Masters Hall of Fame World News Interview of Sijo James Culpepper (Host: Michelle Manu)

Sijo James R. Culpepper started very early in Dayton, Ohio with directions from his mother. He moved to Iowa where he joined the Waterloo Police Boxing Club. With extensive training, he won the Golden Gloves and became state champion, Sijo quickly realized his passion was in martial arts. After boxing, he started working out in martial arts (Tang Soo Do) in 1964. Sijo later moved back to Dayton, Ohio and began wrestling for Colonel White High School. He continued to keep martial arts as my number one passion of exercise - Tang Soo Do.
After high school, Sijo joined the United States Marines. He is a Vietnam Veteran who received an Honorable Discharge. He continued to pursue martial arts training in Los Angeles, California In 1977 he began his studies in Hapkido under Master Diane Johnson, receiving his 1st Degree Black Belt in Hapkido. Sijo then earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in Thai Chi Jujitsu under Master Fred Peterson. He then earned his 9th Degree Black Belt under Grandmaster Steve Sanders, a.k.a. Sijo Steve Muhammad in Kenpo Karate.
Sijo's nickname is “Sweetpepper” because of his fast and accurate fighting techniques. Under Universal Systems, he holds a 10th Degree Black Belt, Doctor, and 9th Dan Supreme Grandmaster and recently promoted to Sijo in BKF.
He is a recent inductee of 2014 International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame. Sijo has been feature in Black Belt Magazine, received a Certificate of Participation for hard work and dedication at Disneyland Martial Arts Festival 2008, certificate of appreciation as a “Guest Lecturer in Self-Defense” in physical education program at the University of Southern California (USC) 2009, and is currently a guest instructor. Sijo has also held grand champion numerous of times, two-time world champion, state champion, international grand champion, and national champion. He was also inducted into United States Martial Artist Association Hall of Fame in 2011. Sijo received Instructor Of The Year in 2011, Certificate of Commendation from City of Carson, California for outstanding contributions to the martial arts community. In addition to Certificate of Commendation from City of Los Angeles for outstanding contributions to the music scene and the performing arts for life and education foundation’s “Master Ball 2011”, and Masters Hall of Fame's Golden Life Achievement Award in 2012. Sijo was also honored by “Carson Black Chamber of Commerce” 7th annual black business gala in recognition appreciation trendsetter in sportsmanship 2012. He has been teaching martial arts for over thirty years dating back to 1988 and has over 40 years of experience in martial arts.
Sijo has a Doctorate in the Art of Kenpo Karate/B.K.F. and teaches martial arts, self-defense, self-respect, and self-control classes, helping to keep the community safe, for both kids and adults throughout the city of Carson Park, California and recreation since 1988.

[@jameshenderson7684]

AWESOME, James. It warms my heart to know someone who I grew up with has achieved great fame and is being recognized.

[@djjackson3234]

My uncle is amazing! So proud!

[@marqueljb7410]

I've trained with this brotha and he is the man.

[@Deconwilliams2109]

Much love

[@RoninJoegenji0085]

This is an incredible video

[@kristalilboudo7678]

Nice

[@cmgpromotionsz]

My man pep is brutal