Shihan John began training in the Martial Arts with Shihan Larry Sullivan in May 1992 and received his 1st Degree Black Belt in March of 1996.  During the course of his training, he competed in tournaments and won trophies in Self Defense, Weapons Forms and Empty Handed Forms.

Through continued training and advancement, he became a Certified Senior Instructor in Sullivan’s American Kenpo in June of 2004, and received his 5th Degree Black Belt on July 11th, 2009. Hanshi Larry Sullivan, in May of 2006, selected Shihan John as the Head Instructor for a new school, which became USA Karate, Rehoboth.

Shihan John is a graduate of Iona College, in New Rochelle, New York, with a Degree in History. Upon Graduation, he attended Officer Candidate School at Newport RI and was Commissioned an Ensign in Feb. of 1972. Shihan John served 9 ½ years active duty during which time he deployed to the Pacific twice including a tour to Vietnam., and two North Atlantic Deployments that included Special Operation in the Artic. Shihan John served an additional 14 ½ years in the Naval Reserve, retiring from the Naval War College Reserve Staff with the rank of Commander.

Shihan John is married with two children both of whom have trained with him. His son earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt before retiring.