Head Instructor
Dr. Jeremy Butler, Ph.D.
Certifications
Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt) - Pagoda Ryu Martial Arts System
Apprentice Instructor - Jun Fan Gung Fu (JKD Concepts)
Apprentice Instructor - Filipino Martial Arts (Kali-Silat)
Basic Physical Defense Instructor - Rape Aggression Defense Systems (R.A.D.)
PPCT Defensive Tactics Instructor
Arrest and Control Tactics Instructor
Verbal Defense & Influence Instructor
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Background
2000 - Sensei Jeremy began studying martial arts at the age of 12 in Chicago, IL.
2005 - Earned black belt in Pagoda Ryu and began studying the Filipino Martial Arts.
2008 - Created a registered student organization entitled “Modern Street Survival Self Defense Program” at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
2009 - Promoted to 2nd degree black belt in Pagoda Ryu and became a Certified Personal Trainer.
2010 - Graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, began studying Jun Fan Kickboxing (JKD Concepts), and developed the "FIGHT to Survive Self Defense Program" at Illinois State University.
2011 - Promoted to 3rd degree black belt in Pagoda Ryu and assisted in developing the "Bruin Ninjas Summer Martial Arts Camp" with the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Recreation Department.
2012 - Earned Apprentice Instructorship in Jun Fan Gung Fu (JKD Concepts) as well as the Filipino Martial Arts (Kali/Arnis/Escrima) and graduated from Illinois State University with a Master of Science degree in Recreation Administration.
2013 - Completed over 480 hours of law enforcement training at the Police Training Institute at Champaign, IL.
2014 - Promoted to 4th degree black belt in Pagoda Ryu.
2017 - Earned the rank of blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (RMNU).
2020 - Earned a PhD in Kinesiology and made his transition from law enforcement into a career as a university professor and police training reform advocate.
In his 15 years of teaching, Sensei Jeremy has taught self-defense and martial arts programs to youth and adults in Chicago, Urbana-Champaign, Bloomington-Normal, and Los Angeles. He has a true passion for positively impacting the lives of everyone that he can through martial arts and fitness training.
For more information about Dr. Butler, please visit www.jeremybutlerphd.com.
Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt) - Pagoda Ryu Martial Arts System
Apprentice Instructor - Jun Fan Gung Fu (JKD Concepts)
Apprentice Instructor - Filipino Martial Arts (Kali-Silat)
Basic Physical Defense Instructor - Rape Aggression Defense Systems (R.A.D.)
PPCT Defensive Tactics Instructor
Arrest and Control Tactics Instructor
Verbal Defense & Influence Instructor
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Background
2000 - Sensei Jeremy began studying martial arts at the age of 12 in Chicago, IL.
2005 - Earned black belt in Pagoda Ryu and began studying the Filipino Martial Arts.
2008 - Created a registered student organization entitled “Modern Street Survival Self Defense Program” at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
2009 - Promoted to 2nd degree black belt in Pagoda Ryu and became a Certified Personal Trainer.
2010 - Graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, began studying Jun Fan Kickboxing (JKD Concepts), and developed the "FIGHT to Survive Self Defense Program" at Illinois State University.
2011 - Promoted to 3rd degree black belt in Pagoda Ryu and assisted in developing the "Bruin Ninjas Summer Martial Arts Camp" with the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Recreation Department.
2012 - Earned Apprentice Instructorship in Jun Fan Gung Fu (JKD Concepts) as well as the Filipino Martial Arts (Kali/Arnis/Escrima) and graduated from Illinois State University with a Master of Science degree in Recreation Administration.
2013 - Completed over 480 hours of law enforcement training at the Police Training Institute at Champaign, IL.
2014 - Promoted to 4th degree black belt in Pagoda Ryu.
2017 - Earned the rank of blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (RMNU).
2020 - Earned a PhD in Kinesiology and made his transition from law enforcement into a career as a university professor and police training reform advocate.
In his 15 years of teaching, Sensei Jeremy has taught self-defense and martial arts programs to youth and adults in Chicago, Urbana-Champaign, Bloomington-Normal, and Los Angeles. He has a true passion for positively impacting the lives of everyone that he can through martial arts and fitness training.
For more information about Dr. Butler, please visit www.jeremybutlerphd.com.