In
1974 at 6 years of age, Mr. Ivester saw the movie Billy Jack. The film sparked his interest in
the martial arts and he began formally studying American Karate in 1976 at
the age of 8. Mr. Ivester had over 31 years
of study and practice in American Fighting Styles & Asian Fighting
Systems. Mr. Ivester taught martial arts for 25 yrs, and was the owner of the
Institute of Combat Technology from 1994 until v his passing in 2008.
He was
a member of the International Combatives Self-Defense Association, the Prajurit
Persaudaraan (Warrior Brotherhood) and the Combat Silat Union. He was elected
as an assistant coach for the 1989-1992 Junior Olympics Karate Team in Tampa,
FL.
In addition to his martial arts training he was
involved in the Security & Law Enforcement field for over 20 years. He was
a Deputy Sheriff, Florida State Prison Correctional Officer, Professional Body Guard,
Bouncer, Security Officer & Security Consultant as well as having joined
the United States Marine Corp in 1986 to serve his country.
Mr. Ivester held
Instructor ranking in several forms of Silat, Aikido, Kung Fu, Shorinji Kenpo
and Tae Kwon Do. He also trained extensively in wrestling, boxing, Military
Close Quarters Combat, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics.
Having been in over 100 real self-protection/use of force situations due to his work in Law Enforcement,
Corrections, Security, Bouncing, Executive Protection as well as growing up in
some tough neighborhoods, Mr. Ivester used his vast experience to develop a style of self-protection that is simple, fast, and effective in today’s real world.
