Sensei Mark Blackson started his Martial Arts training in Hawaii in 1982 with Sensei Kenneth Funakoshi in Shotokan. While stationed there he met Sensei Louis Olivera and convinced him to come over to the Okinawa system with Sensei Paul Ortino Jr. Sensei Blackson stayed with Sensei Paul up into mid 1986 obtaining the rank of Shodan in 1985.

After getting out of the Marine Corps Sensei Blackson went into Law Enforcement. He continued training in the Kenpo style and started training in other forms while in law enforcement. He used the training for instructing law enforcement officers and while on the job.

He latter moved to the state of Mississippi and began training in Shotokan again under Sensei Jim Berry and Sensei Marshall Berry. After training with them and obtaining Ni Dan under there instruction Sensei Berry closed his school and Sensei Blackson opened his. At this same time he was able to make contact with Sensei Paul Ortino again after several years, and went back to teaching the Okinawa system under Master Paul.  Sensei Blackson was promoted to the rank of Nidan in 2004 in the Dharma Ryu Dojo.

Blackson's Martial Arts is a member of the USA NKF and SMAC. Sensei is the district 1 rep for SMAC and has competed in several tournaments through out his martial arts career. Sensei has been Grand Champion in his division several times and continues to compete. He has had the chance to train several students in Karate, and has had some students go to the Nationals and win Gold Medals. They also went on to the Junior Olympics and Metaled there.

Web site: www.blacksonsmartialarts.com