I've been really interested in getting into boxing and judo. I've been out of the MA game for a long time, and I think I found a place here in town that looks promising. They're affiliated with a national boxing chain, and all of the instructors look on the up and up.
There's only one guy that raises my eyebrows, and that's only because he's being billed as a 2X World Champion on their website. I've tried to locate records of it and I'm coming up short. Maybe someone in the community here with a lot more research experience can point me in the right direction for verifying this guy (to the extent that's possible on the internet.)
Here's his (presumably self-written) bio from the place's website. My specific questions appear afterwards. His name has been redacted (for now.)
Here's the things that stick out to me:
1. I can't seem to find much in the way of "UKF Muay Thai World Champion" on the net. Don't most sporting bodies maintain accurate records of who won what, and when? What could he be referring to here?
2. "Sadoki" karate? What is that? I've never heard of it, and can't seem to find out anything about it. In addition, he claims a "masters-level black belt." What does that mean? I hold a shodan certificate in Tomiki Aikido from back in the day, and the way I understand it there aren't any "special" kinds of black belt apart from the dan ranks. Does "Sadoki" exist, and is it normal for styles to refer to grades as things like a "master's level black belt?"
3. He claims to have made the USJA Hall of Fame. A quick check of the USJA's website indicates he is not listed. He did, however, make the state-level Judo Hall of Fame. Is this sort of gaffe normal from an instructor?
It's possible that he's just not very good at writing, but I can't shake the feeling that he's misrepresenting himself.
All the same, any assistance from the karate folks on this forum would be most appreciated.
There's only one guy that raises my eyebrows, and that's only because he's being billed as a 2X World Champion on their website. I've tried to locate records of it and I'm coming up short. Maybe someone in the community here with a lot more research experience can point me in the right direction for verifying this guy (to the extent that's possible on the internet.)
Here's his (presumably self-written) bio from the place's website. My specific questions appear afterwards. His name has been redacted (for now.)
Started doing martial arts as a young boy. My first art was Judo were is was able to become the state and national 88lbs champion my senior year in high school in 1989. Made USJA Judo hall of fame. After going to Colorado springs and getting to see boxers and karate players I wanted to expand my game, I was fortunate to study under Terry Gibson before he passed for to years. I told Master Gibson I really wanted to fight professional we he refered me to Dale Apollo Cook. I recieved masters black belt in sadoki karate in 1994. I also crossed trained in Muay Thai which became my strongest suit, in 1993 became the UKF Muy Thai 101lbs US Champion. In 1994 became the new 118lbs bantam wieght UKF World Champion. I broke my humorus, scapula, collar bone, and seperated my shoulder in the first round, long five rounds that ended in unanimious decision my way. I suffered a year of paralysis on right side, I was written off by most as over. I started my rehab with Gerald Mirabal (3 time Mr Oklahoma)for two years and Olympic boxing trainer Dr Virg (Allen Virgets). Rehab was long and hard but gained UKF feather wieght world title in 1996. I continued to defend my titles untill the year 2000. I contined training in the arts and in 2005 I meet Fabio Santos were I stared the quest in brazilian ju jitsu. 2005 awarded Best of the Best tranier on the year. I started play Judo again in 2009 to continue my growth of the sport. I strive everyday to gain and grow by teaching others.
1. I can't seem to find much in the way of "UKF Muay Thai World Champion" on the net. Don't most sporting bodies maintain accurate records of who won what, and when? What could he be referring to here?
2. "Sadoki" karate? What is that? I've never heard of it, and can't seem to find out anything about it. In addition, he claims a "masters-level black belt." What does that mean? I hold a shodan certificate in Tomiki Aikido from back in the day, and the way I understand it there aren't any "special" kinds of black belt apart from the dan ranks. Does "Sadoki" exist, and is it normal for styles to refer to grades as things like a "master's level black belt?"
3. He claims to have made the USJA Hall of Fame. A quick check of the USJA's website indicates he is not listed. He did, however, make the state-level Judo Hall of Fame. Is this sort of gaffe normal from an instructor?
It's possible that he's just not very good at writing, but I can't shake the feeling that he's misrepresenting himself.
All the same, any assistance from the karate folks on this forum would be most appreciated.
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