With Regret...

"Those friends thou hast and their adoption tried
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel."

It is with great regret and a heavy heart that I must inform our students and visitors of a great loss to our family. Last night, our friend and training partner, John Corro passed away. We do not yet have the details, but will post more information as it arrives.

John was young, healthy and one of the hardest working people I've ever known. 15 years ago, he introduced me to the grappling arts, expanded my understanding of kickboxing, and was a great sounding board for training advice. John was competitive not only with himself, but with the clock, fitting a professional level triathalon training regime into an increasingly hectic work schedule, all while supporting his family.

John and I started the Brazilian Jiujitsu program at Four Winds Martial Arts, we trained often in that and in Kickboxing over the years. A more enthusiastic, dedicated training partner could not be found. I was in the stands the last time he competed at NAGA, and rolled with him as recently as December of 2008. As a teacher, he brought encouragement and insight to his students, while pushing them to realize their potential in every workout. Though he stepped back from teaching due to a conflicting work schedule, he still trained regularly at the Matamoros Dojo. His enthusiasm touched many schools in the Milwaukee area, and his presence will be sorely missed.

Visitation and funeral is scheduled for:
Wednesday - Feb 4th, 2009 at:

St. Mary Catholic Parish
9520 W. Forest Home Avenue
Hales Corners, WI 53130

Visitation from 3:00pm - 5:45pm
Service at 6pm

We will be closing the school to allow students and staff to attend. Classes will resume on Thursday, February 5th.

- Anthony Sell
January 30, 2009