Sifu Scott Gordon has been studying Martial Arts for the past 24 years. He has achieved the rank of Black Belt in the system of Chinese Kenpo, as well as, obtained the rank of Black Sash in the system of Chang Chuan (Longfist). He has also studied Modern Arnis, Jun Fan Gung Fu, and Thai Boxing and is currently studying Contemporary Wushu and Hsing-I Chuan.

Sifu Robert Bartkowski has been studying martial arts for over 16 years. He is a certified instructor of the Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) Gung Fu lineage under the prestigious Ng Family Chinese Martial Arts Association, headquartered in Chicago’s Chinatown.  In addition, Robert has studied various Chinese gung-fu systems (Hung Gar 5 animal fist, Chi Tai Lung Gung Fu and Chinese Kenpo), Taekwondo, Tai Chi Chuan and Jeet Kune Do. Robert also holds  a 1st degree black belt Assistant Instructor status from the American Taekwondo Association, an Apprentice Instructor certificate in Intense Defense Systems Close-Quarter Combat (Jeet Kune Do) under Sifu Joseph Goytia of Chicago, IL and a Phase III  Instructor rank in the Proactive Personal Security system of self-defense under Empower Training Systems.

Our Tai Chi class is taught by the owner, Mrs. Lee, who has trained in martial arts of various styles for over 40 years. Her favorite systems she has experienced are Kyokushin-Kai and Goju Karate, Wing Chun, Kali/Escrima, and of course Tai Chi. She has been running her business here in Oak Forest for the past 20 years after taking over for her brother Jong Yi in the mid-80’s.

Danny Cichocki, a.k.a. Danny Lee, has taken over the everyday operations at Lee’s M/A Supply since 1998. He has trained in martial arts privately with his family for as long as he could remember. Whether it is with his uncle Jong Yi and his mother Mrs. Lee, Dan has always been involved in training through most of his life.  He currently teaches the Filipino Stick and Knife classes daily along with Self Defense classes for both men and women.

Sifu Erik Butler is the newest addition to the Lee’s Family and we are absolutely thrilled to provide students an opportunity to train in Gracie Jui-Jitsu with him here at the Academy.  Sifu Erik began his martial arts training in grade school and has continued his training for over 30 years studying various disciplines such as boxing, Muay Thai, Kali-Escrima and Judo.  He received a 2nd degree black belt in Shidokan Karate from the honorable Yasunori Matsumoto.  Currently a Brown belt, Erik began training in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu over 10 years ago under Masters Carlson Gracie and Carlson Gracie, Jr. where he trained with the likes of MMA WEC Champion Miguel Torres and Ultimate Fighter Co-Champion Stephan Bonner.  Erik has also excelled in teaching and training numerous BJJ champions in NAGA, Gracie Nationals and Pan American competitions, however, he still believes the most important student is the newest student in class.