Chuck’s first martial art at age 19
was Jujitsu. He studied under Bill Beach, longtime resident of Jacksonville Florida and former
candidate for Sheriff of Duval County. Bill had studied while in Japan and during the late
40's/early 50's and was one of the very few Senior Master Black Belts with credentials from the
American Jujitsu Federation.
Later Chuck studied Ving Tsun Kung Fu under Adam Margolis, 3rd Level MOC. He found his "Love" of the
martial arts fulfilled in Tae Kwon Do under the initial tutelage of the late John Chung, 8th Dan.
Later he formed an alliance with his late brother James R. Coker, 7th Dan and advanced his studies there.
All studies were completed under World Tae Kwon Do Federation (Kukkiwon) and USA Tae Kwon Do Association
guidelines.
Chuck was pleased when in 2002 TKD became an officially sanctioned Olympic Sport – long overdue!
The tournament circuit became an active part of Chuck’s life throughout his tenure in the Marine Corps
and professional life until 1983 when he retired from active competition. During those years winning
became a way of life. On only a very few occasions did he walk away without one of the top three places
in his division.
Chuck believes the nature of martial arts competition is what has spurred his personal and professional
development. He left the corporate arena in 1993 for the speaking circuit and served the National
Speaker’s Association as President and “Speaker of the Year” for the North Florida Chapter.
He retired from full time speaking in 2003.
A FEW of the titles held (many for multiple years) were:
Florida State Champion
North Carolina State Champion
Southeastern Regional US Champion
Southern Superstar Champion
United States National Champion
AAU United States National Tae Kwon Do Championships (Silver Medals) International Open Champion
Chuck’s last match was in January of 1983. The International Championships held in Miami provided him
with a 2nd place finish at age 35!
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