My interest in martial arts actually came early when in fifth grade I watched a local Judo class. I ended up enrolled in a boxing program taught by my schoolteacher Rollie Pier, an educator and professional boxer.
I began karate because of being bullied and beaten up. When I was sixteen I suffered at the hands of a neighborhood bully and was traumatized both emotionally and physically by the experience. It was a few months after this episode that I watched my first martial arts class and knew that this was for me.
Since 1969 I have trained with many great instructors and in many martial arts systems. My first teacher was a Philippine man named Jose DeGuzman who would whet my appetite for martial arts training. He ran very tough and demanding classes that would tax any beginner or advanced student. He took a liking to me and would invite me to train privately with him at his home on the weekends. I always showed up and trained hard. He is gone now but he set a great example of how I should conduct myself as a martial arts teacher.
I am a Senior Master Instructor
Seventh Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do (World Dang Soo Do Union under Grandmaster Song Ki Kim, Seoul, Korea), Seventh Degree Black Belt (honorary) Koga Ryu Ninjutsu First Degree Black Belt Kyokushin/Kokondo Karate, Eight Degree Black belt and Ninth Degree Black Belt (certified by Eric Breuer- Grandmaster of Universal Martial Arts System), U.S. Tang Soo Do Federation (dan #020232, Grandmaster Shin).
In the 1980's I was a nationally ranked competitor (Professional Karate League) ranked in top five in weapons and forms (over 35 division) and have won numerous Grand Championships. I have won several World Cups in International competition and first place Heavyweight team sparring in Moscow, Russia. I have been a quadruple crown winner in tournaments winning first in sparring, forms, weapons and musical forms.
With a Bachelors degree in psychology and a Master Degree in School Counseling I have devoted my life to martial arts. With this background and experience I have become a child development/safety expert who is also a master motivator and success coach. I am also a nationally certified personal trainer.
My mission is to create a better world filled with people who are happy, healthy, confident and successful, benefiting in life from a unique martial arts experience.
We now teach our instructors the principles of success psychology, motivational techniques and child development. These concepts enable us to teach the life skills our martial arts program is famous for.
The Mike Bogdanski Martial Arts System is a blend of traditional and modern martial arts that offers an effective self-defense program along with personal development. This formula for success makes it easier to handle the pressures of every day living.
Children learn to concentrate and focus their energy constructively, which results in better schoolwork and grades. Teens and adults love our program that focuses on physical health as well as building character and respect. Our modern style of martial arts training provides a comprehensive and unique course encompassing effective karate, judo, boxing, Kali, jiu jutsu and ninjutsu techniques. It is state of the art in martial arts systems, renowned through the world for developing well rounded and effective martial arts students.
"Congratulations on 40 years! Thanks for taking me under your wing as an 11 year old. Nichols College, the garage sessions, all the tournaments we went to and all the beatings you gave me are all great memories of my younger days. You were a big part of my childhood and I'm glad we are still friends so many years later."
Paul Arel, Dwight Scherban – Kyokushinkai karate and Kokondo Karate
Bob Cheezic – Tang Soo Do
Felix Vazques – Ninjutsu, ju jutsu, kobudo weaponry
Bill Wallace – Kick boxing
Joe Lewis – Kick Boxing
Gary Wilcox – Judo
Bob Liedke – Aikido
Herb Perez – Tae Kwon Do
Carlos Newton- BJJ
Billy Blanks – sparring
Dave Sgro – Mu Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do
Rickson, Renzo and Relson Gracie – Brazilian Ju Jutsu
Joe Maffei – Jeet Kune Do and Brazilian Ju jutsu
David Meyer, John Will, Brian Johnson– Brazilian Ju jutsu
Larry Hartsell- JKD, shoot wrestling
Dan Severn, Frank Shamrock- MMA
Darren Levine - Krav Maga
Ron Balicki – JKD
Leo Gaje- Kali
Roland Pier and Lenny Stavrou – Boxing
Eris Breuer- Rossi Kuntao, Chun Kuk Do
Alex Ottiano (Olympic Team Member)- Judo
Nick Cerio - Kenpo
Dwight Scherban - Kyokushinkai, Bando
Grandmaster Mariano Estioko- Tang Soo Do
Kwan Jang Nim Song Ki Kim - Tang Soo Do
Competition was a big part of my martial arts career. I have competed and won on a national and international level. I have won gold medals at the World Cup in Hungary, Team Captain on the winning U.S.A. sparring team – Moscow (Olympic sports complex), World cup gold medalist- Michigan, Won five first places in Australia competition (twice), Nationally rated competitor in forms and weapons by Professional Karate League, Winner of CT. Martial Arts Federation Tournament of champions, winner of New England Grands (invitation only), numerous 1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophies and tournament Grand championships including winning a trip to Bermuda. I guess that’s why I know so many people around the world.
Visit www.mikebogdanski.com to read about my anti bully program. Because of my own bullying experience I realize that bullying is an international epidemic and that I can make a difference. I have traveled all over New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, Canada and Virginia speaking to kids about the problem of bullying and how we can deal with it nonviolently. It is my goal to speak in every state in order to spread my message. My anti bully program is called H.E.R.O. and stands for Help Everyone Respect Others.
