Chinese Kenpo Karate
3rd Degree Black Belt April 26, 2009

James Faasse is an accomplished martial artist. Growing up up with a very curious and enthusiastic spirit, he found Judo to be the perfect constructive outlet to excel in his athletic pursuits as a youth. He discovered guidance, self-discipline, self-confidence and something to direct and channel his more than average creative energy.

"Martial Arts gave me direction as a youth, transforming my life for the better because it was a path to self discovery, creativity, discipline, and athletics. Martial Arts taught me self-confidence, self-control and with enough persistence and passion your dreams can be attained. I discovered anything is possible once you put your mind to it and are given sound guidance. Through the martial arts of Judo and Kenpo Karate, my instructors helped guide my moral compass facing challenges in life to higher self-achievement and they inspired me to press on to achieve my dreams as a martial artist to know no boundaries.

I owe my life to day to my involvement with martial arts. It's a way of life for me and a passion.

I improved in school, sports, academia, college and it eventually led me to the USAF Olympic Judo Training Team. I love the martial arts and the high quality of integrity of the people involved. I have better friends, better judgement in decision making and overall, a better quality of living.

I have a great sense of accomplishment in my life and look forward to share the legacy of knowledge I have been given. It's a great honor with great responsibility."

He began Judo in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the age of twelve under Stan Sohanek at Grand Rapids Judo Club. Through self discipline and devout study and passionate daily practice, he was soon recognized as having natural talent and was granted a Judo Scholarship through a private anonymous supporter of the Judo school. During his middle school years James attended local and regional Judo tournaments and eventually placed 2nd and 3rd place in the Michigan Junior Judo Olympics. When in high school, his senior year he qualified for the U.S. Nationals being held in Tennessee.

After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and continued to practice on the USAF Judo Team at Offutt AFB, Nebraska and continued practicing Tae Kwon Do, as well. Because of his outstanding natural Judo skills, he was noticed by a member of the USAF Judo Olympic Team at a tournament in Kansas. This Judo Olympian challenged him to a match. The match was exciting and thrilling to watch, even though James was unable to get in on his challenger, he made up for it counter for counter and gave him a run for his money. After a 15 minute match the Olympian finally won by submission, but only after much frustration. It was a good match up! He was approached and congratulated by the USAF Olympian Team Member and invited to practice at the USAF Judo Team at the USAF Academy Olympic Training Center in Colorado.

One Saturday morning in downtown La Jolla, Ca., he walked in to Twin Dragons Karate School and was impressed with the personal instruction and fun nature of the students. They were safely and skillfully working out together practicing not only Kenpo Karate, but combining other arts together for self defense, such as JKD, Boxing, Thai kick-boxing, Judo, Ju-Jitsu and Grappling. This was the answer to his dream! A smorgasbord of quality of martial arts and self-defense offered in La Jolla at Twin Dragons Karate School.

James has been a devout participant and contributing student of Twin Dragons Sports Center in La Jolla. During his years of practice at Twin Dragons Karate School in La Jolla, he has excelled with exceptional martial arts skills thru careful and diligent practice, attentive listening, having an open mind, respecting others and self-discipline.

James has participated in Kick Boxing tournaments, grappling tournaments, and studying Arnis, Jeet Kune Do, Aikido, other Kenpo styles as well as Gymnastics and as a stuntman in film. He has searched out on his own attending other martial art training centers, practicing with all kinds of people from other styles.

James Faasse` was recently promoted to 3rd Degree Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo, Associate Instructor status, April 26, 2009 at Twin Dragons Self Defense School in La Jolla , San Diego County, California. He teaches classes to both adults and children assisting Mr. Terry Sanchez with private karate lessons, boxing and grappling lessons.

James is a successful local business man in La Jolla. He has continued on to pursue a side career as a stuntman/actor in local films and in Hollywood. His latest student film he was Co-Producer, Assistant Stunt-Coordinator and Action Choreographer, and stuntman/actor for Break, Two Weeks From Now, Torrent and Pyrrhic Victory, a Zachary Lindsey Film, which took first place due to the action scenes and fight choreography at the San Diego Student Film Festivals 48 Hour Madness Competition awarded in March of 2004.

James is always creating more opportunities to utilize his martial arts talents and stunt experience in more local and Hollywood films. He is always found sharing his martial arts skills and knowledge with those who are willing and hungry as himself.

"The martial arts saved my life, and made my life ... it has always been valuable in helping me deal with life challenges, business matters, personal relationships, and overall physical, mental and spiritual health. It's amazing to see how everyone, young, middle-aged and seniors, benefit from the practice of martial arts. It will transform your life positively... and benefit you in many ways throughout your life." ... James Faasse`