09/01/2026
On September 1st, 1991 I purchased what was then known as Black Belt Self Defense and Fitness martial arts school after teaching for my instructor for the previous 9 1/2 years. I eventually changed the name to St. Louis Family Martial Arts Academy and began developing the curriculum that we still teach today. I’ve been fortunate over the years to train under and with some great martial artists and instructors. In the last thirty five years our school has trained many thousands of students and promoted over 500 Black Belts. We’ve even produced a number of top martial arts competitors, but none of that has ever been the focus of our school. My goals from the very beginning have always been to teach quality martial arts along with the life skills and values that can help our students achieve their goals and have future successes in their lives. Whether it’s our prep classes for four to six year olds, our children’s and family traditional martial arts programs, Chick Fight Club, our leadership team, or our partnership with the Pujols Family Foundation our goals are as simple as making a difference and having a positive impact on our students and in our community.
We cannot accomplish any of those things without the support of so many. This is a great time to say thank you to the many teenage and adult staff members our school has had over these last thirty five years. And of course, without the support of the parents and family members of our students we could never do what we do every day in class.
I turned 65 years old this summer so naturally the question comes up with students or staff once in a while. When am I retiring? I can’t answer that any other way than to say I have no plans to retire anytime soon. I still love what I do! Other than a few minor aches and pains I’m still quite healthy. While I might not be able to do some of the things as well physically as I could thirty five or forty five years ago (or even ten 😂)I still believe that what I teach and the way I teach has value. I have what is for me the best job in the world and I’m nowhere near ready to even think about giving that up. My plan is to teach for a long time yet!
So THANK YOU to everyone who has been a part of this school the last thirty five years and helped make it what it is today. It’s a special place to me and I hope it is to you too!
And Yes! This is what I looked like 35 years ago!
