Mike's formative years were characterized by an impressive display of athletic ability, as he consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in a variety of sports, including basketball, football, and track and field, where he distinguished himself as a standout performer, even rising to the esteemed position of co-captain of his school teams.
His remarkable achievement in basketball was met with widespread recognition and acclaim, as he was bestowed a prestigious award, a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent.
Mike's martial arts odyssey commenced at the tender age of 17, when he first laid eyes on the ancient Japanese discipline of Aikido, and subsequently embarked on a rigorous training regimen under the watchful eye of a renowned instructor. Following the successful completion of his academic pursuits, Mike made the selfless decision to join the United States Army for a three-year stint, where he had the privilege of encountering Karate instructor Herb Peters, whose profound influence would later become a defining aspect of Mike's martial arts trajectory.
Mike's unwavering commitment to the art of Karate ultimately led to a remarkable and unprecedented level of success, as he remarkably achieved the esteemed rank of black belt in a remarkably short span of mere six months.
By the tender age of twenty, Mike had already reached an astonishing milestone, becoming the youngest and only undefeated Karate Champion in the annals of history, boasting an impressive record of ninety-one consecutive black belt matches without a single loss.
Moreover, Mike held the coveted title of undefeated Forms Champion, having emerged victorious in every tournament he had the privilege of participating in, accumulating a multitude of titles to his impressive name.
Mike's remarkable career has been marked by the distinct privilege of collaborating with a plethora of esteemed martial artists and close friends, including the incomparable Bruce Lee and the legendary Chuck Norris. As a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication, Mike has been honored with two prestigious inductions into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, initially in 1971 when he was recognized as Fighter of the Year, and subsequently in 1994 when he was distinguished as Instructor of the Year.
Mike, a highly respected instructor, seized the chance to educate a wide array of students, boasting an impressive roster that included renowned celebrities such as Priscilla Presley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Engelbert Humperdinck, and the acclaimed composer Mike Post, to name just a few.
As his illustrious career continued to unfold, Mike's versatility was further showcased as he ventured into the realm of bodyguarding, thereby cementing his reputation as a skilled and accomplished martial artist, renowned for his exceptional prowess in the field.
