Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Sifu Al took an early interest in martial arts to learn both self defense and discipline. His martial arts journey began under Grand Master Ed Quick practicing Shorei Goju-Ryu Karate in Chicago where he earned a 1st degree brown belt.
After moving to DeKalb, he was referred to Sifu Berry’s class in 2002 and immediately fell in love. It was clear that Sifu’s class was the real deal!
Sifu Al enjoys class because of it’s health benefits and the family-like camaraderie that it provides. He feels the class has taught him humility and helped him to get through the hard times in life. Sifu Al felt an instant connection with Sifu Berry and sees him as a father figure, and remains very close to him. He credits Sifu with making him the man he is today
and respects his skill, devotion, and sense of family he creates in class./font>
Sifu Al spent many years coaching his daughter's softball team and he really enjoys his role as a teacher. His kind, patient, and humorous teaching style make him a wonderful and welcoming teacher for any new student.
