanics of Boxing and Martial Arts; Integrated Flexibility Training; Safe Kickboxing Choreography; Kung Fu Movie Training: An Intermediate Anaerobic Interval Workshop; KickboxerciseTM and Strengthening; StreetSMARTS Self-Defense; Kickboxing Injury Prevention; Kickboxing Certification; Integrated Martial Arts Training for the Personal Trainer; and G I JABBTM Warrior Workout. And her conference participation includes IDEA World Fitness; IDEA/FACT; Orlando Mania; Midwest Mania; Atlanta Mania; Club Industry; Omega; and Mexico Complex Fit Pro. She has also been a committed activist in not-for-profit work. She is the Director of the Contender's Fit Fair, a yearly event that exposes inner-city kids to the numerous career possibilities in the sports and fitness fields, which she created for Chicago Youth Centers (CYC). It allows CYC kids the opportunity to meet and takes classes in NBA refereeing, Martial Arts stunts, hip-hop dancing, athletic coaching and fitness reporting. She also does work for the Make-A-Wish Foundation; Chicago Park Districts; Jamal Place Boys Home; Women's Sports Foundation; and Planned Parenthood.
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