Grand Masters

 Grand Master John Prevatt

“Studying the Martial Arts has taught me over the years to be humble, care about other people, and to be very patient when instructing!”

In Junior college, I was introduced to Larry Rhineheart, a Kung Fu Instructor who taught me how to specialize in Take Downs (spinning techniques including back fist) and groin kicks which were legal at that time. I moved to Milwaukee and joined the ATA when I achieved my Black Belt.

 

Then I opened a Martial Arts studio in Merritt Island, Florida, under ATA and expanded into Melbourne, FL, with active testing over 250 students.

I relocated to Tampa, FL, and eventually opened seven (7) studios where I franchised them out to my Black Belts, and they are still open. I presently operate one studio and am considering franchising this one!!

    Studying the Martial Arts has taught me over the years to be humble, care about other people, and to be very patient when instructing!

    I also have a great respect for children and their accomplishments while watching them excel from level to level. In addition, my own life grew as a result of teaching Martial Arts!

       Training Information

      • Belt Ranks & Martial Arts Styles: American Karate (9th Degree),      ATA Tae Kwon Do (4th Degree)
      • Instructors/Influencers: GM Soon Ho Lee ATA, GM Young Sun Seo ATA, GM Bill Clark ATA, GM Many Agrella
      • Birthdate: July 31, 1944
      • Birthplace/Growing Up: Jacksonville and St. Augustine, FL
      • Years in the Martial Arts:  54 years
      • Years Instructing:  45 years
      • School Owner: John Prevatt Karate, John Prevatt Martial Arts USA

       Professional Organizations

      • Naska Fame FBBA

       Personal Achievements

      • Ranked #5 Lightweight Division PKA – Diamond National Winner, 1992
      •  Naska Fighting Champion, 1992,             FBBA and FAME State
      • Champion, 1996,  two 2-time winner – New England Championship
      •  10-time US Open winner – Empire Nationals
      •  2-time Champion – Blue Grass National
      •  4-time Champion – Capital Classic
      •  2-time Champion – Denver Mile High Champion
      •  3-time Champion – Battle of Atlanta
      •  National Karate Competition Champion, 1996

       Major Achievements

      • Received Lifetime Achievement Award, 2001
      • Inducted into The World Karate Union HOF (1996), Inducted into International HOF (1998, 2006 & 2007), Inducted into Cosmopolitan HOF (1989, 2002, 2005 & 2006), President of Tae Kwon Do AAU
      • Inducted into the Universal Martial Arts HOF (2002)
      • Inducted into the Outstanding Contribution (2003), Awarded Union Martial Magazines (2005 & 2006), Inducted into Alan Goldberg, The Action Martial Arts HOF (2006 & 2020)
      • Inducted into Preservation of Martial Arts (2006), Ambassador to Martial Arts (2006 & 2007)
      • Honored In the World of Family Sokeship Council (2006 & 2007)
      • 45 years of Martial Arts Award
      • Received Highest Honor Shogun Award
      • Award to Undefeated US Open Champion
      • USA Martial Arts HOF Pioneer Award (2016)
      • Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)

       

       Grand Master Zico Cheng

      Black Belt Woman of the Year, Black Belt Hall of Fame, Master Instructor of the Year, 1st Place ISKA U.S. Open Champion.

       

      As a highly accomplished and certified 8th Degree Black Belt, Grand Master Zico Cheng can be spotted from miles away. Her strength as a Program Director is excelling in business operations and working vigorously to deliver the best in all of her programs. Her quality teaching has gained the respect of her peers as well as developed the many enduring friendships that continue today. Her love for the martial arts goes back to the fond memory of her youth Taiwan Republic of China. While growing up on the island, she was introduced to her first lessons as part of her daily curriculum in school. Later in life when she started her daughter in the martial arts, she decided to join in to bond in the shared activity. From there, her fascination grew and over time it became a passion that evolved into a career. During the last 25 years, she has been fortunate to train under the professional guidance of Grand Master Prevatt. Her commitment to excellence, combined with his instruction, transformed her into the champion and phenomenal teacher her students know today.

       

        Grand Master Cheng continues to share her expertise and experience developing her students into the top martial artists of today. Her optimism, vibrant spirit, and “Can Do” outlook on life are evident in her ability to bring out their best. She knows them all by name and loves each for their unique personalities, considering them and their families as part of her own.

        Her motto is “No matter how young or old you are, it’s never too early or too late to train in the martial arts.” Proving this fact, some of her well known female students are senior citizens that have recently promoted to the rank of “Recommended Black Belt,” after years of training under her guiding wing.

        Grand Master Cheng has also won many prestigious awards in various tournaments, championships, and certification events nationwide. Some of them include Woman of the Year, American Tae Kwon Do-World Head of Family Sokeship Council; Black Belt Hall of Fame; Master Instructor of the Year; First Place ISKA U.S. Open Champions; Winners of the Battle of Atlanta; First Place USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame; World Head of Family Sokeship Council International Hall of Fame; First Place, First Annual Kick-Off at Tampa Bay; and many more in the areas of traditional forms, weapons, and sparring.