About the Author

Martial Arts:

Matthew Apsokardu has been a student of the martial arts for 16 years and has acquired the rank of 4th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo of the Nakamura Shigeru, Odo Seikichi, Bruce Heilman lineage. Matthew is a direct student under Heilman Sensei. Other credentials include:

• Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Kenjutsu and Kendo for 6 years
• Instructor of both karate and kobudo for 10 years
• Exposure to Daito Ryu Jujutsu, Aikijujutsu, Motobu Udundi, as well as other styles via quarterly IKKF seminars
• Member of the Shorin Ryu Shobayashi Kan led by Bill Hayes
• Member of the IKKF Renshi Kai

Instructors and Main Influences:

• C. Bruce Heilman (9th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo, 3rd Dan Jujutsu)
• Ann-Marie Heilman (8th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo)
• Rick Zondlo (7th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo, Shodan Kendo, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu)
• Bill Hayes (Kyoshi Shobayashi Shorin Ryu).

Personal Background:

Matthew Apsokardu is a writer and SEO specialist. He graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Professional Writing and a minor in Natural Science.

Matthew has written across various genres and has credits in diverse locations, including...

• Jissen Martial Arts Magazine
• "Surviving a Traditional Dojo" Ebook
• "Shigeru Nakamura" Ebook
• Host of "DojoKD" Video Learning Series
• Woven With Words : Historical Anthology
• Blur : Creative Nonfiction Anthology
• Nolde Forest Education Center: Public Relations Package
• KarateDepot.com Subject Matter Video and Content
• BBMReview.com: Martial Art Product Reviewer
• Houston Chronicle: Online Newspaper
• Chicago Sun-Times: Online Newspaper
• Reuters: Online Newspaper
• Associated Content

Matthew has also been featured as an interview guest on the following programs:

• Writerviews.com - On Building Online Presence
• WorkathomeSuccess.com - On Self Powered Work
• Low Tech Combat - On Matters of Self Defense

Contact:

If you have any inquiries or comments for Matthew he can be reached at ikigai108@gmail.com.

Fine Print:

All written work and pictures (unless otherwise noted) are copyright of Matthew Apsokardu © (2012). All rights reserved. Practice of any martial art can be potentially dangerous, and Matthew is not responsible for any injury incurred due to attempted application of advice or techniques described on this website. Matthew reserves the right to block any user or commenter he believes is abusing the site or is compromising the community environment.