Michael Damasco Student Assistant
Seattle Wushu Center
(Picture coming soon)
Michael began his martial arts training at age 14 in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate under Shihan Rjames Williams and his wife Sensei Aida Williams. Throughout his youth, his training included Chinese Kempo Karate under Grandmaster Vincent Martinez and Ryukyu Kempo/Small-Circle Jujitsu under Sensei Jason Bachman. He spent this time solidifying his specialty in forms before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1996. After leaving the service Michael was introduced to Wing Chun Kung Fu under Sifu Ed Dumancas and Grandmaster Robert Yeung of the Wing Chun Kung Fu Association of Hawaii, further enhancing his self-defense skills.
After deciding to move to Seattle in 2002, Michael was then introduced to Wushu and began training under Master Instructor Yijiao Hong. In July 2006 Michael had the opportunity to train in Beijing, China at ShiChaHai Sports School, with the advanced students from Seattle Wushu and members of the Beijing Wushu Team. The training in Beijing was a great motivator for him to enhance his skills and "drive", and he has used that same drive to push himself in local tournaments and Wushu demonstrations.
As well as studying Wushu, Michael also trains in the Remy Presas system of Philippine Modern Arnis under Punong Guro Myrlino Hufana and is often invited to attend Philippine Martial Arts Expositions.
Michael's ability to teach and coach others, is influenced by his military background. Michael was proficient in teaching large groups of personell in Navy/Marine Corps Military Drill and Ceremonies, parade march, proper use of ceremonial swords, stunt performance with rifles, exhibition and ceremonies with Color Guard Teams.
Most Recent Events:
World Filipino Martial Arts Expo
Bellevue 2003
Las Vegas 2004
Anaheim 2005
34th Annual Shorinryu Open Karate Championships 2007
1st Place-Intermediate Forms Division
1st Place-Intermediate Kumite Division
Lee Martial Arts Open 2008
Gold Medal-Open & Creative Forms (Nanquan)
35th Annual Shorinryu Open Karate Championships 2008
1st Place-Intermediate Forms Division
1st Place-Intermediate Kumite Division