March 27, 2008:
On March 8, 2008, Samurai Judo and Jujitsu of Melbourne, the fastest growing Judo school in Florida, sent several competitors to the USJA Florida State Judo Championships in Boca Raton.

The team of David J. Ellis and Peter McMahan took the gold medal for Kime-no-Kata.  Ellis was the Head Referee for this event, and after the Kata competition Ellis and McMahan worked the mats as referees for the Shiai portion of the tournament.

Adrian Pozo, a Samurai Judo and Jujitsu student, took the silver medal in the men's 81 kg division from a field of seven tough competitors.
 
Ellis and McMahan, instructors at Samurai Judo and Jujitsu in Melbourne, Florida, were honored in 2005 as the USJA Florida State Outstanding Senior Kata Competitors. 

From left to right: Peter McMahan, head sensei David Parritt, and David J. Ellis

November 13, 2007: November 13, 2007: Report from Serbian Budo Council - Visit to USA

October 8, 2007: FALL 2007 USMAF "The American Eagle" NEWSLETTER

April 13, 2007: Gene Lebell and Gokor Chivichyan’s Hayastan Grappling School

I had the opportunity to visit Gene and Gokor’s Grappling school when I was in California on business.  I called Gokor and asked if I could come by and he treated me like I was a dignitary.  Gokor did not know me and had never spoken to me before, but from talking with him I felt as if we had been friends for years. 

I went to the N. Hollywood School and was greeted by Dana Charvet, one of Gokor and Gene’s students who owns and teaches at his own school.  Dana introduced me to Gene Lebell.  Gene was a childhood hero and I was starstruck just standing there talking to him.  Gene spoke with me and sat me in the best seat in the house.  Gene never bragged about his accomplishments but instead asked me about my teachers and experience.  Gene was very kind (don’t tell him I told you), and he was amazing to see in action.  Gene spent about an hour with me and I was humbled by the experience. 

Gokor was on the mat teaching and running the class; Gokor tapped everyone he rolled with including the editor of Black Belt magazine (sorry Steve), and a few Ultimate Fighter hopefuls.  Gokor kept taking his time coming over to check on me and make sure that my experience at his school was a good one. Gokor also asked one of his students to bring me back on another night.  Gokor showed a few leg locks that I had never seen before and walked me through his new web site. 

Dana Charvet and his wife Jackie saved me when my camera would not work and took a picture of me with Gene and Gokor.  They were some of the nicest people I have met and Jackie e-mailed me the picture this week.  If you are in the N. Hollywood area, I suggest that you take the time to visit Gene and Gokor’s school.  You will not be disappointed.
Both Gene and Gokor are members of the USJJF and USA-TKJ and I am proud to say that I had a chance to train with two living legends. 

Earl DelValle
Sarasota Judo and Ju-Jitsu Institute
www.sarasotajudo.com

March 16, 2007: We are pleased to announce MAIF's Support and Official Recommendation of the Exceptional Martial Arts Publication:
Classical Fighting Arts!

February 16, 2007: Great-Grandmaster Chull Hee Park Awards Ninth Dan to Taekwondo/Ju-Jitsu Legend George E. Anderson
At the Kwanmukan International Symposium, George E. Anderson from Akron, Ohio, received his ninth Dan certification from the Kukkiwon. Great-Grandmaster Chull Hee Park, founder of the Kang Duk Won in Korea, was in attendance and personally presented the certification to Grandmaster Anderson. The certification is believed to be the first ninth Dan issued to anyone outside of Korea.

This historic occasion took place at the Kwanmukan International Banquet held annually in Akron, Ohio. In attendance this year were over 250 guests, mostly martial artists, from more than four countries and ten states. World-class instruction at the seminar was provided by those recognized as Shihan ("Grandmaster") under Grandmaster Anderson's Kwanmukan organization.

Grandmaster Anderson, who is now 75 years old, has a martial arts resume that spans over 55 years. First involved with Taekwondo in the early 60’s, he has been active in the international sports arena, serving as Referee Council Chairman and as the first Vice-President of the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations (now known as the World Karate Federation, a member of the United States Olympic Committee), and also as an International Representative for the Ju-Jitsu International Federation.

The Kukkiwon, also known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters, serves as the issuing body for Taekwondo Dan (black belt degrees) promotion and certification. The Kukkiwon is the only Taekwondo institute's Dan that is recognized by World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) which governs the competition aspects of Taekwondo as the International Federation of Taekwondo with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

February 6, 2007: Announcing Our Newest Sponsor for "Training Resources" - HATASHITA SPORTS!

 

November 4, 2006 - 2nd national Sport Chanbara Cup of Sports Chanbara Association of Serbia

MAIF is sad to announce the passing of Slobodan Saric "Sara". Please click here to read a memoriam posted honoring him.

MAIF would like to Congratulate & Welcome Mr. Saad A. Ani the New President of the Iraqi Martial Arts Federation, elected by the National Olympic Committee of Iraq.

June 26, 2006:
Report from European Budo Games