Derek Knight
CRANSTON, Rhode Island, United States
About
My martial arts journey began 44 years ago, when I started training in Kumi Uchi Ryu and Sosuishi Ryu Jiujitsu That foundation eventually led me to earn my Black Belt.l.
In 1993, I began my study of Jeet Kune Do (JKD) under Sifu Raffi Dederian, studying Gary Dill’s Original JKD. Years later, I had the opportunity to meet Sifu Keith Allen, a Full Instructor in Progressive Fighting Systems JKD/FMA under Rick Manente in Milford CT. I was hooked immediately and started training with both Rick and Keith doing private and group training. I also had many day long trainings with Paul Vunak which were the most memorable hardcore trainings of my life. I earned my Full Instructor certificate in 1998
It was through this training that I began to truly understand the difference between traditional martial arts and practical, reality-based combat. Rather than becoming attached to one system, I became committed to understanding what actually works under pressure.
For more than 30 years, I have continued to train religiously across a wide range of martial arts and combative disciplines, including:
Jeet Kune Do
Filipino Martial Arts
Judo
Silat
Catch Wrestling
Small Circle Jiu-Jitsu
Sambo
Libre Knife
Medusa Knife
Amok
Piper Knife Fighting
My approach to martial arts has always been centered around function over tradition, adaptability over style, and pressure-tested skill over theory. I believe martial arts should prepare a person for the unpredictable nature of real-world confrontation.
My professional background has also profoundly influenced the way I approach self-defense. I am a retired Firefighter/Paramedic and a former Correctional Officer, experiences that exposed me to high-stress environments where awareness, decision-making, control, and the ability to perform under pressure are essential.
Today, I serve as the Medical Director of a school for the blind, where I also teach yoga, fitness, and self-defense to blind and autistic students. Working with individuals with different physical, sensory, and developmental needs has reinforced one of the most important principles of my martial arts philosophy:
Self-defense should be practical, adaptable, and accessible to everyone.
After 44 years, I continue to train, study, teach, and evolve. I don't believe martial arts is about reaching a final destination. There is always something more to learn, test, refine, and understand.
Train hard. Stay adaptable. Question everything. Be prepared.