In 1994 Ben moved to St. Louis to begin his martial arts
training. He was promoted to Shodan 1st degree black belt on
October 23,
Ben started his teaching career in 1997.
Ben placed 1st in fighting his first time out in a tournament as
a black belt. Since then he has placed 3rd in the US Open in Florida, 1st at the
Battle of Chicago and 3rd at Kansas City. Ben also earned ranking and was a seated
fighter at the NBL Grand Nationals in Niagara Falls.
Ben also was awarded the Checkered Gi worn by only the top
fighters at Tracy's Karate.
Ben is one of our top tournament fighters but Ben's most proud
achievements are not in the ring. Ben is most proud of the positive changes he sees
in his students. Watching an introverted 13 year old student of his come out
of his shell excited Ben more than any tournament could.
