Martial Arts:
Matthew Apsokardu is a practitioner of Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo of the Nakamura Shigeru, Odo Seikichi, Bruce Heilman lineage. Matthew is a direct student under Heilman Sensei.
Credentials include:
- Training in Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo for 18 years
- Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Kenjutsu and Kendo for 7 years
- Muso Shinden Ryu for 2 Years
- Instructor of both karate and kobudo for 12 years
- Exposure to Daito Ryu Jujutsu, Aikijujutsu, Motobu Udundi, as well as other styles via quarterly IKKF seminars
- Member of the Colorado Community Safety Service for 2 Years
- Member of the Shobayashi Kan led by Bill Hayes
- Member of the IKKF Renshi Kai
- Member of the Rocky Mountain Kendo/Iaido Federation
Instructors and Main Influences:
- C. Bruce Heilman (10th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo, 3rd Dan Jujutsu)
- Ann-Marie Heilman (9th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo)
- Rick Zondlo (7th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo, Shodan Kendo, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu)
- Bill Hayes (9th Dan Shobayashi Ryu)
- Jody Paul (9th Dan Seidokan, Motobu Udundi)
Personal Background:
Matthew Apsokardu graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Professional Writing and a minor in Natural Science.
Matthew has written across various genres and has credits in diverse locations, including…
- Shimbun Martial Arts Magazine
- Jissen Martial Arts Magazine
- Association of International Martial Artists Magazine
- FightingArts.com
- “Surviving a Traditional Dojo” Ebook
- “Shigeru Nakamura” Ebook
- Host of “DojoKD” Video Learning Series
- Woven With Words : Historical Anthology
- Blur : Creative Nonfiction Anthology
- BBMReview.com: Martial Art Product Reviews
Matthew has also been featured as an interview guest on the following programs:
- Writerviews.com – Building Online Presence
- WorkathomeSuccess.com – Self Powered Work
- Low Tech Combat – Traditional Martial Arts and Self Defense
- Columbia University – Martial Arts Learning in a Digital World
- Moai Martial Arts – The Old Ways (A Biographical Interview)
- WingChunGeeks.com – Wing Chun vs Karate Research
- Robin’s Bite – Improved Diet Through The Okinawa Program
- Martial Thoughts Podcast – Okinawa Kenpo and the goal of Ikigai
Contact:
If you have any inquiries or comments for Matthew he can be reached at westernkaratebook@gmail.com.
Fine Print:
All written work and pictures (unless otherwise noted) are copyright of Matthew Apsokardu © (2014). All rights reserved. Practice of any martial art can be potentially dangerous, and Matthew is not responsible for any injury incurred due to attempted application of advice or techniques described on this website. Matthew reserves the right to block any user or commenter he believes is abusing the site or is compromising the community environment.