Competitors of the Year

Stephen Bruno- 2023-24 Male Competitor of the Year

Stephen Bruno has been formally training in martial arts since August 2012 when he began studying Hapkido under 5th Dan Master Russ Gould.  The following April he added Tae Kwon Do training to his schedule and currently holds 3rd degree Black Belts in both styles through CArMA (the Capital Area Martial Arts Alliance) and 9th Dan Grand Master Frank Noguerra.  He also holds a Senior Instructor Certification in Ground Survival through the International Combat Hapkido Federation.  Self defense is his primary focus and he takes every opportunity to further his knowledge in this area, attending seminars in other styles whenever possible and incorporating aspects of these into his own training.  He feels strongly that giving back is an important part of the martial arts and volunteers his time to teach child and adult classes at Gould’s Martial Arts and makes it a priority to assist with the school’s twice annual free Women’s Strike and Escape Classes.

Mr. Bruno has been competing in martial arts events for 4 years and USBA/WBA events since February 2017.   He was a 3-time Gold Medalist at the 2019 U.S. Open Martial Arts Championship in Orlando, Florida.  Other highlights of his breaking career include being named Adult Wood Breaking Grand Champion at the 2018 Ontario Breaking Championship and Adult Male Grand Champion at the 2019 USBA/WBA North American Breaking Championship.  This title was especially meaningful for Stephen because his son Kristjan was named Junior Male Grand Champion at the same event.  Being able to compete alongside his son has been the most rewarding aspect of martial arts and breaking competition.  The pair were honored at the 2018 Massachusetts Breaking Championship for both setting their respective division’s Competition Records in the Double Power Wood Elbow event at the 2017 USBA/WBA Hall of Fame Tournament.  A particular highlight for them both was taking 1st place in Team Creative Wood Breaking at the 2018 North East Open Martial Arts Championship.  Stephen hopes to continue his involvement with the USBA/WBA in the coming years by competing and becoming a representative and official.

Stephen lives in Ghent, New York with his wife Ann and son Kristjan where he is co-owner of Bruno Farms Custom Feeds.  In his free time he plays guitar and is an avid skier.

Career Highlights

  • 2018 Ontario Breaking Championships, Adult Wood Grand Champion
  • 2019 USBA/WBA North American Breaking Championship, Adult Male Grand Champion
  • 2018-2019 USBA/WBA Adult Male Competitor of the Year
  • 2018 Northeast Open, 1St place Team Creative Breaking (Along with his son Kristjan)
  • 2022 Massachusetts State Breaking Championships, Adult Male Grand Champion
  • 2023 Massachusetts State Breaking Championships, Adult Male Grand Champion
  • 2017 USBA/WBA Competition Record 17 Boards with Double Elbow Strike.  USBA/WBA Hall of Fame Breaking Championships.  11/4/201
  • 2021 USBA/WBA Competition Record 15 Concrete Blocks with Vertical Foot Strike.  USBA/WBA Hall of Fame Breaking Championships.  11/6/2021
  • 2022 USBA/WBA Competition Record 17 Concrete Blocks with Vertical Foot Strike.  USBA/WBA North American Breaking Championships.  5/22/2022
  • 2018/2019 USBA/WBA Adult Male Competitor of the Year
  • 2021/2021 USBA/WBA Adult Male Competitor of the Year
  • 2022/2023 USBA/WBA Adult Male Competitor of the Year
  • 2023/2024 USBA/WBA Adult Male Competitor of the Year

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Stephen Bruno- 2023-24 Male Competitor of the Year
Stephen Bruno- 2023-24 Male Competitor of the Year
Stephen Bruno- 2023-24 Male Competitor of the Year
Stephen Bruno- 2023-24 Male Competitor of the Year
Stephen Bruno- 2023-24 Male Competitor of the Year
Stephen Bruno- 2023-24 Male Competitor of the Year