Former civil litigation attorney Mark Colangelo made international martial arts history when he received the Founder's Award which recognizes him internationally as the Shuso (Founder) and Soke (Headmaster) of a new martial art "Go Jiu Bujitsu" (The Way of Hard & Soft Martial Arts). Fourteen years ago Colangelo left the practice of law to pursue his passion, training and teaching martial arts. Before creating Go Jiu Bujitsu, some of Colangelo's achievements included: 30 years in martial arts experience; a 6th degree black belt in Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu; a 6th degree black belt in USJA-JuJitsu; a 5th degree black belt in Cuong Nhu Karate; a 3rd degree black belt in Judo; a black belt in Cuong Nhu Soft-Style; being inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame (instructor category); being recipient of the Master's Community Leadership Award; being named Instructor of the Year 1988 & 1995; producing 57 black belts; and operating a full-time dojo (martial arts school) since March 1994.
In order for Colangelo's new martial art to be recognized on an international level, he submitted his Instruction & Training Manual for Go Jiu Bujitsu to the World Head Of Family Sokeship Council (WHFSC) which is one of the largest, most elite and prestigious martial arts Grandmasters councils in the world and which is composed solely of 9th & 10th degree Grandmasters from around the world. The Council: rejects 80% of the materials it receives for consideration; eliminates another 15% after an intensive personal interview; and eliminates another 3-4% after a demonstration of techniques. The WHFSC 19 member board of directors reviewed and evaluated Colangelo's training manual; conducted a surprise intensive personal interview; as well as surprising him with requiring an on-the-spot detailed physical demonstration of techniques from his new art. Colangelo proved to the Council that he could "talk the talk" and "walk the walk" as the saying goes in martial arts.
Colangelo was inducted into, recognized by and became a member of the WHFSC, as well as received it's "Founder's Award" which provided immediate international recognition of Go Jiu Bujitsu as new and legitimate mixed martial art, as well as recognizing Colangelo as the style's founder and 9th degree Grandmaster.
Go Jiu Bujitsu is "a civilized mixed martial art" consisting of a blend of 1/3 traditional Shotokan Karate, 1/3 traditional Jiu Jitsu and 1/3 traditional Judo.
Some of the arts, philosophy includes: slogan "Where I learn to make the seemingly impossible, into a reality;" vision, a heart-shaped world characterized be genuine, sincere and active love for one another; balanced and supported by love & strength; and with a foundation in respect.
Colangelo teaches at Setting Sun Mixed Martial Arts in Ocean Beach and can be reached at (619) 223-8827 or visit www.gojiubujitsu.com.