Steve DeMasco
Steve DeMasco |
The holder of a 10th-degree black belt in Shaolin kempo, the president of United Studios of Self-Defense, East Coast and founder of the Kids for Life Foundation, DeMasco knows how to work with violence, aggression and difficult circumstances in a way that only a survivor can. Having grown up on welfare and the victim of an abusive father in the projects of Brockton, Massachusetts, Steve was able to transform tragic childhood circumstances into tools that effectively challenge young (and old) people to deal with hardships and realize their full potential. In 1997, DeMasco was invited by now-Secretary of State Colin Powell to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s “Presidential Summit for America’s Promise.” He was appointed by Governor John Rowland to serve on the Connecticut State Commission on National and Community Service in 1999—and is still an active contributor to this board today. He has spoken on violence at Harvard and Yale, as well as being instrumental in creating a program to link the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His work has been praised by the America Reads Challenge, the U.S. House of Representatives, the State of Connecticut and the City of New Haven among many others. Additionally, he is the creator of the Cool Karate School book series. Having sold more than 400,000 copies, the series teaches school children respect, discipline and self-control. In 1999, DeMasco also received the Director’s Community Leadership Award from Director Louis Freeh of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the “Heroes Among Us” Award from the Boston Celtics. And, of course, the martial arts community has honored this pioneer as well. Black Belt magazine inducted DeMasco into their Hall of Fame as the 1998 Instructor of the Year. Citing “his lifelong dedication to educating children using the martial arts,” Black Belt called DeMasco “one of the top kung fu technicians in the United States” and “one of the most powerful men in martial arts today.” DeMasco understands the difficulties that our communities and citizens face. He knows violence and aggression personally. His voice carries knowledge and authenticity. As a genuine master and teacher, he offers heartfelt stories, courageous advice and working tools to help kids, parents, schools and communities transform themselves—and the world. In 2001, DeMasco released An American's Journey to the Shaolin Temple through Black Belt Books, documenting his journey to mainland China in pursuit of the ultimate in Shaolin training and achievement of a strong body, a strong mind and a compassionate heart. He also released two series of DVDs through Black Belt Magazine Video: one set on the five animal forms of Shaolin (black tiger, dragon, snake, crane and leopard) and one three-disc set on Shaolin chuan fa. In 2005, he co-wrote The Shaolin Way: 10 Modern Secrets of Survival from a Shaolin Grandmaster. For more information, visit www.stevedemasco.com.  SHAOLIN TEMPLE KUNG FU DVD SERIES BY STEVE DEMASCO AVAILABLE NOW! Click here for more profiles! |
