On any given day, you can find Soke Haisan Kaleak, one of the many great African-American Martial Artists of the 21st century on the mat serving young and old martial arts students and enthuses. His title, “Soke” which means "Founder," is also sometimes referred to as “Baba” a Kiswahili term that translates as “Father or Leader.” He has earned these titles because of his love to identify his martial arts through an Afro-centric meanings. Soke is recognized as one of the leading weapons instructors on the East Coast, is the recipient of 10 martial arts "Hall of Fame" awards and is the proud recipient of the distinguished "Martial Arts Living Legend Award.” In addition to these, he has been recognized for his continued contributions to the community by receiving the certificate of “Special Congressional Recognition” from Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clark and The Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of Service from Senator John Sampson, and New York Citation from the Office of President Borough of Brooklyn city of New York.
Soke Haisan, a member of “Eye to Eye International Jiu-jitsu Federation," is also a Certified Fugitive Recovery Agent and bodyguard to politicians. He is currently the elected President of the "Family of Sanuces" and recipient of USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Hall of Fame, Black Ryu Hall of Fame, Martial Arts Press Conference Hall of fame/ NBLA and recognized by the Bonello foundation Inc. of Veteran affairs.
His most recently published book “I Am Kuroshi-Do spoke of his early days as a martial artist. His 2nd book “Wisdom of Self,” is soon to be released. Soke Haisan Kaleak is also the host of “Doc Radio,” Making the Connection Blog talk radio, an online martial arts radio show he hosts in dedication to his teacher Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Moses Powell. He was host of the Cable TV Show “On the Mat” a Martial Arts Cable TV show, and featured on Diedra Cole/Warrior Within podcast, and on Sensei Emmitt podcast, Agent for national missing Children’s center /Child Search Inc., and Martial Maze.
Soke began his teaching career with the New York Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) in Brownsville, Brooklyn New York at the Howard Houses known for boxing gyms serving the likes of Mike Tyson and other great boxers. He instructed through his dojo Warriors Domaine. His second school was recognized by the Mayor of New York City, David Dinkins as one of the best athletic programs of physical fitness in Brooklyn, New York. As the martial arts director of the Jackie Robinson Center for Physical Culture in Central Brooklyn serving over 4000 youngsters, Soke Haisan was responsible for managing and developing over 350 young martial artists ages 8-18 in this organization. The instructors, all trained by Soke, have managed to develop the best free martial arts after-school program in New York City. Through his hard work and perseverance, Soke Haisan is a great example of how a person can effectively give back to his community.
Throughout his martial arts career, Soke has sought to learn all that he could. Soke's vast skills come from training with some of the best in the martial arts, such as Professor Tadashi Nakamura and Sensei Eric James who provided his training in Kyokushinkai-Kan. His knowledge of Shotokan karate-do come from Professor George Cofield, Shihan Thomas LaPuppet and Sensei Lusayne S. Alston. Soke Little John Davis trained Soke Haisan in Kumite-Ryu. Professor Charles Elmore instructed Soke Haisan in the art of Aki-Elmore-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu. His skills in weaponry were attained through training with Professor Ronald Duncan, Professor Robert "Sugar" Crosson, Soke Steve Alston and Hanshi Charles Sparrow. Those masters have passed on their many years of experience.....
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