The Credentials:
A Legacy of Service.
The Responsibility of Mastery
In my role as Grandmaster of SDSS, I have always taught that a black belt doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end; it means you’ve finally mastered the basics enough to be useful to others. My credentials are not trophies; they are tools that allow me to implement the MIT framework at the highest levels of society.
National & Professional Recognition
White House Educational Hero
Recognized for pioneering programs at SDSS that used character education to transform the lives of youth across the country.
FBI Director’s Award
Honored for contributions to community-police relations and the development of leadership programs within law enforcement.
Ambassador of the Shaolin Tradition
Representing an ancient philosophy of discipline and peace, translating those values for a modern, Western audience.
Academic & Research Foundations
- PhD in Philosophy: Specializing in the application of social ethics to modern community challenges
- MA in Psychology: Providing a clinical understanding of human behavior, resilience, and the psychological benefits of altruism.
- Published Author: My writings, including The Shaolin Way, have served as a guide for individuals seeking to integrate discipline and service into their daily lives.
Board Leadership & Affiliations
The 100 Black Men of
America (Associate Member)
Actively working to mentor youth and improve economic outcomes in our communities.
Global Educational
Boards
Advising on character-based curricula that prioritize emotional intelligence.
Public Safety
Consultant
Providing ongoing leadership training to law enforcement agencies across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you bridge the gap between "Grandmaster" and "PhD"?
The martial tradition provides the discipline; the academic tradition provides the framework. Together, they allow me to offer a perspective that is both historical and scientific.
What role does your psychology background play in the MIT method?
It helps me understand the “Motivation” stage—what triggers human engagement and how to bypass the internal barriers that keep people from being “Inspired.”
Why is your work with the FBI important to your mission?
It demonstrates that empathy and bridge-building are effective even in the highest-stakes environments in the world.