Stephen Bruno- 2018-19 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.

Eric Spagnolo- 2016-17 Male Competitor of the Year

Eric Spagnolo, started in Tae Kwon Do, at the ripe old age of 46.   After “retiring” from coaching/trainer for competitive hockey, sitting at home didn’t agree with him.  A co-worker suggested tyring Tae Kwon Do, as an evening activity to keep active, and the rest was history.

Under the instruction of 7th Dan Master Johnathan Field, at Cobourg Tae Kwon Do, Eric started training 3-4 times per week.

“I always had an interest in Competitive Breaking, but had never tried it.”

Then, on a snowy night that November, Eric was the Only student to make it to Sparring class, so Master Field suggested a one-on-one Breaking class..  Eric showed some promise as a beginner, and was asked by Master Field to join Team Wolverine, the dojang’s competitive breaking team.

With the Help of his Team Wolverine teammates, including Mr Todd Smelt, who took the “new guy” under his wing; Eric continued to delveop himself as a Competitive Breaker, and had the opportunity to attend seminars by some of the Best Breakers in the world.

“At a training session for the 2016 US Open, I had the good fortune to do a seminar with Master Nick Zambri, Master Clint Murphy, and Grand Master Ralph Bergamo.  How can you Not Improve, when you are guided by the best?”

In 2016 Eric was honored with the “Most Improved Breaker/ World” award, at the Hall of Fame banquet.

”Winning the 2016/2017 Competitor of the Year, is surely the Greatest Honor I could ever hope to achieve.”

Eric is currently training towards his Blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do, and looks forward to competing with those that have lead him along the path. Eric lives in Cobourg Ontario, with his wife Lauren, and son Logan.

John Zurisk

In my words:

I’ve had the true honor of training under some of the best instructors throughout my 30 year plus martial arts career. Starting in Shotokan karate (1st degree black belt under Sensei Bill Eley), to Aikido, to Tae Kwon Do / Hapkido (3rd degree black belt under Kyoshi Fred Richmond), to Ryukyu-Kempo (3rd degree black belt under Grandmasters Bill and Brett Homann), to Gracie BJJ (under Rickson Gracie), to Judo (currently brown belt under Senseis Tak Mizuta and Drew Wickham).

Like most kids my age we grew up watching movies featuring Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Toshiro Mifune (primary actor in many Akira Kurosawa films). Those names alone probably account for more folks starting their martial arts training, including myself. It was a common site to see me walking around the neighborhood at grade school age picking up dried sticks and chopping them while yelling the infamous “hi-ya!”. In winter any icicle in reach was victim to my horizontal chop…again yelling “hi-ya!”. I guess you can say so started my passion for breaking. Fast forward to March 2007 where you would find some of the greatest competitive breakers competing (Larry Fields, Elton Trower, Karen Smith, Gary Reho, Ken Yates, Raphael Velez, Clint Murphy, Robert Raniolo). Back then I participated in one break, power wood hand–I was hooked! Additionally, everyone there was friendly, helpful, encouraging, and competitive! This was a great atmosphere to compete in, unlike other non-breaking venues I’ve been at where egos clashed. I’ve since had the pleasure of meeting and befriending so many more breakers that have helped me achieve the level I’m at now–all credit given to them. I would highly recommend anyone interested in breaking competitively to try an event at any USBA/WBA event and meet Grandmaster Ralph Bergamo and Master Drew Serrano.

John Zurisk

In my words:

I’ve had the true honor of training under some of the best instructors throughout my 30 year plus martial arts career. Starting in Shotokan karate (1st degree black belt under Sensei Bill Eley), to Aikido, to Tae Kwon Do / Hapkido (3rd degree black belt under Kyoshi Fred Richmond), to Ryukyu-Kempo (3rd degree black belt under Grandmasters Bill and Brett Homann), to Gracie BJJ (under Rickson Gracie), to Judo (currently brown belt under Senseis Tak Mizuta and Drew Wickham).

Like most kids my age we grew up watching movies featuring Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Toshiro Mifune (primary actor in many Akira Kurosawa films). Those names alone probably account for more folks starting their martial arts training, including myself. It was a common site to see me walking around the neighborhood at grade school age picking up dried sticks and chopping them while yelling the infamous “hi-ya!”. In winter any icicle in reach was victim to my horizontal chop…again yelling “hi-ya!”. I guess you can say so started my passion for breaking. Fast forward to March 2007 where you would find some of the greatest competitive breakers competing (Larry Fields, Elton Trower, Karen Smith, Gary Reho, Ken Yates, Raphael Velez, Clint Murphy, Robert Raniolo). Back then I participated in one break, power wood hand–I was hooked! Additionally, everyone there was friendly, helpful, encouraging, and competitive! This was a great atmosphere to compete in, unlike other non-breaking venues I’ve been at where egos clashed. I’ve since had the pleasure of meeting and befriending so many more breakers that have helped me achieve the level I’m at now–all credit given to them. I would highly recommend anyone interested in breaking competitively to try an event at any USBA/WBA event and meet Grandmaster Ralph Bergamo and Master Drew Serrano.

John Zurisk

In my words:

I’ve had the true honor of training under some of the best instructors throughout my 30 year plus martial arts career. Starting in Shotokan karate (1st degree black belt under Sensei Bill Eley), to Aikido, to Tae Kwon Do / Hapkido (3rd degree black belt under Kyoshi Fred Richmond), to Ryukyu-Kempo (3rd degree black belt under Grandmasters Bill and Brett Homann), to Gracie BJJ (under Rickson Gracie), to Judo (currently brown belt under Senseis Tak Mizuta and Drew Wickham).

Like most kids my age we grew up watching movies featuring Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Toshiro Mifune (primary actor in many Akira Kurosawa films). Those names alone probably account for more folks starting their martial arts training, including myself. It was a common site to see me walking around the neighborhood at grade school age picking up dried sticks and chopping them while yelling the infamous “hi-ya!”. In winter any icicle in reach was victim to my horizontal chop…again yelling “hi-ya!”. I guess you can say so started my passion for breaking. Fast forward to March 2007 where you would find some of the greatest competitive breakers competing (Larry Fields, Elton Trower, Karen Smith, Gary Reho, Ken Yates, Raphael Velez, Clint Murphy, Robert Raniolo). Back then I participated in one break, power wood hand–I was hooked! Additionally, everyone there was friendly, helpful, encouraging, and competitive! This was a great atmosphere to compete in, unlike other non-breaking venues I’ve been at where egos clashed. I’ve since had the pleasure of meeting and befriending so many more breakers that have helped me achieve the level I’m at now–all credit given to them. I would highly recommend anyone interested in breaking competitively to try an event at any USBA/WBA event and meet Grandmaster Ralph Bergamo and Master Drew Serrano.

James Trinka

James Trinka has practiced the Korean martial art of Hapkido since 2005 at both the Phan University of Martial Arts and Yoo’s Authentic Martial Arts in Northern Virginia and currently holds a first dan rating. He has competed in USBA/WBA breaking tournaments since 2010 and is the 2012/2013 Adult Male Competitor of the Year. He is a traditional martial artist that considers the art a way of life and follows the Hapkido principles of softness, circle, and harmony at all times. Many have commented that they see James as a mild-mannered person, yet quite effective when his energy is focused on breaking.

Currently, James holds a senior executive job in the Federal government, working for the Department of Veterans Affairs in leadership development and training. He has served in the Federal government since 1974 in both military and civilian positions. He began his service with a decorated 22-year military career as a fighter pilot in the Air Force with assignments in Texas, Arizona, Germany, Georgia, Korea, Washington, and South Carolina. As a Federal senior executive, James has also served as the Technical Training Director for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the FBI’s Chief Learning Officer and head of the prestigious FBI Academy, and the IRS’s Director of Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness. He led these development programs to new heights, which continue to serve as benchmarks for both public and private institutions and received numerous accolades and awards during his tenure.

James holds a doctorate degree in International Politics from The George Washington University, master’s degrees in Philosophy and Aeronautical Science from The George Washington University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has authored numerous books and articles on leadership development and political science. He and his wife, Piya, live in Alexandria, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC.

James Trinka

James Trinka has practiced the Korean martial art of Hapkido since 2005 at both the Phan University of Martial Arts and Yoo’s Authentic Martial Arts in Northern Virginia and currently holds a first dan rating. He has competed in USBA/WBA breaking tournaments since 2010 and is the 2012/2013 Adult Male Competitor of the Year. He is a traditional martial artist that considers the art a way of life and follows the Hapkido principles of softness, circle, and harmony at all times. Many have commented that they see James as a mild-mannered person, yet quite effective when his energy is focused on breaking.

Currently, James holds a senior executive job in the Federal government, working for the Department of Veterans Affairs in leadership development and training. He has served in the Federal government since 1974 in both military and civilian positions. He began his service with a decorated 22-year military career as a fighter pilot in the Air Force with assignments in Texas, Arizona, Germany, Georgia, Korea, Washington, and South Carolina. As a Federal senior executive, James has also served as the Technical Training Director for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the FBI’s Chief Learning Officer and head of the prestigious FBI Academy, and the IRS’s Director of Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness. He led these development programs to new heights, which continue to serve as benchmarks for both public and private institutions and received numerous accolades and awards during his tenure.

James holds a doctorate degree in International Politics from The George Washington University, master’s degrees in Philosophy and Aeronautical Science from The George Washington University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has authored numerous books and articles on leadership development and political science. He and his wife, Piya, live in Alexandria, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC.

Kenneth Goodrich- 2015-16 Male Competitor of the Year

Ken Goodrich has been practicing martial arts since 2001 and is a 3rd Degree Black Belt through the World Taekwondo Federation in Korea. He is a 3 time, USA Taekwondo National Champion, as well as 2 time medalist. After only 2 years in the USBA WBA, Mr. Goodrich set 2 World Records, won 9 US Open World Championships and finished 3rd in 2 events at the 2015 ISKA World Championships. Mr. Goodrich is the former Secretary General of the Massachusetts State Taekwondo Association and has played a key role in developing the rules for creative and power breaking divisions at USA Taekwondo State and Nation Championships. Mr. Goodrich is also a USA Taekwondo, national level referee and has coached athletes to several state, national and world championships.

In 1999, Mr. Goodrich earned a Bachelor™s Degree in Recreation and Sports Management from Springfield College in Massachusetts where he played football and rugby, leading his team to an undefeated rugby season his last year. Mr. Goodrich has been an American Red Cross First Aid / CPR Instructor and volunteer for 18 years and teaches most classes free of charge. In 2008, Mr Goodrich completed the MTEL (Massachusetts Teach Educator Licensure) exams and qualified for a position in public school administration. In addition, Mr. Goodrich has been a certified CDL (commercial driver™s license) and School Bus Driver Instructor since 2007. In 2009, Mr. Goodrich opened the Center For Martial Arts and Fitness in Chicopee, MA. His center is based on the philosophy that volunteering and helping others is the key to living a prosperous life. The combination of Spirit, Mind and Body is not only the symbol on his school logo, but his personal goal to achieve balance in life. His after school and summer programs provide year round care for hundreds of low income, inner city youth. His outdoor adventure program takes children out of the city and into the woods where they learn many valuable life skills. Mr. Goodrich is responsible for setting up an Anti Bullying Through The Practice Of Martial Arts program in which over 10,000 public school students participated in martial arts classes as part of their school curriculum over the past 15 years.

Mr. Goodrich resides in Belchertown, Massachusetts with his wife Rachael, and two daughters Lila and Celia. He loves outdoor recreation and spends a great deal of time with his family. He began the Massachusetts Breaking Association and runs a yearly tournament under the Northeast Regional Circuit. He hopes to continue his professional breaking career and become an official and representative of the USBA WBA.