|
|
|
|
Instructors Ensuring that the best techniques are passed down through the years from one Master to another is an important part of martial arts. At Lotus Studios for 30 years the role of chief instructor and owner has passed down from one master to another. Below are the two Masters who have and continue to lead our studio. They rely on a team of highly skilled and certified black belts to assist in the instruction.
Master Michael Killion
6th Degree Black Belt Master /Studio owner Master Killion began his martial arts training with Shihan Fitzgerald in 1980 at the young age of 11. Killion was in 6th grade and his father felt he needed an avenue to teach him the importance of focus and discipline. His grades were in need of a boost and his father stated that if his grades improved, he would let his son enroll in some martial arts classes. "At the time, several of my friends were taking boxing instruction and that's where I was headed. Then, on a Saturday afternoon, Michael and a friend went to a movie matinee at a local moviehouse. The movie was "A Force of One" with Chuck Norris. I took one look at this guy punching and kicking with ease and effortless motion and knew this is what I wanted to do." His father enrolled him at Lotus Self Defense Studios, and he has been a student of Shihan Fitzgerald's ever since. Shihan Fitzgerald under Grandmaster 10th Degree Fred Villari was promoted to 1st degree black belt. After many additional years of study 8th Degree Black Belt (Hachidan) James Bryant tested and promoted Master Killion to the rank of Rokkudan, 6th Degree Black Belt Master. Shihan Fitzgerald bestowed the greatest honor upon Master Killion by turning over the reigns of the studio. Master Killion is now the owner and Head Instructor for all youth, adult and private classes. Shihan Fitzgerald is still an active advisor, instructor, and (will always be) Chief Instructor running all the belt testing and special clinics that the studio sponsors. Killion notes: "All of this would not be possible without the dedication and devotion of Shihan Fitzgerald."
Master William Fitzgerald  5th Degree Black Belt Master and Studio founder Shihan Fitzgerald began training in the martial arts in 1956; taking Judo and Jui Jitsu at the YMCA in Boston, Massachusetts. After two years of instruction, he sought instruction in Aikido in Cambridge, Massachusetts for a short period. During the 1960s, he trained in Shotokan briefly but was still seeking a martial art which would give him a more well rounded education. He took up Shaolin Kempo Karate in 1974 under Grand Master Villari and found a style which he felt suited his martial arts goals. Upon receiving his black belt certification under Grand Master Villari he founded his own school in 1979. He eventually rose to the rank of 5th degree black belt studying with various masters including the late Professor and 10th Degree Master Nick Cerio. Master Fitzgerald still actively teaches classes at Lotus and is a guiding force to the school. |
|
|
