Monday, July 2, 2007

Who is Frank Dux

Who Is Frank Dux?
By
Sky Benson, PhD.
Shihan Dux Ryu Ninjitsu / F.A.S.S.T.
Seattle, Wa. 206-931-8573

-Many martial art masters have espoused what Mr. Frank W. Dux (seen photo left) has equally perceived, which is the fundamental need for the creation of a professional desk reference book that is similar in nature to the PDR that all physicians rely upon and is responsible for defining their professionalism. And while most martial art masters for generations have shared the view that a shared generic core curriculum is necessary to unite the martial art community by clearly establishing a common language and the professional standards and practices that defines a true master from an enthusiast or self-proclaimed aficionado, Frank Dux seemed destined to create it.  Considering, few martial art masters are as qualified in terms of possessing the global celebrity and respect to attract the assistance of the very best the martial arts has to offer as well as possess the eclectic personal knowledge and empirical experiences necessary to undertake such a daunting task, as is Frank Dux.  Even fewer than that posses the natural talent to pen and compose the right words, as Frank Dux is a highly acclaimed published author.

I am but a humble sensei (teacher) privileged to have known the man for over a quarter of a century. I can attest to the fact that at times his life often parallels Japans legendary duelist, Miyamoto Mushashi; and like Musashi who abandoned living in the splendor of a palace to return to his roots and live in a cave, done in order to write his masterful work the Go Rin No Sho (Book of Five Rings), I invited Frank Dux to do likewise. Noticeably, he accepted my invitation by disappearing from his very public life and giving up his comfortable lifestyle.  Intentionally, "holing up" in the very humble surroundings that my home and family had to offer him.

Only by being undistracted by worldly goods and temptations could he, like Musashi, he believed, find the necessary single-minded clarity, which comes with devoting every waking moment of one's day to the assembly and safeguarding of ancient wisdom. Compiling an ocean sized minutia of detail surrounding the ancient guarded secrets by which to fashion a cohesive work that isn't just unbiased, relevant and applicable to all martial artists but may also benefit the non-martial artist. For the most part, by organizing and imparting what Frank Dux calls "those inescapable principles, concepts and guidelines that can be applied to enriching one's life and harmonize and feed the spirit, mind and body."

Considering the sheer volume of the work it inescapably arouses one's curiosity, thus leaving only one question to be answered for the uninitiated:  Who is Frank Dux?
 "Frank Dux reinvented the martial arts"


These aforementioned words and sentiments are said and shared by no less than world renowned Professional Kickboxing Champions turned martial arts action film stars, Oliver Gruner and Hecter Echavaria, along with a very long list of other notable martial art celebrities citing the, February 1988, Canon Pictures feature film release of Bloodsport. A theatrical release that single-handedly revitalized the then flagging martial arts industry and a movie genre that had all but died out with the death of Kung-fu master and movie star, Bruce Lee. Principally, its popular cable and television appearances, video/DVD rentals and sales demonstrate Bloodsport's ostensible and seemingly endless global appeal. Obviously, it is a "must see" and cult action film classic. Chiefly, attributed to the fact that Bloodsport is inspiring, as it is based upon the true life events described in the November 1980 issue of Black Belt magazine: "Kumite a Learning Experience."  The magazine article, as does the film, document Frank Dux struggle and triumph in becoming the first occidental to win the Kokuryukai Kumite, a legendary and coveted martial art event described on the back of the video box as a "savage, no-holds-barred human cockfight." 

Many believe the origins of the Kokuryukai Kumite began when Genghis Khan ruled the world but recent archeological evidence proves that it originated in ancient Greece, as an Olympic event, known then as "Pancrantium" . Archeologists view that the contest or a variation of it began in Asia, due to its conquest by Alexander The Great. Some can argue this also led to creation of the gladiatorial games, centuries later. Notwithstanding, according to eight-time World Jujitsu Champion, Higan Macahado, it was Frank Dux's undertakings and Bloodsport that had inspired and made possible his equally renowned cousins, the Gracie family, to found the Ultimate Fight Challenge (UFC); it was Frank Dux, who paved the way for the legitimizing of mixed martial arts and popular pay per view no-holds-barred (NHB) Cage Fighting events, today.

Remarkably, Frank Dux legacy and signature is made apparent even in the attire NHB fighters compete in today, who are often seen fighting in individually decorated and embroidered bicycle shorts. A style set by Frank Dux who had abandoned the traditional dress of the Japanese Kimono or Chinese Silk Jacket worn by martial artists during martial art events; as evidenced and was popularized through Bloodsport's final climactic fight scene, advertisements and in trade magazine articles (as seen here). The given reason Frank Dux took to wearing no uniform at all, as he had relayed to me, was not to call attention to himself nor was it to prevent himself from being grabbed and held by his uniform, as many assume and promote this myth. He did this as a gesture of protest against the racial prejudices that promoted occidental martial artists are inferior to Asians. He wore no distinguishing martial art style uniform to protest the politics and the ongoing petty "my style is better than your style" rhetoric, fracturing the martial art community.


-Without question, Frank Dux possesses the time enduring distinction of being the first and only living martial artist in history to be the subject of a feature film based on their life. Considering, it took Bruce Lee's death and the success of Bloodsport to provide the justification for Universal Picture Studio executives to finally authorize the filming and release of Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story.  Not the other way around as many might wrongfully assume.  In fact, Dragon screenwriter Ed Khamara was so impressed with Frank Dux martial art expertise and word craft they teamed up as writing partners, resulting in the Universal Studios feature film "The Quest", starring Jean Claude Van Damme. The Belgium born actor's uncanny resemblance to a young Frank Dux (as seen here in photo left) had landed Van Damme the star-making role of a lifetime by portraying Frank Dux.
 
Observably, Bloodsport inspired a series of copycat martial art films (i.e. Bloodfist, Lionheart, etc.) and video games (i.e. Mortal Combat, Streetfighter, etc) all attempting to imitate Bloodsport's success and invariably, resulting in Frank Dux becoming not only the role model of future generations of martial artists but arguably the basis of many fictional characters generated in electronic games, books and in film.  However, even as a teenager, his incredible speed, power and insights were of such extraordinary caliber, Frank Dux gained the attention of the martial art world, with many masters desiring to mentor him, including Bruce Lee. In a July 2002, documentary interview, 1968-71 Warner Bros. Pictures Advertising and Publicity Director, Joseph Sinda, reveals:


"One of the most memorable things working with Bruce Lee, as a publicist, was that he asked me to find Dux"


Notably, Frank Dux began his training in the late 1960's. It was a unique time in history, when the only martial art magazine resembled nothing more than a well-crafted newsletter; when the martial arts community was intimately small and limited to only a handful of masters that knew and cooperated with each other; when all the instructors studied directly under the likes of the martial art archetypes (like Frank Dux Jujitsu and Judo teacher, Jack Seki, a first generation disciple of Professor Kano, the founder of Judo). 

The place to be was the California, San Fernando Valley, celebrated as the "Valley of Champions," having attracted to it the greatest martial art masters and competitors of the various styles ever to be assembled, all within walking distance of each other. And Frank Dux lived in the heart of it all but he had to struggle to learn. Unable to pay for lessons due to his financially disadvantaged childhood, he improvised, and trained himself through observation, trial and error. Thus, as a youngster he could often be seen watching intently and then practicing on the sidewalk in front of many a martial art school. He was doing whatever it took to learn from the very best the world had to offer.  Soke of Hawaiian Kenpo and martial art legend, Bill Ryusaki, whose school, occasionally, Bruce Lee could be seen training in, and whose students include Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Cecil Peoples, and many other martial art greats, confirms this and fondly recalls:


"I don't know whether it was because he couldn't pay or ah, what it was,
but many many times, he (Frank Dux) would come out in front my window and I would see him looking in."


This unorthodox, eclectic and visual method of learning enabled Frank Dux to discern the overlapping principles, concepts and guidelines inherent in almost every form of martial art. An advantage that enabled Frank Dux to reign as the undisputed World Full Contact Kokuryukai Style Kumite Champion, from 1975 thru 1980, retiring undefeated, after having fought 329 professional no-holds-barred fights (a world record). During the span of his martial art career he has accumulated no less than sixteen (16) world records, four (4) independent Martial Arts World Championship Titles (Full Contact Kumite, Ritualized Technique Kata/Forms, Power Breaking and Creative Breaking) and been inducted as an official "Living Legend" into no less than Five Martial Arts Halls of Fame (e.g. Action Martial Arts Magazine, January 2001, etc.).

Notably, in 1993, Bushido Magazine's International Martial Arts Festival drew Frank Dux out of a thirteen year old retirement and to Bercy Stadium, Paris, France. Weakened by two brain tumors that were the result of his years of bare knuckle Kumite fighting, this did not deter him from appearing in front of an estimated live audience of forty thousand spectators as well as millions who watched the European telecast.  That day in April 1993, Frank Dux put his hard earned reputation on the line in order to attempt what never before had been attempted. He astounded all onlookers by establishing three (3) new world breaking records; one of which is being the only human being to have punched through Lexon bullet proof glass with his bare hand (seen above) - empirical evidence of a true martial art master.

In 1996, The Secret Man: An American Warrior's Uncensored Story, Regan Books, HarperCollins, was released.  The biography further entrenched Frank Dux "living legend" status.  Difficult to acquire only months after its initial release in bookstores, the first edition hard cover book of The Secret Man exceeded in value every day.  In rare book Internet auctions (e.g. Amazon.com, Ebay.com, etc.) The Secret Man in hardcover and in audiotape form had sold with regularity for upwards of two hundred dollars ($200 USD).  Ten times its original list value.




-Observably, in keeping with most highly acclaimed celebrities and role models, Frank Dux success as both a martial artist and author has occasionally made him a target of professional jealousy. His books startling revelation of the CIA violating the Boland and Logan amendments sparked an official CIA denial and finding that, equally, made Frank Dux an inescapable target of politically motivated controversy, as well.

For instance, the television magazine show ABC Primetime interviewed Frank Dux, in early 1996, about his book and life as a covert operative, which is affirmed under penalty of perjury by the likes of Iran Contra paymaster, Lt. Commander, Alexander, Martin USN (retired) and Soviet Major General Anatoly Korneinko (retired). The interview included fact confirming documents and interviews with then top ranking current and former government, intelligence and military officials of different nations (as seen in photo below), which will never be seen or heard from. Considering, ABC Primetime's producer, Michael Bicks (as seen above) revealed to Frank Dux and his attorney, Michael B. Frankel, that the news piece was unavoidably quashed by powerful outside influences. Emphasizing, that the killing of the insightfully revealing and disturbing in depth news story was dictated from far above the ABC corporate level, reminiscent of CBS 60 Minutes-episode, in 1994, on malpractices in the tobacco industry that was not aired because CBS parent company Westinghouse objected. Evidently, Frank Dux covert activities still remain highly controversial and politically sensitive nearly a quarter century after they began. Not unexpectedly, in light of the fact that by the end of the Cold War Frank Dux was highly sought after to advise and train the most elite civilian, military and law enforcement special units worldwide. And in doing so, Frank Dux has left his indelible imprint in the armed forces of many nations. For example, in 1996, being the first and, perhaps, the only westerner to ever train and advise bERKYT (ver-koot) -- the "Top Secret" elite anti-terrorist unit of the Ukraine.


 On the home front, Frank Dux is further distinguished in the annals of military history, named as a contributing source in the creation and compilation of the elite US Navy SEAL, CFC, SPECWAR manual (K 431-0097) as acknowledged in the manual handbook itself, that is in use today by Special Forces and clandestine Special Operations Groups, world-wide.

Frank Dux has served as an adjunct faculty member of the Department Of Defense sponsored Multi-jurisdictional Counter Drug Task Force, Criminal Justice Institute, St. Petersburg, Florida and has been a featured lecturer to HIDTA, NEOA, and international law enforcement agencies on Defensive Tactics, Close Quarter Battle (CQB) and undercover operations and planning, etc.


 Not unexpectedly, given Frank Dux rich personal experience and being one of the few martial artists to achieve a select position of being entrusted with inaugurating and evaluating the performance of special operations tactics (as seen here doing so with the Danbury, Conn. SWAT team) Frank Dux is amongst the most globally recognized and qualified unarmed and armed tactics instructors and strategists in history. However, his true skill shines by his applying his martial art principles in establishing and assisting community service programs that identify at risk children and then redirect their energies into martial art programs and other extracurricular activities (i.e. LAPD Jeopardy program, etc.)  Culminating, in April 1993, with his being inducted into the Police Hall of Fame, in Miami, Fl. and titled: "Knight Chevalier"
 
Frank Dux unique approach to martial art strategy and tactics concluded in his founding the first American style of Ninjitsu, in 1978, (long before the Ninja craze took place and became fashionable) and years later, founding the multi-threat countermeasure defensive tactics/force and martial art system, entitled: Dux Ryu (Ryu is a traditional term meaning "style of"). A system, which employs as part of its unique structure a process invented by a "Hollywood Producer, Emilia Crow, Frank Dux former Business Associate and himself, dubbed: FASST (Focus-Action-Skill-Strategy-Tactics); to be applied to how one manages their personal life, business or a military campaign, etc.
 
Defensive Tactics Instructors, like Defensive Tactics Training Officer, Larry Eklund, Oxnard Police Department and SWAT Training Officer, Brent Ambrose, Burbank Police Department, California state:
 
"Light years ahead of anything out there is FASST and the
Martial Art Bible: The Secrets OF Warriorship"

Director of International Operations for ISA (Investigative Services Agency) based in Chicago, Illinois, Frank Dux, has dealt with dignitary, executive and celebrity protection services and training in addition to his overseeing his martial art schools. Dux Ryu having produced over the years and trained numerous FULL CONTACT MARTIAL ART NATIONAL AND WORLD CHAMPIONS in WKF, UFCF, IKF Kickboxing, Vale Tudo, King Of The Cage, Sabaki Satellite, Kyokushin-kai Open Karate Championship, Koshiki and the Kazuki Bare Knuckle Championship matches, etc., such as the following national and world champions:
 
Enrique Flores, Paco Prieto, Dr. Roy Martina, Jeremy Abbott, John Gerking, Antonio Silva , Antonio Carlos , Cesar Covino , Lorena Sassoe , Pedro Pereyra , Jorge Pati–o , Victor Vargas , Nico Hill, Alberto Ramirez, John Kirkam, Gideon Stamm, Ian Jacklin

 
Of course, while these aforementioned accomplishments may seem to speak volumes about Frank Dux and his abilities or his martial art style, Dux Ryu, they do not accurately reflect the positive impact he has made on many peoples lives, also worth sharing in order to attain a more accurate glimpse of the man. For instance, I began my martial art training well over thirty years ago at the age 9 and by the age of 15 I was a respected point competition champion. So I made a practice out of visiting other schools to check out any potential competition. When I wandered into Frank Dux North Hollywood school I became overwhelmed by the sight of several rows of students my own age and even younger that, with far less time in the martial arts than me, they could, if push came to shove, walk right through me. My ego was crushed, instantaneously. I, immediately, enrolled and found that the training was so intense I'd go home crying and yet, loving every minute of it. What I learned there I have carried with me for the rest of my life both as a person and in terms of martial arts.  I must confess, I, quit, several months later. But unsatisfied with other schools, I, eventually, returned to my studies with Frank Dux when I turned 18. Since, I found myself always comparing any other training to his.

He instilled in us, his students, that fighting isn't the answer to solving our problems or differences with others but dealing from a position of personal power is, as it keeps others from forcing their will over us.  A philosophy that served as a defining reason for me not to quit again and to always respect other martial artists and styles because this is the noble cause they serve. He displayed the quiet confidence that earned my trust. He encouraged all of his students to study many different styles and not just his - to be humble, patient, healers and creators rather than destroyers. And he did this by leading by example. In one situation, I watched him relieve my training partner's pain, Vince Guzman, whose knee I accidentally injured and as a result Vince was on his back rolling around glassy eyed. I thought for sure the knee was broken as I, distinctly, heard it pop. Frank Dux rubbed his hands together, built up heat and applied pressure with his fingers in a couple of key places on Vince's leg. Almost immediately, Vince announced the pain was gone and Vince returned to the hard training and finished out the rest of the class, without break.  It appeared miraculous to me back then but what Frank Dux did, I only realized much later in life, was G-Jo and Chua-Ka, two rare forms of acupressure first aid. As a direct result of that incident I became motivated to learn everything I could about oriental methods of healing to the point I posses a PhD in the subject. I use G-jo today in training and treating my own martial art students, family and friend's physical ailments.
 
Notably, unavoidably, Frank Dux's talents as a healer captured the media's attention. He was featured on the then popular 1980's magazine news show That's Incredible, for his teaching martial arts to children in wheelchairs, who had been turned away by other martial art schools. That's Incredible focused their attention on a fourteen year old kid named, Les Toth, who had never walked before. In the program, Les's mother declared "by looking at Les and his legs and seeing the flexibility in them, he Frank Dux promised me and Les he would get Les up and walking." And within several months after training Les, Frank Dux apparently made good on his promise because, as seen on camera, Les is walking before the crying tears of joy of his mother. Frank Dux did this by using the same alternative martial art medical approaches he used on Vince Guzman by which to stimulate the nerves and get the legs moving but this time, in Les Toth.
 
By age 20, I was an accomplished magician thanks to my father, Jerry Benson, heralded in the book Wall of Fame of the internationally renowned Academy of Magical Arts and Entertainment - the Magic Castle, in Hollywood, California.  So when Frank Dux graced those of us who studied with him with demonstrations, I always felt overwhelmed and further inspired because what he did was for real, using his skill and knowledge, not trickery. He did it not to show off or to impress us but to anchor in us important lessons that would enrich our lives. Such as, the lesson "don't rely only on your eyes to see or your ears to hear to guide you," etc.  He drove home that point by sparring several of us at the same time, while wearing a white pillowcase over his head (and not a black blindfold the trick we magicians use). He would assemble people all around him and then he would order them to reshuffle themselves and encircle him, at varying distances. One time, I moved from being directly in front of him to about twenty feet away and directly behind him. Without him even turning his head he picked me out and told me where I was in the room. Mind you, when there was no way he could have seen exactly where I went unless perhaps if he had turned his head and had his eyes open. Yet, he remained perfectly still and blinded by the pillowcase and even stated what hand I was raising or announced how far I was from him when I approached him from behind and then would, at my own arbitrary discretion, stop.  He did this demonstration as a lesson on "Haragei", the ancient martial art skill of centering oneself; where one can detect the intentions and vibrations of others. He likened it to tuning into the feelings we all have, like that feeling that causes you to turn and discover someone who had been staring at the back of your head, while you're driving.
 
However, with world records of speed and power to Frank Dux credit he would also leave us all in awe with our mouths and eyes open wide when he would break multiple boards with his fingertips, executing a "spear" strike. Or when he would break the bottom brick and leave every red brick in a stack of ten above it, intact. Just like it was portrayed in the movie, Bloodsport. Other times, he would use concrete center-block caps and place between them fragile kitchen tiles that, also after being struck, remained intact while the bottom brick below would break. Both are feats known as "death touch" and "dim mak". Frank Dux even performed this for the editorial staff of Rainbow Publications, where this is documented in "The Keys To Unlocking Power"; Black Belt magazine, September 1980 issue. He has been seen doing this on numerous television shows (e.g. Pm Magazine, Mid-morning LA, etc.).
 
Notwithstanding, the most impressive martial art feat Frank Dux demonstrated and taught others and myself to perform was to grab a quarter out of someone's hands and substitute it with a nickel before they could close it or notice the switch.  Of course, he could pull it off from standing ten feet away from the person's open hand. The speed of his footwork and hands back in those days was something that had to be seen firsthand, to be believed. He credits Bruce Lee for inspiring him to do this after he discovered it was one of Bruce Lee's favorite demonstrations next to his one inch punch, which Frank Dux also taught himself to perform to perfection, by way of his study of human biomechanics. He once performed a tug of war with a dozen or more of us students (yes, when I was an adult) pulling on one end of a rope, while he held the other end. In a deep meditative state we couldn't budge him. Likewise, several of us were encouraged to push him over when he was seated upright, and again he proved to be immovable. It was a lesson in the existence of Chi Kung and the physics of leverage that opened our eyes to the basis of oriental medicine and other scientific principles of how the body functions. Encouraging us his students to be unconventional but intelligent fighters, first and foremost.
 
Personally, I think his teaching us skills to fight and defend ourselves pales in comparison to the way he served as a surrogate father for many of us that didn't always have a father around or when we didn't feel comfortable enough to go to them.  It is comforting to know Frank Dux was there for us always with a smile when we were sad and we could ask his advice and get it without feeling judged or fear what we said in confidence would ever be betrayed. He schooled us in what it truly meant to be an honorable man or woman and a warrior, not act the part. For instance, we would witness those who were jealous of him and what he accomplished would attack his veracity because, after all, what else could they do but fight with their evil tongues and promote gossip, fabricate stories, engage in the petty politics that is an unavoidable unfortunate reality in this world. Something that takes place on every level of life because these people think they can get ahead or empower themselves by figuratively climbing over the backs of other people. His turn the other cheek behavior taught us to pay these kinds of individuals no mind and to steer away from the mire of negativity and violence, even though emotionally it may feel justified. Like the inflammatory claims made on one martial artist's website unjustly accusing Frank Dux of having stolen the Bloodsport story from him because he alleges he won the Kumite, in 1987.  Of course, he either doesn't realize it or perhaps he hopes others wont notice the fact that Bloodsport was written in 1985 and shot on location in Hong Kong, in 1986. Overlooking the fact that Frank Dux victory was announced in various articles and on news shows many years before that, as previously stated.
 
Imagine, here was someone who could literally kick anyone's ass on the planet and yet, Frank Dux, reinforced Muhat Ghandi's principle of peaceful resistance and non-violence. Instilling in us the importance of having a noble philosophy and following it. He would quote "the greats". My most memorable favorite is a quote from, Toyohiko Kagawa, "Men who fail to make the sacrifice of love will have to fight." It helped put all the petty politics in this world into perspective for me and allows me to be unaffected by the obvious wrongs done to me.
 
Frank Dux always seemed to know how to make us feel special, too.  And with those of us who met our training obligations, we were treated to Joe Peep's New York pizza. Occasionally, the pizza party was accompanied by rare viewings of rare 8mm footage transferred to videotape of some of his Kumite fights.  He often said this was for us only and done not to prove anything because when you stoop to that low level you only empower and dignify your enemies. "After all, what good can come from engaging in a conversation with someone with a brain that functions as a toilet bowl" he'd exclaim, with a grin.  He knew the experience all made us feel unique, particularly, since he recognized the fact that our hard work needed to be rewarded to instill a work ethic, which we carry with us, today. He kept us motivated this way and still views his footage as a valuable training tool, certainly not to be profited by at the expense of those other fighters who had the courage to step into the ring and who didn't prevail, against him. I suspect, Frank Dux sharing it with only a few of us was in his own way demonstrating his appreciation and respect for these no-holds-barred Kokuryukai style Kumite fighters. He'd rather keep it to himself and use it to see his students successful and happy than profit by it. Which is what he stressed why he felt he couldn't give us copies to show it to all our friends. To this day, he has never violated the spirit of those words. I have been present to witness him turning away lucrative financial offers being made when illness prevented him from being able to earn an income, his savings extinguished, a time when no one would have thought less of him if he had.
 
"After all, what worth is a man to himself if he cant be true to himself and his family, and in my case my family is my students." These are the exact words he has repeatedly stated to me over the years, in response to whenever I asked him to reconsider our student's requests to take the fight footage public.  And I have to admit that I'm glad we were all unsuccessful in changing his mind because if he had, some of us might not feel as proud or privileged as we do, now. After all, it ties us to him and makes us part of his rich legacy, as it is our inheritance. It represents figuratively the family blood that separates us out from all the rest who quit or were asked to leave, and even the second and third generations of Dux Ryu students that are taught by us and are bonded to him. It is what qualifies us to speak candidly about the man, separating the fact from the myths that surround him.
 
Notwithstanding, while equated to Babe Ruth by Ed Parker, in my humble opinion Frank Dux can also be called the Lance Armstrong of martial arts, as he too also possesses a comeback story that serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever been left disabled and made destitute by the experience. A testimony to his martial art training. In 1993, Frank Dux was diagnosed with a brain tumor and by 1994, the result of complications of brain surgery and spinal meningitis he was left comatose and on his death bed, given a 1 out of 10,000 chance for survival.  Needless to say, he underwent brain surgery again and recovered but not without having to struggle to overcome his debilitating condition - complications leaving his face slightly disfigured from the surgical cutting of his facial nerves; being left semi-paralyzed on the left side of his body; his equilibrium damaged to the point it undermined his sense of balance; completely deaf in his left ear and minimally able to hear out of the right ear; his vision severely impacted to where he had to wear an eye patch over his left eye otherwise he slipped into states of blindness due to any bright sunlight.  He lacked visually depth-of-field and could not detect the direction of sounds, abilities critical to a warrior. And yet, due to his unyielding perseverance and his prior training and conditioning he painstakingly overcame this great adversity and his disabilities to continue to contribute to others and society to the point he even ended up acknowledged in the annals of military history, as previously stated. 
 
Presently, the world's most notable martial arts masters and celebrities, like Gerald Okamura, Ted Tabura, Bill Ryusaki, Higan Machado, Cynthia Rothrock as well as many notable others have joined forces with Frank Dux in his spearheading a concerted effort that unites those who can identify sustainable solutions to social problems that can fundamentally change society, beginning with the amalgamation of the diverse worldwide martial arts community with this text and under the banner of a project entitled: Kumite International Challenge. Gerald Okamura, attributes his personal high opinion of Frank Dux as well as these other masters to the readily observable fact, in Okamura's words: 

"Frank Dux has done it for real."

Thank You!

-


MR. FRANK W. DUX

Frank Dux is a third generation descendant of Covert Operatives.  As elaborated upon in the best selling book based upon his exploits -- The Secret Man, HarperCollins, 1996. 
 
A random sampling of his achievements and duties include:
 
Lecturer for the NEOA (Narcotics Enforcement Officer's Association) on covert planning and operations;
 
Former Adjunct Faculty member of the DOD funded Multi-jurisdictional Counter Drug Task Force, Criminal Justice Institute, St. Petersburg, Florida; 
 
Requested and identified as a contributing source in the compilation and creation of the United States Navy SEAL CFC SPECWAR Manual: K - 431-0097; IN USE BY Black Operations and Special Forces Personnel, WORLD-WIDE.
 
Engaged in confidential activities with the Ukrainian government's Top Secret Anti-Terror unit -- BERKYT.
 
Actively, engages in the creation, evaluation and training of Defensive Tactics, Special Weapons and Tactics, as well as, Hostage Rescue Team Tactics.   Wor World-wide,
           
Honored as a Knight Chevalier, Police Hall of Fame, Miami, Florida;
 
Featured expert on Anti-terrorism and Executive Protection for news shows (e.g. CNBC's Geraldo Rivera Live, etc.)
 
Appointed Director of International Operations, Investigative Service Agency, Chicago, Illinois;
 
 
As the 1975 THROUGH 1980 World Full Contact Kumite  (no-holds-barred) Champion; possessing 16 world records which have been standing for little over a quarter of a century; and being Inducted into five martial arts Halls of Fame as a "Living Legend" (e.g. Action Martial Arts Magazine); Frank Dux is a name that is world renowned that came to be immortalized by the motion picture based upon his life   Bloodsport.