Shannon Spicknall

Senpai Shannon Spicknall

Martial Arts Biography

Senpai

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

March 2018 – Present | Instructor – Joe Cayer, PhD, Grand Master

Shotokan Karate (2nd Dan)

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

September 2016 – Present | Instructor – Joe Cayer, PhD, Grand Master

Seiei Kan All American Karate Do Union A.K.J.U. (1st Dan)

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

September 2016 – Present | Instructor – Joe Cayer, PhD, Grand Master

IKI Krav Maga (2nd Dan Black Belt & Apprentice Instructor)

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

April 2016 – Present | Instructor – Joe Cayer, PhD, Grand Master and Moshe Katz, IKI Head Instructor

ECMA Krav Maga (2nd Dan Black Belt & Assistant Instructor)

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

April 2016 – Present | Instructor – Joe Cayer, PhD, Grand Master

Escrima & Defensive Stick Tactics (2 Black Belts – 1st Dans)

East Winds Martial Arts, Merced, CA

Instructor – Glenn Abrescy, Grand Master

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

January 2018 – Present | Instructor – Joe Cayer, PhD, Grand Master

Kodiak Life Protection Systems, Jacksonville, FL

Instructor – Master Keith Foskey

KaJuKenBo (2nd Dan Black Belt)

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Instructor – Master Joe Cayer

IRMAA – International Realistic Martial Arts Association, Shreveport, LA

Instructor – Grand Master Jay Vera

IaiJutsu (1st Degree Black Belt)

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Instructor – Master Joe Cayer

Kobudo (Blue Belt)

Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Instructors – Master Joe Cayer, Joey Brown, and Britton Mays

Sikaran Sanano Martial Arts Systems (Yellow Belt)

World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines – The Fighting Art of the Filipino Farmer

Instructor – Punong Guru Abel E Colon, Sanano Martial Arts System (SMAS)

Eastern USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame (EUSAIMAA)

1st Induction – Martial Arts Perseverance Award – September 2018

2nd Induction – Black Belt Instructor of the Year – September 2019

Ask A Black Belt

How old are you? 46

What does being a black belt mean to you? A journey of learning self-defense, combative techniques and most importantly learning myself. Using the Dojo Kun (Guiding Principles) in my training and life outside of the dojo.

What inspired you to begin martial arts? My interest started at a young age seeing Bruce Lee and also being bullied as a young child.

How have you changed since being a white belt? Each discipline that I train in, I start at a white belt. Each time I humble myself to learn knew techniques to add to my tool box of self-defense. There is something new to learn everyday no matter what your belt level.

What motivated you to keep going during the difficult parts of training? My sons have always been my primary motivator. I am a disabled veteran and lived in a wheelchair for about 5 years. I went through complete rehabilitation and still struggle today with health and physical disabilities. I push myself to show my sons that no matter what life throws at you, you can achieve anything with hard work and determination.

How long did it take you to earn your black belt? Each Black Belt that I have earned has taken different lengths of time. My first took about 5 years.

What advice would you give to aspiring black belts? The same that I give my sons on everything they do, “Never give up!”

You have achieved a milestone many do not reach; what’s next for you? Continue all of my training and earning rank. Bringing up others to achieve their Black Belts.