You began your martial arts journey in 1989 and have built over 25 years of experience in the discipline, culminating in an 8th Degree Black Belt and the title of Sensei.
System Creation & Lineage
- Foundation: In 1994–1995, you officially established Sekkinsen Goshin-Jitsu (SGJ) (and later the Sekkinsen Goshin-Jitsu Federation) as a practical hybrid system focused on close-quarters personal protection and realistic self-defense.
- Core Disciplines: You synthesized SGJ by blending traditional Okinawan and Japanese styles (such as Shotokan and Shuri-Ryu) with American Karakido, Jujitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, and modern close-quarter combatives.
- Influences & Lineage: Your system explicitly honors the foundational training, guidance, and lineage of Sensei P. Bohannon, Sensei J. Thomas, Hanshi C. Wilcox, and Hanshi J. Enger.
Programs, Academies & Specialized Training
- Youth Program (2004–2008): Started a dedicated youth martial arts program at Community High School in Buncombe County.
- Leicester Martial Arts Academy (2011–Present): Founded the academy in 2011, which has evolved into a specialized practice focusing exclusively on private lessons for armed professionals and women’s self-defense.
- Asheville Security Team (2023–Present): Initiated defensive and tactical instruction for the Asheville Security Team, a program that continues actively today.
- City of Asheville Staff (2025–Present): Began teaching specialized women’s self-defense courses for City of Asheville staff members.
Professional Credentials
- PPSB Accreditation: In July 2026, you were accredited by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (PPSB) as a Continuing Education Instructor.
- Professional Adaptation: You adapted your combatives experience into specialized defensive tactics, active shooter responses, and weapon-retention training for security professionals and law enforcement personnel.