Master Thadues Tomeski

Thaddeus P. Tomeski Jr. started his martial arts training as a young boy at the age of 7.   He was inspired by his uncle David Tomeski who was  a martial artist.  Thaddeus, or as his friends refer to him "Ted" was captivated by the movements and techniques his uncle displayed and became fascinated with the Martial Arts.  Years later a couple of Ted's family members paid for his first Karate lessons. Ted was completely entranced in his pursuit of learning Martial Arts, specifically, The Art of Chinese Kenpo Karate.  

By the time Ted was a 2nd Degree Black Belt Mr. Tracy said to Ted "You have the knowledge, the training ,the skills, and the passion to begin your own Association here in Chicago.  

In 1987 the Chicago Kenpo Karate Association was formed at the direction of Great Grand Master Al Tracy.  In this quote by the late Al Tracy, he explains why Ted should create his own association "Ted, the problem with Grand Masters is, they never think their going to die. You need to form an association and promote through a panel of Masters".  So, Ted took this advice to heart and created the C.K.K.A. so he could continue his advancement through the ranks and promote those around him while recording the lineage of Kenpo Karate Martial Artists in the Chicago land area.

Ted has trained with Grand Master Al Tracy for many years. In fact, Ted's System of Chinese Kenpo is exactly the same system as the Tracy System of Kenpo pre-1991.  You can also see Ted"s roots in  The Parker System of Kenpo Karate through his training with Ed Parker, Joe Lewis, and Jeff Speakman. 

Currently Ted is training with Mark Tracy in Tracy's System of Kenpo Karate. Although the two systems are almost identical but there are some subtle differences. You can find Ted at Kenpo Self Defense Studios Inc. several days a week  instructing and working out. 

Ted has been Studying Kenpo for over 40 years and will tell you it's a lifestyle and not a pursuit for him .  "I just love Kenpo and want to always be a part of it "  says Thadeus P. Tomeski Jr.

From humble beginnings and a fortunate series of relationships with great martial artists, Ted considers himself to have had a blessed martial arts experience.  Today, Ted displays his humility instructing in a Dojo while doing what he loves and sharing his skills with those around him.

Steve Fitzgerald has been studying Tracy's Kenpo Karate for 39 years. Steve studied under Great Grand Master Al Tracy as well as Grand Master Ed Parker. Steve is also the Co-founder of the C.K.K.A. along with Thaddeus P. Tomeski. 

Steve developed a passion for the Art of Arnis and decided to learn, and study with some of the best in Art of Arnis.  Steve Studied with Remi Amador Presas, founder of Modern Arnis. Steve also studied with Donald Pork and Wally Jay.  Currently Steve is retired but still gives instruction privately in the Fort Meyers and Marco Island area.