Shihan Ernie Boggs started his martial arts training in 1970 at a YMCA in St. Albans, West Virginia. Under the guidance of Karate Master, Bob Long and later the influence of Jujitsu Legend, Professor Wally Jay and martial arts great, Graciela Casillas, the creation of a champion and martial arts visionary was complete. From traditional martial arts training at the local YMCA to point tournaments (before sparring pads were invented), to body guarding and under ground fighting, to magazine covers and changing martial arts competition around the world, he has evolved into one of the worlds most influential martial artist today.

Ernie Boggs, a five-time Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee and is considered one of the greatest Sport Jujitsu players of all time. He was the first American to become World Champion in that sport as well as the only person to receive the AAU Jujitsu All-American Award. Since retiring from competition, he has utilized his 35 yrs of martial arts experience & skill in coaching the USA Sport Jujitsu Team. As coach of Team USA, he has produced more national & world champions in his sport than any other coach in the world. Boggs is the founding member of the United States Sport Jujitsu Association (USSJA) and is credited for promoting the very FIRST mixed martial arts competition (Sport Jujitsu) on an organized level in the United States. Ernie Boggs wrote the rulebook for the ISJA that more than 25 countries now follow as the official guidelines of Sport Jujitsu competition. He also hosted the 1996 ISJA Sport Jujitsu World Championships bringing 17 countries together in South Charleston, West Virginia. With over 1,200 competitors Sport Jujitsu competition had finally arrived as a legitimate international sport. At this event it was proven that Sport Jujitsu is the most realistic means of testing your martial arts fighting skill in a safe manner. Over 5,000 matches and no (zero) serious injuries is a very good safety record for any sport. Through the training & guidance, the USA Team came away with the Gold Medal in team competition for the very first time. For more information on Ernie Boggs, Seminars, Videos, etc. visit: www.ernielightfootboggs.com

As a martial artist, Ernie Boggs has traveled around the world teaching, competing and training in more than 24 countries. He also specializes in teaching Defensive Tactics and Combatives for law enforcement as well as the United States military. As a certified defensive tactics expert, He is world renowned for his close quarter weapon disarms and retention. He has worked with members of police agencies across the country as well as in Argentina and South Africa. For more information on Ernie Boggs, Seminars, Videos, etc. visit: www.ernielightfootboggs.com

In Mr.Boggs commitment and desire to promote Sport Jujitsu throughout the world, he has been instrumental in establishing the International Sport Jujitsu Association (ISJA). He has served as ISJA chairman, and is considered the world's leading authority on Sport Jujitsu. As a matter of fact, Ernie Boggs is even credited for coining the term “Sport Jujitsu.” He created the very first piece of sparring equipment designed specifically for mixed martial arts competition. His Sport Jujitsu glove looks similar to a boxing glove while the hand is closed but when it is open the fingers are free to permit grappling. For more information on Ernie Boggs, Seminars, Videos, etc. visit: www.ernielightfootboggs.com

Mr. Boggs passion is working with kids, especially At-Risk-Youth. He has worked with kids from many different backgrounds ranging from the rich & famous to potential gang bangers. Although he believes poverty plays a huge roll in creating at-risk-youth, he also believes just because a kid may be rich doesn’t mean he can’t be an at-risk-youth.
After changing the lives of many children, Mr. Boggs developed his own program called, “Problem – Solution – Change” This program has made significant gains in enriching the lives of at-risk-youth who may have other wise become lost to today’s society.

Ernie Boggs, a five-time Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee and considered one of the greatest Sport Jujitsu players of all time. He was the first American to become World Champion in that sport as well as the only person to receive the AAU Jujitsu All-American Award. He has also competed on the national & international circuit, excelling in traditional karate and professional kickboxing
He produced the first video series ever on Sport Jujitsu with Pioneer Interstate (Tiger Claw) and has another 7-tape video series, “Sport Jujitsu from the Ring to the Street” available through Unique Publications. For more information on Ernie Boggs, Seminars, Videos, etc. visit: www.ernielightfootboggs.com