L.C. Collins, Jr., Founder/Chief Instructor of the East Tennessee School of Taekwondo/Karate, started Karate
in 1966 at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Columbus, Ohio under T/Sgt. Dubuque, an Oakinawan stylist. While stationed in Ohio,
Alaska, and Sumter, South Carolina, he was fortunate to train in different systems of the Martial Arts. Over the years he
has trained in Jujitsu, Judo, Boxing, Hapkido, Karate, and Taekwondo. In 1969 Prof. Collins combined taekwondo and Kempo Karate,
with this system evolving over the years. "It's an excellent form of self defense and still serves us well today."
On May 7, 1994, Mr Collins was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame for his dedication and training in Martial
Arts. In May, 1995, Mr. Collins was asked to be on the Executive Board of Directors of the W.M.A.H.O.F. by President/Founder
Professor E.A. Moore, to be the Tennessee Representative.
On June 26, 2004, Professor Collins was
inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame as "Grandmaster of the Year" in Kempo Karate.
On
Sept. 18, 2021, Professor Collins was inducted for the second time into the USA Martial Arts Hall of fame as "Multi-Disciplined
Man of the Year"
On Oct. 1, 2021, Professor Collins was promoted by the USA Martial
Arets Alliance board of directors to the rank of "Sokeship 10th Degree Black Belt" Officially he is the Grandmaster
and head of his organization. This is the highest rank in martial arts that a Black Belt can recieve.
Professor Collins is honored to recieve these awards and feels very blessed. "I am a very blessed man. Lord
willing, I willl continue to teach as long as students want to learn and work for what they want. We are here to make each
student successful in life throughout the practice of martial arts. I am grateful for all the students I have taught over
the years and glad to have been part of their life."
