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 into a career as a university professor.
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.
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 into a career as a university professor.
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.