Mark Salum
Sensei Mark Salum is a 1st Degree Black Belt in Uechi Ryu Karate and a lifelong martial artist with over two decades of continuous training since 2000. During his 20-year career as a US Marine, Sensei Mark traveled the world and had opportunities to train in various styles under different masters. This unique opportunity allowed him to synthesize the strengths of diverse martial systems into a well-rounded understanding of self-defense.In addition to Uechi Ryu Karate, Sensei Mark is also ranked in various martial arts styles. He holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kung Fu San Soo under Master Lawrence Rouse and Master George Kosty, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo under Grandmaster Clarence Emperado Luna, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Hachiman Ryu Battojutsu under Sensei Hisao Hamamoto, and currently holds a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Noel Smith and was previously trained by Professor Ivan Sakamoto. Sensei Mark also trained briefly in Muay Thai under Kru Rex, as well as Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu under Sheila Haddad, Libre Knife Fighting under its founder Scott Babb, and Shaolin Kung Fu under Shifu Heng Yue and Shifu Heng Chen.
Sensei Mark's journey in Uechi Ryu Karate started in 2018 at the Headquarters Shubukan Dojo in Okinawa under Soke Sadano Uechi. After moving back to the US in 2021, he resumed his training under Master Nestor Folta at the Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center, where he continues to train and teach to this day. In April 2025, Sensei Mark had the honor of testing for his 1st Degree Black Belt under both his Uechi Ryu Karate teachers.
Sensei Mark is dedicated to sharing his comprehensive martial arts background to help students build confidence and develop practical skills.
