Donald Pugh

Although his martial arts journey started later than some, when Don Pugh started practicing, he found what would become a lifelong passion. 

He started training with his children in Canada at South Calgary Wado Kai, a member of the Shintani Wado Kai Federation. Don couldn't get enough, taking every class and seminar he could. He achieved a kyu rank of Green in Shintani Wado Kai before relocating his family to Arizona. 

After a hiatus, he eventually found Atkinson's Martial Arts. After that he actively trained under John Atkinson, a ranking member of both the International Karate & Kung Fu Association (CKKA). John's style is a blend of karate, kickboxing, Kung Fu, and Jiu-Jitsu. It places a strong emphasis of realistic applications and self-defense. In 2022 Don was awarded his 1st degree black belt in AMA karate under John Atkinson.

In early 2023, Don started training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at a Certified Training Center under Matt Katzke, while continuing his karate studies. At this time he also started training Shintani Wado Kai again, training regularly under Ron Mattie, the head instructor of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. 

2024 was a busy year for Don, first achieving his level 1 Shintani Karate instructor certification, followed by being awarded his blue belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Then, after extensive testing at Gracie University HQ in Torrence, he became a certified instructor of both the Gracie Combatives® and Gracie Bullyproof® adult & kids self-defense programs. Later that year, Don successfully passed his Nidan (2nd degree black belt) test in Shintani Wado Kai karate, under Sensei Ron and several members of the Shintani Federation Jōseki board.

When not teaching, Don actively trains under Ron Mattie, Matt Katzke, and, as often as possible, under Rener & Ryron Gracie, in Torrence CA.