Today we’d like to introduce you to John Comito.
John, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
John became interested in the martial arts after two coeds were brutally attacked while he was attending college in 1978. He felt his wrestling skills (which had earned him two scholarship offers) were solid, but he did not feel they were useful when standing up to a person armed with a knife. This led him to enroll in a college class teaching Shotokan Karate and he was sold on the martial arts. After that initial exposure to the arts John was watching Chuck Norris in the movie, “Good Guys Wear Black”. He told his wife “I’m going to learn how to kick like that” and in 1983 John enrolled in Mr. Bob Barrow’s karate school. Mr. Barrow was a Chuck Norris black belt and was a team member of the undefeated Chuck Norris black belt fighting team.
From that time forward John committed himself to training, competing, and teaching the martial arts. He earned his black belt from Chuck Norris in 1986 and never looked back. After establishing himself in the stand up arts, John then returned to his love, grappling. He studied with Walt Bayless in Salt Lake City in Combat Wrestling and Sambo.
In 1992 John was interviewed for a position with Kick Drugs Out Of America, a foundation established by Chuck Norris to help at risk inner city school children. Due to family commitments and training with the Army, John was not hired by the foundation until November 2000. John spent over 6 years working as an instructor and life coach for Mr. Norris.
During that time John was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and gained some valuable and important training with the military. Upon his return John was hired by the Addison PD and became a Defensive Tactics Instructor for the department. He received some great training provided by the Department and some real-world experiences as an Officer on the street. During that time John was deployed a second time and served in Iraq.
While working for Mr. Norris in Kick Drugs Out Of America, John was introduced to the Filipino Martial Arts by his good friend, Mr. John Bain. Comito started working in the FMA established by Ama Guro Raffy Pambuan. John has been recognized as Kapatid of the Family, a singular acknowledgement of his support, training, commitment, and advancement of the family art established by Ama Guro Pambuan.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning and operating a karate school is not without its challenges. It requires continuing training on the part of the instructor to be not just a knowledgeable instructor but to keep in shape as well. The biggest obstacle currently is getting the word out to the community about the school and to get greater exposure. Finding others who have had success in marketing and becoming part of the community has helped.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My motivation in teaching the martial arts to all ages is to provide training in a safe and positive environment. Teaching karate has been a passion for over 40 years and I have had the opportunity to teach while deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. My time in the KickStart Kids program helped me to develop how to teach karate more effectively.
Teaching more than how to kick and punch is the goal of the school. We do focus on self defense, as well as the other facets of karate, competition, learning the art and having fun. We address the issues of Bullying, teach Values like respect and integrity, that leads to a well rounded martial artist and person. Goal setting comes into play as students work towards rank advancement, personal improvement and fitness.
Our motto of “Building Champions in Life, for Life” is the motivation in teaching our students. Drawing on over 47 years in karate has allowed me to incorporate skills I gleaned from being a defensive tactics instructor with the police department, training with the Army, as well as training with black belts like Chuck Norris, Raffy Pambuan, John Bain, and John Natividad.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There are many experienced martial artists in the DFW area who are willing to share their knowledge. Many times the best place to find a mentor is at a local karate tournament. Speaking to them will give ideas and direction in finding someone to speak with.
Additionally, becoming part of a martial arts organization can give you many opportunities for training and learning.
Pricing:
- Classes $80 per month, 16 classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://c2martialarts.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557383856527
Image Credits
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