Handwerker Martial Arts :: Chief Instructor

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
Mish Handwerker

Always fascinated by the martial arts, Mr. Handwerker did not begin his martial studies until mid 1990.

Like many, his training began in the Korean sport of Tae Kwon Do which he studied for a couple of years. It was then that an instructor of his introduced him the Okinwan art of Ryukyu Kempo and the Dillman theory of Pressure Points (Kyusho-Jitsu); not being a sport minded individual, this has been his main focus ever since.

While keeping Okinawan Kempo as his main style, Mr. Handwerker has explored other arts and styles such as Aikido, Judo, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Small Circle Jujitsu™, Modern Arnis and Kenjutsu. He has had the privilege of working with high-ranking instructors in these arts, most notably George Dillman of Ryukyu Kempo, Professor Wally Jay and Leon Jay of Small Circle Jujitsu™ and the late Professor Remy Presas the Father of Modern Arnis.

Though he is starting to make his own instructional videos and books, Mr. Handwerker frist appeared in print in the first two arnis books by Professor Dan Anderson, "Defanging the Snake: A Guide to Modern Arnis Disarms," and "Advanced Modern Arnis: A Road to Mastery;" which he also appears on the cover. He now appears on the cover of Professor Anderson's second edition of his book "Mano Y Mano: The Weaponless Fighting Applications of Modern Arnis" (Though you cannot tell it is him). And to help plug Professor Anderson's memoirs Mr. Handwerker is mentioned on page 139.

Mr. Handwerker currently works for Providence Health & Services in their Security department while also running Handwerker Martial Arts and Matador Academy from his home. He continues his studies of Kempo under the guidance of Master Jim Slothower. He has continued his study of Modern Arnis under the direction of Professor Dan Anderson and has in the last few of years, added the art of Bram Frank's Modular Conceptual Knife which is based on Modern Arnis.

You can find Mr. Handwerker's DVD's on Amazon.com. His first one became available in September 2011. CLICK HERE

Mr. Handwerker's Credits and Certifications

3rd Degree Black Belt - Okinawan Kempo

1st Degree Black Belt - Ryukyu Kempo (Dillman Karate Int.)

Practical And Tactical Handcuffing (PATH®) - Instructor

Monadnock Expandable Baton (MEB®) - Instructor

Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Training (OCAT®) - Instructor

Providence PepperFoam Training - Instructor

Prevention and Management of Assaultive Behavior - Instructor

Bloodborne Pathogens for Security Providers - Course Developer

Oregon DPSST Certified Security Professional - #27828

OLCC Service Permit - #286865

BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR & AED)

Awarded the Life Saving Medal - Portland Police 6.2010

Founding Member of Matador Academy

Images from top to bottom:GM Mark Kline & Mr. Handwerker 10.2011 | Professor Dan Anderson and Mr. Handwerker 4.2011 | Mr. Handwerker & GM George Dillman 12.2005

Image left: Officers Sarah Kerwin, Jen Koolhoven & Mr. Handwerker 6.2010