Shihan Marty Petrovich, 5t
h Degree Black Belt
Born April 27th, 1964 in Melrose Park, Illinois, Marty started his training in traditional Japanese karate in 1976. Continuing his training it was not until 1985 that Marty started his training in Kyokushin Karate in Orlando Florida under the guidance of Sensei James Swanson (died 2005). Receiving his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in December 1988 Marty went on to train as a kickboxer and worked as a professional sparring partner for WBC Heavyweight Champ of the World (1984-1986) Pinklon Thomas.
Marty moved to Maine in 1993 and in January 1995 opened his first dojo (karate school) in Norway and has been teaching full time since that time.
Marty has fought in two world tournaments (held every 4 years in Japan) twice and was the promoter of the first Kyokushin World Tournament (World Cup) in Lewiston Maine in 2002. Marty has brought up several fighters, few to the championship level and continues to train but no longer competes in the full contact arena.
Marty was promoted to his present rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) in November 2004.
