Black Belt in Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu training under Renzo Gracie, John Danaher and Karel Pravec. One of Renzo’s original students in the U.S.
Dave is 5th Degree Black Belt Shito-Ryu Karate, and has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years.
- USKF and AAU2 Time all American
- 2 Time National champion
- 2 Time Silver Medalist at Nationals
- 2 Time Regional Champion
- Multiple medals at Regional Champions
A letter from David Cheung, Silver Fox BJJ Instructor
Why martial arts? Cause it's cool and.....
I started my martial arts career like most people with Tae Kwon Do. This was back in Hong Kong 1979. In 1982 I came to America and started Karate with Shihan J.H. Kim (10th degree) at Brookdale
community college. I believe it was 94 I meet Renzo. I owe Shihan Kim, Renzo and martial arts so much, I don't think I can repay it in 2 lifetimes.
It was because of martial arts, I was able to have a second home (I came to this country alone at 17. My father died when I was 5). Shihan Kim mentored me through college, I saw the whole US from Vegas to Florida through competing, he cosigned my first car loan and in 1997 he helped me achieve the ultimate. In 1997 through a special immigration category called "outstanding achievement" (less than 1% of all immigration applications and approvals), I was granted a green card and later, full citizenship. It was recommendation letters from many martial art masters spear headed by Shihan Kim and my record that I was able to become a citizen. To this day, Shihan Kim is a father figure to me and we remain very close. I am just one of many he as touched.
Renzo is and will always be an inspiration. Renzo is an outstanding instructor, fearless competitor and was fighting "no rules" way before the UFC. It is Renzo's character though (true martial artist) which inspires a fierce loyalty amongst his 1200 + students and 35+ affiliate schools. I still train at Renzo's main academy in NYC on a regular basis. Renzo has also been a great friend, helping me on many occasions and imparting his wisdom. I will always be in his corner.
Many young students treat Jiu Jitsu as a "sport". Jiu Jitsu is the furthest thing from a sport, it is a true martial art. Jiu Jitsu focuses on loyalty and character building, by those two criteria alone, has to qualify it as a martial art.
For those who focus on just technique and personal gain, they are missing the big picture and I quote Renzo "that my friend is truly a tragedy".
Train hard and prosper.
David Cheung,
Renzo Gracie Black Belt
5th Degree Black Belt Shito-Ryu Karate under Shihan J.H. Kim (10th degree)
