I started on the path of health and fitness when images of Bruce Lee caught my eye at the age of 7.  This sparked my interest in martial arts and physical conditioning.

At the age of 9 I was diagnosed with leg perthes disease, a degenerative disorder that affects the hip. Even after months of hospitalization, I needed a bulky plastic and metal leg brace in order to walk. Adopting a positive, determined attitude to walk unaided and to learn martial arts, I underwent extensive physical therapy and was able to do away with the brace.

By age 12, I was finally ready to start training even though I was now battling scoliosis (caused by the brace) which was eventually corrected with the help of chiropractic and yoga. I found Peter Leventhal, an instructor that taught the basics of the Kung Fu style Choy Li Fut in a "Chinese Exercise" class and was once a student of Pete Robinson.  This ignited my passion to pursue mastery of the martial arts which led me to Clyde Levine, a disciple of  William Chung, noted master of Hung Gar Kung Fu and Leventhal's fellow classmate under Robinson. By the time I was 21, I had attained the level of Black Sash and was an assistant instructor at The Red Dragon School of Self Defense in Stamford, CT.

After moving to Lakeland, Florida, I conducted a number of seminars, workshops, and classes over the next seven years. On the continuing quest for mastery of this craft, I moved to Los Angeles. Here I sought out master Pete Robinson

the man who had taught both my teachers 20 years earlier in Connecticut and was once a disciple of Gin Foon Mark. Our work together led me to a profound understanding of the art of Kung Fu. 

 'Teacher', Clyde A. Levine... One scary dude!  This man is responsible for starting me on my kung fu path ...Mr. Peter Leventhal, the coolest Kung Fu instructor one could ask for.I just love this guy.  With fellow student Susie Quaranta at Petes store, 'Organic Gourmet' in Wilton, CT 

 Peter Leventhal, my first teacher.