Shihan Michael Woods started his martial arts journey at the age of sixteen, at Milford Studio of self defense, under the instruction of Shihan Joe Shuras and Sensei Steve Linnell. After graduating from Bentley College in 1991 he resumed training with Sensei Craig Seavey.

Shihan received the rank of Shodan, 1st degree black belt, in 1993 at Nick Cerio’s Kenpo Karate, and received the title of “Sensei” from Professor Nick Cerio and Shihan Craig Seavey.

Shihan received the rank of Godan 5th degree Black belt and the title of Shihan in April 2007, from Shihan Colleen LeMay and Professor Rocky DiRico.

In 2008 Shihan Michael Woods received the rank of Shodan in Small circle Jujitsu and Shodan in Castoldi’s street self defense Jujitsu from professor Dave Castoldi and since been promoted to Godan – 5th Degree Black Belt.

Shihan currently holds the rank of Hachidan 8th degree Black belt awarded by Professor Rocky DiRico in June of 2014 in Kenpo Karate.

May 2008

Inducted into the International karate Hall of Fame

January 2004

Inducted into the Rocky DiRico Hall of Fame

October 2004

Inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall Of Fame as The Kenpo Instructor of the year

August 2010

1st Place NAGA(North American Grappling Association) US Nationals Tournament

October 2010

Earned Rank of Nidan – 2nd Degree Black Belt in Small Circle Jujitsu (Since been promoted to Godan – 5th Degree Black Belt)

January 2013

Graduated from 18th ROC Reading Police Academy

Shihan is a title used for chief instructors of yodan or higher with twenty years experience.

September 2017

Became student resource officer for Holliston Public Schools