Name: Master John Merced

Martial Arts Rank: 7th Degree (Nanadan). Currently holds the title of Ichiban at Amato's Goju Ryu Academy

Years Teaching Karate: 15 Years

Martial Arts Styles Known: Amato's Goju Ryu, Nihon Goshin Aikido, Krav Maga, and Controlled Force Master Instructor in Controlled F.O.R.C.E.& Survival F.O.R.C.E Defensive Tactics. Also an instructor in HRC Reactionary concepts.

Primary Martial Arts Weapon: Bo-staff and Cane

Classes Currently Teaching:

• Adult Self Defense
• Black Belt/Brown Belt Katas

Awards Won:

• 5 Time Hall of Fame Winner
• WARFAA Award for Rape Prevention and Self-Defense Programs for Women
• Numerous community service awards.

Hobbies: Music and professional dog training.

Master John Merced's Teaching Philosophy: Children are our future and when I teach them, I want them to grow to be better than me. I make teaching fun but challenging and everyone succeeds in one way or another. I uncover each child's strong points and focus on using them to develop the rest of their ability.

A Bit About Master John Merced: I am a 26 year veteran police detective, and have honed my skills on the streets of Hudson County, NJ. I am passionate about safety awareness for all individuals, and am the developer and innovator of the K.I.C.K. Safety Awareness and Rape Prevention programs for women and children (a free program designed to aid those who are most risk and cannot afford to train in a conventional school). I am also the Lead Instructor for the Department of Homeland Security / TSA, Crew Member Self -Defense Program.

For me, the Martial Arts is a passion. Many go through life never experiencing what the Martial Arts have to offer. I have been able to use all of the benefits to better my life and the lives of others. My goal is to keep bringing the Martial Arts to those who can't or won't try, to make it available and show how it can make this world a better place through its beauty, discipline and the respect that it teaches.