Tim Cummings
Head Karate Instructor
Lobo Academy Staff

Tim has trained in a variety of martial arts beginning very early in his life. While pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Justice and Law Administration in 1995, Tim started training in earnest in Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do and Arnis in Danbury, CT. With his passion for martial arts fully awakened, Tim learned all that he could by training with a variety of instructors as complementary styles to his stand-up striking core, including Judo, Aikido, and Hapkido. When he moved to Rhode Island after college, he continued to explore a variety of styles while searching for a dojo to be his training home. In 2001, Tim began training in a traditional Okinawan style of karate, Shorin Ryu Shidokan, with Kyoshi Chick Gavitt. Through Ichiban Karate and with the blessing of his instructor, Tim was able to gain exposure to even more styles and systems, including pressure point training, ninjitsu, Western boxing, kenjutsu and Krav Maga. In 2004 Tim began teaching at the West Bay Family YMCA in North Kingstown, creating a satellite/sister school for Ichiban. In 2005, Tim was awarded black belt rank by Kyoshi Gavitt. In 2006, Tim also began training in Jiu-Jitsu, primarily in the Machado style.

Tim has tested for and holds rank in a variety of styles, including traditional Okinawan weapons ( kobudo ). Tim continues to practice karate and kobudo and is enjoying the opportunity to train in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. During his years as a teacher, Tim has attended numerous conferences, seminars and workshops to grow as both a teacher and student of the martial arts. Tim and his wife moved to Portland from Rhode Island in June 2009 and he expects to finish dual Masters Degrees in Education and English shortly. Tim also has a passion for health and fitness that has led him to become a certified group exercise instructor, Tai Chi Fitness instructor and an American Heart Association CPR and First Aid instructor. Tim enjoys the energy and challenge that comes with creating and teaching fun, safe and practical classes for students of all ages.

"Joe" began training in striking martial arts at the age of 9 years old and was exposed to Arnis (a Filipino Martial Art) at the age of 12. Shortly thereafter Joe began exploring Jeet Kune Do, Western Boxing, Muay Thai, Kali and Lameco and has pursued those arts ever since. This lead to a full time martial arts teaching role that he has maintained for the past 8 years and certifications within each specific art. At the age of 26, Joe reacquainted himself with his current teacher, Professor Leonard Trigg. Professor Trigg is the president and world authority of Lameco Eskrima International among other organizations. A few years ago, Joe was certified under the United States Thai Boxing Association ( www.thaiboxing.com ) as an accredited instructor directly under the founder, Ajarn Chai Sirisute. As a student Joe enjoys all aspects of martial arts from the physicality to the philosophy and looks forward to continuing the journey.

A Filipino Martial Art system in which self-defense is the main purpose. Lameco stands for LArgo - MEdio - COrto and refers to Long, Medium, and Close ranges of engagement. These also refer to Long, Medium and Close range goals in our daily lives. Filipino Martial Arts encompass a variety of movement including the use of sticks, swords, shields, daga (dagger), double daga, standup striking, boxing, and forms of grappling. Workout consists of employing rhythm and timing with a partner and begins with choreographed movements. Much like Gracie Jiu-Jitsu you'll work with a partner on a technique portion and gradually move the technique into understanding and application. Suitable for all skill levels ages 8 and up.

James is a native Oregonian…growing up in Aloha, he has been involved in some form of Martial Arts since elementary school. His boyhood idols were Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris and he aspired to follow in their footsteps. Growing up his three passions were martial arts, fishing and baseball. After his faith in God and his family they remain his three biggest passions today.

Since his childhood, James has competed extensively in a variety of martial arts tournaments. He has won several major regional tournaments. James had the opportunity to study and train extensively under several notable instructors including Sifu Al Dacascos and Sensei Junki Yoshida. After a chance meeting with a national caliber judo practitioner, James embarked on a new style to continue his martial arts education.

He has also trained under World Sabaki Champion Sensei Steve Ward. Steve is a noted expert in Enshin Karate, a strict combat karate. He has trained and participated in multiple special seminars with a variety of law enforcement and military personnel.

James had a chance meeting with Professor Anibal Lobo and after four private lessons, two dinners together and some serious prayer, James was convinced he had met a very special and talented instructor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They quickly developed a friendship that transcends their very different backgrounds. After more prayerful consideration, the idea of opening Lobo Jiu-Jitsu Academy was born.