I was first introduced to Savate watching a tv show featuring special forces officers operating at the eve of World War I and became rapidly impressed by the effectiveness of their kicking techniques. Years later in 1983, I finally had the opportunity to be introduced to the art through a community class, the excitement rapidly grew into a passion that has led me to teach for the past 30 years. Before I knew it I had dedicated myself to become the best Savateur I could be training as much as I could with my very first teacher, Jacques Razat, and taking seminars all over the country. I was quickly caught by the competition bug when I met Franco DiGuglielmo, one of the most successful Savate coaches in the history of the sport, who helped achieve my goal and ultimately coached me to win the French Cup in 1988. 

After competing for six years in Savate, as well as in boxing, I retired from the ring to focus on teaching, coaching, judging and refereeing. A Professor holding teaching credentials from the Ministry of Sports in Savate and Boxing, I also hold a Silver Glove 2nd degree, the highest Savate rank in the US. 

Since moving to Los Angeles, CA in 1992, I have worked avidly to promote the sport: teaching, leading, training or coaching successful US teams to several World Savate Championships. Shortly thereafter, I had the honor to be invited by Chad Stahelski to teach Savate Kickboxing with strong emphasis on ring tactics at the internationally famous Inosanto Academy. For several years, I had the chance to be working with and training martial art legends such as Ron Balicki, Erik Paulson, and Josh Barnett. Those incredible martial artists have shaped me and helped me to become the teacher I am today. I since have had the privilege to teach seminars in some of the most highly recognized martial arts schools in the world such as Francis Fong Martial Arts Academy and Degerberg Academy while also being featured as a guest instructor at Ron Balicki’s MARS Camps and Erik Paulson’s CSW World Conferences.

Over the years, I have authored Savate instructional videos, and several articles in Martial arts magazines. In addition, I also have been featured in a multitude of articles, documentaries, and training videos such as Martial Arts: The real Story, Modern Warriors, and World Combat Championship, or STX Kickboxing, or online training platform such University of Martial Arts.