Martial Arts
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Tae Kwon Do

I spent two years studying Tae Kwon Do (1989-1991), training under Dr. Ken Min at UC Berkeley.  I advanced to 3rd kyu before I graduated and moved away.

A snapshot of me from a California state TKD tournament in 1991.  I'm in the blue belt, apparently about to throw a side kick at the guy in the red belt.  I lost the match shown above, and went 1-1 in the following UC Open tournament, losing to a Cal teammate who went on to take 2nd place.

Eskrima Serrada

I spent about 6 months studying eskrima serrada, a Filipino stick fighting art, in 1992.  My instructor was Khalid Khan, who studied under Angel Cabales in Stockton, CA.

Tai Chi Chuan

I practiced Yang style Tai Chi Chuan at the Sunnyvale Recreation Center for about two years, starting in March of 2002.  The picture below is of my instructor, Larry Young, about to perform a straight sword form.  (The image is a still frame from a low-quality MPEG movie.)

Danzan Ryu Ju-jitsu

As of January 2006 I hold the rank of nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Jujitsu.  I've been training at Kodenkan Jujitsu in Santa Clara since January 1998.  It currently operates through the City of Santa Clara recreation department.

I was out for most of 2006 due to shoulder and back injuries that accumulated during my training (eventually requiring an arthroscopic acromioplasty in September '06).

From left to right: Chris Love, Tony Janovich, me.  Chris and I were awarded our shodan and nidan together, and have spent a lot of time training together to prepare.  Sensei Janovich started the dojo with Sig Kufferath many years ago, and is currently the dojo's shihan.

Some links:

• Kodenkan Jujitsu and Restoration Therapy - dojo web page.
• Danzan Ryu Jujutsu Homepage - detailed information about danzan ryu.  The history and philosophy of the art can be found here.

Krav Maga

I began studying Krav Maga, the Israeli "defensive tactics system", in June 2007.  Despite being more physically challenging than most (if not all) of the other styles I've practiced, it's easier on my back and shoulder than ju-jitsu -- no high falls or shoulder joint locks at the early levels.

I'm currently training at the Academy of Self Defense in Santa Clara, CA.