Instructor Profiles

Chief Instructor of Just for Kicks The Martial Arts University, was born on Grand Master Sokon Matsumura’s birthday (July 7th).   He is an Internationally Certified 9th Degree Black Belt, promoted to the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt and and Kobudo title Hanshi はんし in March of 2013, and Menkyo Kaiden ゔぇんそん   in April of 2013.  The title Hanshi is held by only six other living people in the Shuri-Ryu system, and Menkyo Kaiden is only held by nine other people in the United States.   In 2014, Hanshi Venson was Inducted into the Prestigious PKC Elite Society, as a Charter Member.  He was the second selection of the charter members that were personally selected by はんし Glenn R. Keeney (President and Founder of The Professional Karate Commission in September, 1989).   The Venson family’s Martial Arts schools are traditional Okinawan Karate Dojo’s which teach the classical principles of the Shuri-Ryu Martial Arts System.   Hanshi Venson still studies diligently under the direction of O’Sensei Robert H. Bowles – 10th Degree Black Belt Shuri Ryu Karate.  John II  is among the elite martial artists in the extensive training of the Chief Instructor program of Shuri-Ryu, one of the most challenging martial arts systems in America.  Only the most outstanding Yudansha are selected for this by the Inner Council of Shuri-Ryu.

Personally Trained Under and Promoted by O’Sensei Robert A. Trias – Father of Karate-Do in America (1972-1989).

Professional Karate Commission “Man of The Decade” – Awarded to 2010

Hanshi Venson’s Instructors:

• Sensei John H. Venson – Student of O’Sensei Trias  (Deceased 1993)
• O’Sensei Robert A. Trias (Deceased 1989)
• O’Sensei Robert H. Bowles- Student of Grandmaster Trias (1993 – Present)

Reginald L. Venson – 7th Degree Black Belt Shuri Ryu Karate – Renshi

Renshi Reginald L. Venson is Blessed to have known and receive lessons from The Father of Karate, himself, O’Sensei Robert A. Trias, and although O’Sensei Trias passed away while Reggie was very young, he has continued his studies under his grandfather (John H. Venson) and his father (John  Venson II), both of whom studied directly under the Great Master Trias.  Reginald is the first son to follow his father into the U.S. Karate Hall of Fame, and joins John Venson II as the first father/son combination in The PKC Elite Society.  Reggie is the youngest member of the inaugural group of inductees into The PKC Elite Society (The Most Outstanding Competitors in the history of The Professional Karate Commission)

Reginald is also currently the only martial artist to be inducted into all three of the elite warrior societies formed by leadership instructed directly by O’Sensei Trias. (Bushido International Society – United States Karate Hall-of-Fame – Budo International Society)   These three societies were in all in one organization before O’Sensei Trias passed away in 1989, and the heads of each still remain original Trias International Society members while presiding over their interdependent societies.

Reginald captured the 2003-2004 PKC National Middleweight fighting championship, and along with Lightweight champion Dwight J. Venson, became the first brothers to hold National Point Champion titles in the same season in any organization.  Reginald Venson has been at the top as the PKC National Points Champion in Forms, Fighting, and/or weapons for more than a decade now (2003-2016).   He was promoted to 7th Degree black belt in May of 2018, and in 2010, became one of the last Black Belts to receive rank confirmation from Hanshi Ridgely Abele.  Reginald  is also among the elite Yudansha in the extensive training of the Chief Instructor program of Shuri-Ryu, one of the most challenging martial arts systems in America.  Only the most outstanding Yudansha are selected for  this by the Inner Council of Shuri-Ryu.

Dr. Dwayne Cook – 4th Degree Black Belt Shuri Ryu Karate

Sensei Dwayne Cook is a 3rd Degree Black Belt, and also holds a P.H.D. in Theology. He is a champion competitor, Deshi, and in addition to teaching at Just For Kicks, Dr. Cook was the owner/head instructor of Internal Strength Martial Arts located on Chicago’s north side.