About the Author

Martial Arts:

Matthew Apsokardu is a practitioner of Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo.

Credentials include:

• Study of Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo (1995-present)
• Study of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Kenjutsu and Kendo for 7 years
• Study of Muso Shinden Ryu for 2 Years
• Instructor of both karate and kobudo (2000-present)
• Member of the Colorado Community Safety Patrol for (2013-2015)
• Affiliate Member of the Shobayashi Kan led by Bill Hayes
• 1 Month cultural and training intensive visit to Okinawa, Japan (2016)
• Owner and chief instructor of the Sanrin Dojo (currently on hiatus due to author travel)

Main Influences:

• C. Bruce Heilman (10th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo, 3rd Dan Jujutsu)
• Ann-Marie Heilman (9th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo)
• Rick Zondlo (7th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo, Shodan Kendo, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu)
• Bill Hayes (9th Dan Shobayashi Ryu)
• Jody Paul (9th Dan Seidokan, Motobu Udundi)

Personal Background:

Matthew Apsokardu graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Professional Writing and a minor in Natural Science.

Matthew has written across various genres which includes the following credits…

• Author of “Tales from the Western Generation” Nonfiction Book
• Contributor to Bugeisha Magazine
• Contributor to Shimbun Martial Arts Magazine
• Contributor to Jissen Martial Arts Magazine
• Contributor to Association of International Martial Artists Magazine
• Contributor to FightingArts.com
• Author of “Surviving a Traditional Dojo” Ebook
• Author of “Shigeru Nakamura” Ebook
• Host of “DojoKD” Video Learning Series
• Guest Author in Woven With Words : Historical Anthology
• Guest Author in Blur : Creative Nonfiction Anthology

Matthew has served as editor and publisher to other martial works, including:

• An Old Man’s Way: Doug Perry’s Unlikely Journey Through Karate, War, and Life – By Jason Perry
• The Limitless Spirit of the Martial Arts – By Marylin Fierro
• Wherever the Path Leads – By Larry Isaac

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

• Low Tech Combat – Traditional Martial Arts and Self Defense
• Columbia University – Martial Arts Learning in a Digital World
• Moai Martial Arts – The Old Ways (A Biographical Interview)
• WingChunGeeks.com – Wing Chun vs Karate Research
• Robin’s Bite – Improved Diet Through The Okinawa Program
• Martial Thoughts Podcast – Okinawa Kenpo and the goal of Ikigai
• Budo Inochi – Developing an Effective Martial Arts Website
• Total Karate – Interviews with modern karate practitioners.