Zac is becoming a Gracie University Certified Instructor!
We are expanding our curriculum by adding a Jiu Jitsu Ground Technique Class.
You will learn how to defend yourself in a street fight when it moves to the ground
- a critical set of skills to round out your "street-wise" self defense.
A Note from Zac:
Self defense is a critical skill and the reason I practice Shidokan Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The combination of both arts gives me the confidence to handle myself in any situation. One is not better than the other, they are different and of equal importance.
I started training in martial arts in 2002 at Sensei Iha’s Dojo in Lansing, Michigan. I had always been an athlete, and got the recommendation to look into Sensei Iha’s dojo from a friend. As soon as I walked in the door, I was impressed by the level of expertise that I saw as well as the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and use practical applications.
In 2004 I entered the Army putting my karate career on hold. I deployed twice to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The lessons I had learned from karate gave me the confidence to handle myself during combat.
When I discovered Sensei Roberto’s dojo in 2016, I was so happy to continue to learn. I appreciate how Sensei Iha and Sensei Roberto have a focus on self-defense. Throughout my career I have always tried to develop my skills to ensure that I was prepared for whatever situation may arise. I am particularly interested in the practical applications that can be discovered within the kata, kumite, and bunkai.
I found Gracie Jiu-Jitsu after I was already a Black Belt in Karate. I attended a jiu-jitsu class in the Pentagon to see what it was all about. I discovered immediately that all the skills I have standing do not translate that well to the ground! This opened my eyes to a whole new world of self defense and I have been hooked ever since.
After practicing both arts I am always amazed to discover the amount of connections there are between karate and jiu-jitsu. I love that the martial arts journey never ends, and there is limitless potential to improve and learn.
Roberto's Note:
Zac holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Beikoku Shidokan Karate awarded by Grand Master Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan.
Classes are forming soon.
Contact Zac for more information at
We are expanding our curriculum by adding a Jiu Jitsu Ground Technique Class.
You will learn how to defend yourself in a street fight when it moves to the ground
- a critical set of skills to round out your "street-wise" self defense.
A Note from Zac:
Self defense is a critical skill and the reason I practice Shidokan Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The combination of both arts gives me the confidence to handle myself in any situation. One is not better than the other, they are different and of equal importance.
I started training in martial arts in 2002 at Sensei Iha’s Dojo in Lansing, Michigan. I had always been an athlete, and got the recommendation to look into Sensei Iha’s dojo from a friend. As soon as I walked in the door, I was impressed by the level of expertise that I saw as well as the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and use practical applications.
In 2004 I entered the Army putting my karate career on hold. I deployed twice to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The lessons I had learned from karate gave me the confidence to handle myself during combat.
When I discovered Sensei Roberto’s dojo in 2016, I was so happy to continue to learn. I appreciate how Sensei Iha and Sensei Roberto have a focus on self-defense. Throughout my career I have always tried to develop my skills to ensure that I was prepared for whatever situation may arise. I am particularly interested in the practical applications that can be discovered within the kata, kumite, and bunkai.
I found Gracie Jiu-Jitsu after I was already a Black Belt in Karate. I attended a jiu-jitsu class in the Pentagon to see what it was all about. I discovered immediately that all the skills I have standing do not translate that well to the ground! This opened my eyes to a whole new world of self defense and I have been hooked ever since.
After practicing both arts I am always amazed to discover the amount of connections there are between karate and jiu-jitsu. I love that the martial arts journey never ends, and there is limitless potential to improve and learn.
Roberto's Note:
Zac holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Beikoku Shidokan Karate awarded by Grand Master Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan.
Classes are forming soon.
Contact Zac for more information at
