I started my
study of judo in Michigan in 1995 under the instruction of James
Peacock (yodan). My interest in judo began in Ethiopia back in
1993 when my wife was the victim of a mugging. A man attempted
to steal her purse and when she screamed I turned and caught the
perpetrator. He put up a struggle so I did the only thing I knew
how to do: use bruteforce and strength. I ended up seriously
injuring the guy, but then I felt bad because I realized that I
didn't have to use that much force against him. But it was the
only thing I knew how to do. I made the determination at that
time that I would study a martial art that would teach me
effective means of subduing an individual without having to hurt
them. Fast forward to the year 1995 when I was introduced to
sensei Peacock. I quickly realized the efficiency of judo and
studied it with a passion. In 1997 I competed in my very first
tournament at the Michigan State Championships and won the
silver medal in my division. This only served to inspire me
more.
In June of 1997 I moved to Maryland and immediately began to
look for a dojo where I could continue my study of judo. I
briefly studied under Sensei Edwin Takemori at the Deerfield Run
Community Center in Laurel until they were forced to move on. I
then did an internet search and found Huio Judo Beltsville led
by Sensei Kevin Tamai. I've been there ever since.
I received my black belt (shodan) in April 2012 and accomplished
one of my life goals. One of my other life goals was to purchase
a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle which I did in 2004, and
have been riding it ever since!
My tokui waza (favorite technique) is sasae tsuri komi ashi, the
lifting pulling foot prop throw (支釣込足).

I
am the owner of a carpet dyeing company,
Colorful Carpets,
and enjoy playing racquetball and traveling in my free time. I
am also a musician and stay active in my church where I sing,
write music, and play keyboards.
I'm also a youth leader for
Canvasback
Missions, a mission organization based in California, and
lead youth teams to the islands of the South Pacific to help
refurbish island schools, churches, and hospitals. And I do, of
course, teach judo to the island children!
In my judo I strive to help others to learn and grow and have a
strong desire to teach the etiquette and respect of judo.