Shihan John L. Petrone

Chief Instructor, The Defense Institute

Direct Student of Professor David James, Grandmaster of the Vee Arnis Jujitsu System. 7th Degree Black Belt, Vee Arnis Jujitsu.

Western States Director of Vee Arnis Jujitsu System, based in New York City, NY.

Personal Protection Specialist for numerous celebrities and corporate executives.

Security Specialist (Bouncer) for numerous nightclubs in NYC.

Professional Ice Hockey Player with affiliate teams of Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, and San Jose Sharks.

Awards

2006 Induction into USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame "Edged and Impact Weapons Instructor of the Year"

2005 Induction into Budo Magazine's Hall of Fame "Self-Defense Instructor of the Year"

2004 Induction into USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame "Jujitsu's Man of the Year"

2003 Silver Induction into Keepers of the Torch Hall of Fame

Teaching Experience

Conducted numerous seminars for domestic violence organizations, including ACOVA and the Center for Domestic Violence in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, CO.

Conductor of seminars for The Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.

Featured Self-Defense and Control Tactics Instructor at The Office of Law Enforcement and Technologies Mock Prison Riot 2001-2005.

Trainer of US Special Forces Operational Detachments 1997-2001

Trainer of over 100 Military Units and Law Enforcement Agencies including Palm Beach Co. Sheriff's Office, FL, El Paso Co. Sheriff's Office, CO, Ft. Carson Special Reaction Team, CO, 302nd Air Force Security Forces, 50th Security Forces, CO, Colorado Department of Corrections Academy Instructors and Special Operations Team, Georgia Department of Corrections, West Virginia Department of Corrections, and numerous others.

Owner and Chief Self-Defense Instructor of The Defense Institute in Colorado Springs and Fountain, CO.