Our Instructors
Full Instructor
BRIAN SULLIVAN
My Martial Arts journey began with a book my sister had given me. The book was titled The Unbeatable Bruce Lee, by the editors of Kung-Fu Monthly. This book would become the cornerstone of my Journey, my Path. I served in the United States Army, where training in hand-to-hand combat helped stoke the fire of my interest.
My first actual lineage teacher was Thomas Spellman, who I met when I was 43., in 2008. I mention lineage because Sensei Spellman is an Elder in an old lineage of Shorin Ju Kenpo. I currently hold a Blue Belt under Sensei Spellman.
I was introduced to Sifu John Doty in 2014. My initial interest was in the Art of Filipino Kali, which I quickly fell in love with. Filipino Kali gave me an avenue to address my health concerns in a positive way. Sifu Doty encouraged my continuing on in the Arts and learning Jeet Kune Do. The close-in fighting style of Jeet Kune Do appeals to me because of its lightning speed and efficiency.
I have studied the various fighting modalities of Bruce Lee, Dan Inosanto, Larry Hartsell, and Paul Vunak. I currently hold the Rank of Full Instructor in Jun Fan Gung-Fu as well as the Rank of Full Instructor in Progressive Fighting Systems.
I am an affiliate of Francis Fong’s Wing Chun Martial Arts Academy, which I hold a Rank of Green Belt. Sifu, Fong comes from a a strong lineage of Wing Chun, which I am honored to help carry on for future Generations.
Martial Arts have provided me the opportunity to grow in a way I cannot imagine. I train to be the best me I can. Martial Arts is so much more than fighting. The journey
Full Instructor
MICHAEL SOTOS
Michael has been training in martial arts for over 10 years. Michael emphasizes the fitness and movement aspects of the martial art. He began his martial arts training in high school with Tae Kwon Do. He practicis EHAMA Eskrima-Kali-Arnis, a multi style system based out of Doce Pares and is in the process of earning his black belt and teaches EHAMA E-K-A at multiple locations. He currently assists in teaching at Ashland Progressive Fighting Systems under Sifu John Doty. He is currently a Full Instructor with Progressive Fighting Systems, an Associate Level IV Instructor with the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association, and a Junior Instructor in EHAMA Eskrima-Kali-Arnis. Michael also holds a Brown Belt in Aikido and ranking in Brazilian Ju Jitsu. He is also a certified fitness coach.
Michael’s training philosophy : “ I love to introduce people to the fitness aspects and brain/cognitive benefits of JKD training. So much more than self defense, it’s a way of life.”
School Founder
Sifu JOHN DOTY
Sifu John Doty has studied Martial Arts for over 55 years starting with Ed Parker in 1964. He served in the United States Air Force as Security Police during the Viet Nam War. His career in law enforcement, private investigation and personal protection afforded him the unique ability to discern what aspects of martial artsworks in the field.
He believes a martial art school may be seen within the context of different philosophies. These are largely dependent on the development of the Teacher. If the teacher’s ego is unbalanced the students don’t receive the benefit of unbiased instruction. I believe in honoring lineage. the bond between teacher, student, and lineage is the source of understanding this art. This is not a school of ego. This is a school of finding your own connection to the lineage.
John currently holds the Rank of Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, Rank of Senior Instructor in Jun Fan Gung Fu through Larry Hartsell, and Senior Instructor in Progressive Fighting Systems, through Sifu Paul Vunak. He has also trained extensively with Dan Inosanto, Burton Richardson and Erik Paulson.
(No Longer In The Rouge Valley)
Sifu, Doty now resides in Florida. He can be reached at gulf coast jkd@gmail.com. Phone #541-301-2570