In November of 2010, I was blessed with an opportunity to travel to California to train with Sigung Paul Vunak, world renowned founder of Progressive Fighting Systems. I quickly realized that Sigung Vunak's condensed, lifelong, work meshed beautifully with my existing background. In addition, I experienced firsthand a practical, effective, street fighting system. During my tenure in California, I was humbled by being awarded my Phase One Instructorship in Progressive Fighting Systems as well as acceptance into the Descendants of the Masters.
In 2012, I had the opportunity to follow Sifu Harinder Singh into his newly founded Company, The Jeet Kune Do Athletic Association (JKDAA). It was evident to me, that the JKDAA, best aligned with my training goals, afforded me the greatest opportunity for growth in my martial arts journey, and perpetuated Bruce Lee's art of Jeet Kune Do in a very positive environment.
I received my Black Sash in 1978. I have been an innovative and energetic instructor for over thirty years and have been awarded my Red Sash. I have employed and modified several unique martial arts techniques such as sticky hands & ticky feet, hands free joint locking & softening techniques, Bo Staff, Mui Tai Kick boxing & Full Contact Kick Boxing, Wu Shu & Firearms self-defense.
I’ve served as an instructor at multiple martial arts schools throughout my career; Power Company Martial Arts under instructor Alish-Tasen, Top Kicks TKD Academy under instructor Dan Milam, Kung Fu School of Self Awareness under Troy Lockhart, Benbrook Karate Academy, Metroplex Martial Arts Academy and CMAV-Centers of Martial Arts Virtue, where I partnered with Carlos Alvarez. During my martial arts journey, in 1994 I became a Model Mugging instructor and assisted Dan Milam with the Model Muggers of Texas (M.M.O.T), “a high adrenaline state learning" program and held classes in Mexico and Alaska. Later, I became the sole owner of Model Muggers of North Texas with classes at various universities such as UTA, TCU and UNT for men and women.
I am an instructor of “Stranger Danger” for ages 5-12. I’ve taught self-defense classes at Como Elementary with co-instructor Sifu Charles Byrd. After completing my training with Master Lockhart and promoting several of my own students to Black Sash, the torch was passed on to me and throughout the years I have developed (S.O.S.A) School of Self Awareness Fighting Systems, “a practical tactical response to any live situation”.
As a lifelong Martial Artist, I have tremendous esteem for the art and all those who continue on its’ path. I view every aspect of this journey as “a way of life” Sifu Charles D. Rice
I've been training Brazilian jiu-jitsu since 2007, and currently hold the rank of purple belt under Professor Albert Hughes. I began my training at a Royce Gracie affiliate school in northern Virginia and received my blue belt from Royce himself after about a year of training. While living in Virginia, I worked as both a judge and referee in the local MMA scene, but have chosen to focus exclusively on jiu-jitsu since moving to Texas.
I enjoy teaching the art to newcomers and truly believe jiu-jitsu is a way of life if you choose to make it so. The skills and confidence students acquire in their jiu-jitsu journey undoubtedly redound to many aspects of life, anywhere and everywhere challenges or stresses present themselves. At its fundamental level, jiu-jitsu is problem solving under pressure; problem solving that exercises both the mind and body vigorously. Everyone can benefit from it, and it's my belief that everyone should!
I trained with Mitch Maynard in JKD from 1997 to 2000, obtaining the rank of Apprentice Instructor, Senior Level 2. I have additional belt ranking in Aki Jitsu, Arnis, and Bushido Kenpo. In 2000, I began training with Rick Alexander from Flowing Circles Jiu Jitsu/MMA and continued in his system until 2002.
In 2000, I was also exposed to my current Sifu, Master Charles Rice and his School of Self Awareness Fighting Systems. I was awarded my Brown Sash in Sil Lum Kung Fu by Master Rice in 2011 and currently train with him on a regular basis. In 2014, I began teaching classes for Master Rice in his absence and currently fill this role at Dallas-Fort Worth Jeet Kune Do Academy.
My first exposure to Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts was in 2011 with the JKD/KALI Meetup group run by Rich Turner Initially, I wanted to train in a weapons based martial art and began meeting with the group on a weekly basis at a public park in Arlington I ended up training with Rich for three years. Training with Rich was a great experience. I learned so much from Rich about FMA and JKD. Rich not only taught me techniques but we also discussed JKD philosophy.
Early on in my training, I wanted an opportunity to practice more often, so Rich recommended that I meet Sifu Kirk Weicht to try out some of his classes. I was really impressed with Sifu Kirk’s teaching style as well as his approach to martial arts and became a regular student at his school. Rich's focus had always been more on FMA however; Kirk focused more on JKD, with emphasis on transition and flow from weapons to empty hands.
In 2012, Sifu Kirk graciously invited the Meetup group to use his facility for training. From 2012 until September 2014 I trained with both Rich Turner and Sifu Kirk Weicht. Learning from two different teachers has provided me with exposure to a variety of styles and principles. I believe this has helped me to become a more well rounded martial artist and teacher. In September 2014, I was honored to take over the meetup group classes when Rich moved out of state. Since then I have been teaching the curriculum for the Meetup group.
I strive to create a positive environment that fosters learning and continued development. I like to structure my classes in a way that ensures adequate time for practice, yet informal enough that students feel comfortable participating and asking questions. We are here to learn, practice, and have fun.
I have also taken classes in BJJ and Boxing and I hold a 1st degree blackbelt in Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do. In order to continue to learn and develop I regularly attend seminars in JKD and Kali. I have attended seminars taught by Dan Inosanto, Harrinder Singh, as well as other FMA Instructors. I have supplemented my training with everything from seminars on Balintawak to Pepper Spray Training.
