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Martial Arts Bio
Jonathan J. Schwark (Head Instructor)
I have been actively involved in martial arts since 1990. I began my training at the age of 12, studying Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Hapkido, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay-Thai (Kickboxing), Sa-Sung Kung-Fu, Okinawan Kobudo (Bo Staff, Sai, Tonfa, Single/Double Nunchaku, Kama, and 3 Sectional Staff), Pressure-Point Self-Defense, Stick & Knife Combat, Kali-Sikaran, and Escrima (which consists of many aspects such as: Siniwalis, Dequerdas, Serrada, Larga-Mano, Spada-Y-Daga, Kadena-De-Mano, Strike & Lock Flow Sets, Pressure Points, Grappling, Open-Hand, Knife, Stick, and Close-Quarters Combat).
At the age of 17, I went into a business partnership with one of my former instructors and opened my 1st martial arts studio. Within 4 years, I was running one of the largest martial arts studios in the state. Ultimately, the partnership was broken, and many things have since changed. My goals are no longer on the "quantity" of students. only the "quality". In terms of "Black Belts"... I would rather have a few amazing and qualified Black Belts, than a hundred mediocre and unqualified, misguided Black Belts. I would rather fail, having given my best effort... than to succeed by accepting mediocrity.
I have retired my martial arts Black Belt rankings, and no longer wear my belt. Unlike many instructors, I don't feel the need to hide behind my rank to justify my qualifications and skill. Myself, I train at a level beyond martial arts, and my own rank no longer matters to me.
I hold no style as my own. Instead I have developed a system of martial arts that feeds on creativity, expression, concept application, and effective/practical skills. Students train in all aspects from Striking, Kicking, Grappling, and Weapons. Mentally, the ultimate goal is to attain a level of "Mushin" in ones ability to fight and defend, and lead with honor.
Among my instructors where Francois Gentet (along with Theirry), Jeff Espinous (trained under Dan Inosanto), (the late) Mike Inay, Roger Carpenter, Ron Van Browning, and Myron Gaudet. Studying under them was inspiring, challenging, motivating, and eye opening, and led me to develop the style of martial arts and instruction I offer in my own academy today.
I now train entirely under Francois & Thierry from France, in the way of "Kuraenoken". I travel to Europe, and bring them to the states each year for training like none other. Simply spoken, it is "Beyond Martial Arts"... It is the "Warrior's Way"... It is "Kuraenoken".
I am not a traditional martial artist, let alone a traditional instructor. I don't believe in the restrictions of traditional styles. I'm only interested in the practicality and application of martial arts, not it's traditional roots. For me, martial arts isn't about competing for a plastic trophy... its a way of life. Martial arts is an instrument to develop health and fitness, a positive attitude, leadership qualities, and truly effective self-defense and combat skills. I still train fighters, but no longer train competitors... I'm tired of the "ego" of these events.
For nearly 4 years, I lived in New Orleans. There, I opened American Martial Arts Academy. Until losing it to Hurricane Katrina, it was everything I could have asked for in an academy. Now, living back in Wisconsin, I have rebuilt what was lost in the South. My academy... American Martial Arts Academy, and those who train under me, are most important to me.
My goal as an instructor is to be a role model, a guide, and a motivator, to safely and positively challenge each of my students to their highest level of success. I am grateful to be a positive part of our community. Thank you for making this my "home" once again.