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Chuck’s first martial art (age 19) was Jujitsu. He studied under Bill Beach, longtime resident of Jacksonville Florida and former candidate for Sheriff of Duval County. Bill had studied while in Japan and during the late sixties was one of the very few Senior Master Black Belts with credentials from the American Jujitsu Federation.
Later Chuck studied Ving Tsun Kung Fu under Adam Margolis, 3rd Level MOC. He found his "Love" of the martial arts fulfilled in Tae Kwon Do under the initial tutelage of John Chung, 7th Dan. Later he formed an alliance with his late brother James R. Coker, 7th Dan and advanced his studies there. All studies were completed under World Tae Kwon Do Federation and United States Tae Kwon Do Union guidelines. Chuck is pleased that 2002 will be the first year TKD is an officially sanctioned Olympic Sport – long overdue!
The tournament circuit became an active part of Chuck’s life throughout his tenure in the Marine Corps and professional life until 1983 when he retired from active competition. During those years winning became a way of life. On only a very few occasions did he walk away without one of the top three places in his division. Chuck believes that the competitive nature of martial arts competition is what has spurred his personal and professional development to its present heights. A FEW of the titles held were:
- Florida State Champion
- North Carolina State Champion
- Southeastern Regional US Champion
- Southern Superstar Champion
- US National Champion
- AAU United States National Tae Kwon Do Championships (Silver Medals)
- International Open Champion
Chuck’s last match was in January of 1983. The International Championships held in Miami provided him with a 2nd place finish at age 35!
Chuck’s love for the martial arts is now carried on through the six schools that he oversees. After 32 years of study, he has trained over 150 black belts that now reside all over the world. His schools are designed as a "not for profit" entity so all students who have a desire to study will not be held back by financial considerations.
Chuck Coker
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