Martial Ars Through the Years
In November 2025, I successfully tested for 5th-degree black belt in Taekwondo. As I prepared for the test, I had a chance to reflect on the arts I studied. When I look at these arts, I see a distinct reason that I studied each one. The arts cover striking, grappling, ground fighting and a practical self-defense weapon, the cane.
I started studying Shotokan karate in the Fall of 1994. I switched to Taekwondo with my nephew in the Spring of 1995. Taekwondo brought striking into my self-defense arsenal. I wrestled some in high school and took law enforcement defensive training classes but Taekwondo helped me to develop my striking skills. After I realized the inadequacy of Taekwondo stylists’ hand techniques, I added boxing to my repertoire.
Ken breaking in the mid-1990s (Author’s Collection)
Around the time that I tested for 1st Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, I started training in Judo also. I was always interested in grappling. My Taekwondo instructor was a 4th Dan (7th Dan today) in Taekwondo and a 2nd Dan in Judo. Our self-defenses curriculum included judo techniques, so I wanted to learn the art. I also was interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which developed out of Judo.
Judo helped me grapple on my feet. Judo also contains ground fighting but the throws are emphasized. 70 percent of judo training is focused on throws.
In April 2009, the Gracie Brothers, Ryron and Renner, created Gracie University to spread their grandfather’s system throughout the world. We have adopted some of this curriculum plus part of the Grand Masters’ original 40 lessons from the Rio academy.
Trey, Caleb, and me after a training session.
I also began studying Goju Shorei weapons system around this time to add skills with the cane. Since I was only interested in a weapon that be carried legally, the cane was the perfect match.
I am now a 5th degree black belt in Taekwondo, 2nd degree brown belt in Judo, and a Green Rank in Goju Shorei Weapons System. I almost did not test for 5th Dan because of the deterioration of my knees over the past couple of years.
Grandmaster Weseman wanted me to test. One of the smartest people I know also encouraged me, so I did decide to test. I am glad that I did but whether I test for 6th Dan is still up in the air. I will decide that in the fullness of time:).