Sensei Barber’s study of the
martial arts began with grappling, having both
folk and freestyle wrestling experience since
the age of 13. Upon entering college, he delved
deeper into martial arts training, becoming a
competitive full contact kickboxer. As a
wrestler and fighter he won numerous matches,
ultimately winning an ISKA Regional Kickboxing
Championship title and eventually received his
first black belt in a hybrid system that blended
kickboxing, Kyokushin and Shotokan Karate.
Transitioning from ring fighting to
self-defense, Sensei Barber began to study
various systems to find one that built upon his
foundation and deepened his understanding of
combatives. Eventually, this led to a chance
meeting with Master Josh Moree, while visiting
Atlanta Ryukyu Kempo. Eager to learn more, he
was excited to find out that Master Moree was
opening his own dojo and has been his student
since the doors of Atlanta Kyusho and Jujitsu
opened.
| Along the way,
Sensei Barber has had the opportunity to study
other disciplines; Aikijujutsu, Atienza Kali,
law enforcement defensive tactics, Systema, Muay
Thai, and feels that it is through this broad
lens that he has been able to appreciate the
martial concepts that are universal to
combatives. “I have been blessed to have crossed
paths with gifted practitioners of the arts and
have learned from those experiences. As I have
trained, I have come across many techniques;
some effective, others not so much. The test has
became, “how did they work when applying kyusho?”
That’s when I knew I was hooked!” |
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In addition to his black belt rankings in
Kickboxing, Ryukyu Kempo and Jodoryu Jujitsu,
Sensei Barber is a licensed paramedic, certified
CrossFit Level I Instructor, Olympic Lifting
Instructor and a Movement & Mobility Coach.
Sensei Barber is also an avid bowhunter and
firearms enthusiast.
“I’ve been especially blessed in my life and
refuse to waste my time doing nothing.”
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