The Dubuque Tactical Martial Arts Weapons Academy

ies used in this program come from styles such as Kenpo, Hapkido, Tang Soo Do, Jeet Kune Do, Kendo, Kung Fu, Shotakan, Tae Kwon Do, and Jujitsu, to name a few. In essence a true “Mixed Martial Art”. The program features History & Philosophy of the weapons, angling systems of attack and defense, competition training, tactical applications, joint lock manipulation, tactical submissions & disarms, flow drills, weapon sparring drills, and more. The foundation curriculum is based off of the Filipino Stick Fighting Systems & concepts of Escrima, Balintawak, Doce Pares, Arnes De Mano, Espada & Daga, Kali, Kombatan, & Silat. Various traditional martial arts weapons such as the Bo Staff, Nunchakus, Sai, Kama, Tactical Knife Fighting, Gun Defenses, Sword Techniques, (PR-24) Tonfa, & more will be introduced at different levels of the belt ranking system. The core value system used in our academy is derived from Bushido, (The Way of the Warrior) a code of honor practiced by the Samurai Warriors. In 1990 the United States Army recognized the Bushido Code and implemented the warriors code into their training regiment. This entire code is built from a foundation of loyalty, honor, integrity, justice, and simple right & wrong. This program is taught by expert instructors in a controlled safe and monitored training facility. Instructor Bio: Master Ron Schmitt

Master Ron Schmitt offers over thirty two years of martial arts training and experience. He has had the privilege and honor of training with Weapons Experts, Masters, and Grandmasters from around the world in various styles and systems. He enjoys teaching classes, seminars and workshops for Students, Black Belts, Masters, and individuals from all walks of life. In 2009 and 2010 he was invited to give a stick fighting training seminar to over 200 masters from across the globe. He has trained individuals with backgrounds in Private Security, Law Enforcement, Home Land Security, CIA, FBI, Military Personnel, and Special Forces. Accolades/Achievements

Master Schmitt has achieved national and international certification and recognition throughout his martial arts career. In 2006 he was knighted into the master's ranks by Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin. This marked a historical event as he and his father Master David J. Schmitt (7th Degree Black belt) became the first father son master's team in the W.T.S.D.A. He held the position of Team Captain of a Six Time World Championship Winning Demonstration Team, earned Two Regional Black Belt Overall Grand Champion Cups, and was awarded Black Belt of the Year, Instructor of the Year, and Competitor of the Year. In May 2007 he was featured as Master of the Month by the W.T.S.D.A. Graduated from Loras College earning degrees in Philosophy and Business. Featured each month in "The All Iowa Sports and Fitness Paper", where he is a life skills writer in his own column titled "The Masters Corner"

Certified fitness coach and personal trainer. Master Schmitt is the Founder & President of the U.S. Tactical Martial Arts Alliance, Chief Instructor of The Dubuque Tactical Martial Arts Weapons Academy, General Manager of The Dubuque Karate Club, Vice President of The American Tang Soo Do Karate Institute, and Vice President of The American Tang Soo Do Karate Alliance. Master Schmitt's pride and joy are his two sons Kolton and Karter. Assistant Instructor: Master Linda Ginter

Master Ginter is a loyal black belt whose strong support and dedication has put her at the forefront of this academy. Her passion for the martial arts and strong leadership skills make her an inspiration by all. Recently she made Dubuque history when she was knighted into the masters ranks by Grandmaster David J. Schmitt making her one of Dubuque's first woman masters.