Sifu "Southern" Joe
 
 Sifu has been a martial arts practitioner for over 20 years. Early in his training he trained in Tang Soo Do and earned his deputy black belt in the Mid-American Tang Soo Do Federation. Eager to continue his martial arts development he began training in the southern Chinese kung fu style known as Jow Gar under Master Sam Chan.

This system offered great stability due to the extensive stance training which allowed great defensive prowess but lacked the flexibility in power issuing previously experienced in Tang Soo Do. Sifu earned his instructor's certificate in Jow Gar and continued his quest in exploring other martial arts styles.
 

While competing in a tournament in Akron, Ohio, Sifu witnessed a series of Baji practitioners stomping with explosive techniques across the stage. They appeared to him as waves crashing against the shore with great power. He knew immediately that this was the style he had been looking for.

He began his study and training immediately with Master Tony Yang. It was here that Sifu was dubbed "Southern" Joe because the influence of his Jow Gar training was so prevalent in his techniques. Though Sifu's stance work was strong he had to unlearn most of the principles inherent in power issuing in the external Jow Gar style. Sifu Joe became a disciple of Master Yang and continues to pass his knowledge on to other martial arts practitioners through his schools in Arizona.