Mr. RICK KIRBY

Master Rick Kirby was born and raised in the Tampa area. From a very young age he has been interested in sports, participating in track and basketball during his teens. Water skiing was a passion for several years.

Master Kirby began martial arts training in earnest in 1978 while earning his degree in Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida. Within a year he was President of the USF Karate Club, receiving a solid foundation in Shotokan Karate. In 1991 he went to Grand Master John Prevatt's school to observe a class. "I signed a one year contract before leaving the building. What I saw demonstrated by the students, especially the kids, was exactly the type of hard physical training, respect, etiquitte, courtesy, and martial arts skill I was looking for."

Master Kirby tested for his 3rd Degree belt on top of the Great Wall, in Xian, China in 2002. Since then, he has competed and served as judge in numerous competions, including The U.S. Open, in Orlando.