True master of the martial arts
SLIPPERY ROCK — Having 26 years of martial arts training and a 5th Degree Black Belt means plenty to Chris Manning.
Teaching the sport means even more to the 1993 Slippery Rock High School graduate who retired from the Marine Corps last year.
“I'm always training. I'm always prepared,” Manning said. “You never know when you are going to be challenged.
“I teach weapons defense, hand to hand combat, incorporating martial arts skills. Anyone can be attacked on any given day. Can you protect yourself? Can you protect your family?”
It is his passionate teaching that landed Manning in the World Karate Union Hall of Fame. He was inducted Saturday in Tannersville, Pa.
The World Karate Union Hall of Fame was formed in 1996 and recognizes unselfish dedication in the field of martial arts.
Manning holds classes at his home in Slippery Rock. He's given lessons outside, privately, in parking lots, wherever.
While he taught martial arts in the Marine Corps for 16 years, “the person doesn't have to wear a uniform. I'll teach anyone who has the passion to learn.”
Manning studied under 10th Degree Black Belt Shigaisen Hanshi Wright, co-founder of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. He teaches precision shooting, combat shooting, weapons retention and defense, combat weapons and personal defense.
Manning has studied and taught in Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. He has trained personal security teams across Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I've competed all over the world and learned a lot along the way,” Manning said. “I enjoy passing along that knowledge.”
The world's only combat hardened dojo, Manning's style is Souseiki Ryu Sekkinsen Shigaisen, or Urban Warrior Training. Wright is the founder of that style.
“It is such a widened system that incorporates many forms of martial arts,” Manning said. “It's difficuilt to explain, but it's very effective, especially in self-defense.
Manning spent 24 years in the Marine Corps. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
He said he was 15-0 with six knockouts as a kick boxer and MMA fighter in the service, “but no official records were kept, so my experience there isn't recognized. Therefore, I can't referee, which is something I'd like to do.”
In any martial arts competition, “I won most of the time,” Manning said. “I competed all over the world.”
He doesn't have much time to compete these days. Manning is too busy helping others learn how to defend themselves.
“It's an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and be recognized that way,” he said.
Manning is also an active member of the PA Karate Hall of Fame and serves as a voting member on the board of directors.
