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MARTIAL ARTS

Michael Sotos has been training in martial arts for over 10 years. He is currently a Full Instructor with Progressive Fighting Systems of Southern Oregon, an Associate Level Instructor with the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association, and a Black Belt Instructor in EHAMA Eskrima-Kali-Arnis. 

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Michael holds the following ranks:

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  • Full Instructor Progressive Fighting Systems of Southern Oregon

  • Associate Instructor Level 4/Black Belt Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association

  • Black Belt 2nd Degree (Sensei) EHAMA Eskrima-Kali-Arnis

  • Brown Belt (2nd Kyu) Aikikai Aikido

  • Brown Belt (3rd Kyu) Yoshinkai Aikido

  • White Belt 4th Stripe BJJ practitioner

  • JKD Advanced Level 2 Certified with MARS

  • Kali Intermediate Level 4 Certified with MARS

  • Level 2 Certified in Battlefield Kali Stick and Knife

  • Level 2 Certified in Battlefield Kali Sword

  • ​Level 1 Certified in Silat for the Street and MMA for the Street

  • White Belt 2nd Stripe in BJJ for the Street

  • Silat Beginner Level 4 Certified with MARS

  • Training in Kali Ilustrisimo under Guro Brandon Ricketts

Michael began his martial arts training in high school with Tae Kwon Do. In college, he studied Karate before transitioning to Yoshinkai Aikido where he trained for several years and obtained his brown belt. After moving to Eugene, OR, he began training in JKD and BJJ. After a 10 year hiatus from consistent training, he returned to training in JKD, Aikido, and BJJ. He also began practicing EHAMA Eskrima-Kali-Arnis, a multi style system based out of Doce Pares. He is currently an instructor at Rogue One Martial Arts and teaches EHAMA E-K-A at his training studio. Michael emphasizes the fitness and movement aspects of the martial arts, and is a certified fitness coach. 

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I have had the honor of training with Mike for the last seven and a half years. Mikes dedication and enthusiasm to Martial Arts is only surpassed by his dedication to his family and community. Mike possesses a strong knowledge of many Martial Arts that enhance his Jeet Kune Do and Progressive Fighting Systems abilities. He truly is a kind soul, which is evident with the compassion he has for the individuals he trains. This is what truly makes Mike a good instructor. He has the ability to meet his students where they are at any given time, which allows his students to learn in a positive environment. I look forward to many more years of training with Mike, as we assist each other in furthering our passion for learning.

 

Sifu Brian D. Sullivan

Progressive Fighting Systems of Southern Oregon.

 

"Michael Sotos offers fast and challenging workouts at Rogue Valley Fitness. He offers a flexible schedule that suits my busy lifestyle. Through Michael's expertise and encouragement, I have gained several belt levels in my JKD training over the last three years. As soon as I reach a goal, he is right there to encourage me to set higher goals! He designed special Martial Arts workouts for me, and I have seen a great deal of improvement in my strength. Michael will help you achieve your fitness goals no matter your fitness level with his Superhero training. Personally, I believe in him.”

 

-Dodie Noles (a.k.a Goddess Superhero in training) 

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"As a current student of Michael Sotos,  my practice of a Eskrima for the past 3 years has been so beneficial in my life.  As a teacher of dance and Pilates,  I have discovered new ways to express myself and work my body gracefully and defensively. 

Michael’s teaching is clear,
concise and informative.
His ability to be sensitive to individual needs in a class room environment or one on one is superior. As a black belt martial arts teacher, he continues to develop and learn new information thus passing it humbly on to his students with extreme patience.

My confidence in being a strong powerful woman has developed deeply and I strongly recommend anyone wanting to learn martial arts to study with Michael Sotos."

Blessings,
Tina C.

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Michael Sotos started his Eskrima-Kali-Arnis training with me in November 2015.

Since the beginning he is a student whose friendliness & intensity sets a high standard for the class. 

Other students like working with him, as he is not ego-driven in training, but focused on self-improvement, beautiful technique, & the safety of the group 

He has contributed many important suggestions, & constructive feedback which advanced the development my eclectic martial arts class curriculum.

Over the years Michael became an outstanding (Eskrima, Karate, Yoga) Teacher, highly capable 2nd level black belt, & is an asset to those who train under him.

Hari-Om RadhaKrishna -6th Degree Black Belt EHAMA Eskrima

 

I have been training in E-K-A with Sensei Michael Sotos since 2015. He has always had an amazing memory and energy for martial arts in all forms. 

He is extremely helpful in classes and wants everyone to succeed. His ability to remember and preform multiple disciplines at the same time is borderline magic.  

~ Nina RadhaKrishna -2nd Degree Black Belt in Karate and EHAMA Eskrima

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Sensei Michael has been teaching EHAMA Eskrima, Filipino stick fighting to myself and my 2 teenage kids for more than 4 years now. He is an amazing teacher, comfortable with innumerable drills and techniques. Each class is fun and engaging, mixing in different styles, adding Wing Chun, Thai boxing and Jeet Kune Do. I can highly recommend him for anybody who wants to explore or go deeper into martial arts training! 

- Deepam Schwenkner, Karate, American Open Style 2nd Dan and EHAMA Black Belt

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Mike Sotos became my student a little over 8 years ago. Prior, Mike had participated sporadically in martial arts training. Apart from many students I see hailing from a martial arts background, Mike was able to empty his cup and commit to exploring new concepts and

applications pertaining to Jeet Kune Do (JKD).

Mike, also a career personal trainer, is a well rounded teacher. Like many JKD practitioners, Mike has taken a keen interest in the Filipino martial arts (FMA). He has attained the rank of Full Instructor in Jun Fan Gung Fu and Full Instructor in Progressive Fighting Systems (PFS). Apart from his training in JKD, Mike earned is Black Belt in Doce Pares System of FMA. On his own Mike has sought further JKD/FMA training under the guidance of Burton Richardson, Ron Balicki and Brandon Ricketts. Additionally he is exploring the grappling arts, thus making him a well rounded instructor.

Mike's understanding of movement and the dynamics thereof, have enabled him to present complex and nuanced movement patterns inherent in JKD in unique ways. Any student seeking Mike's guidance can be assured of receiving quality and contemporary training.

If you seek further information about Mike, you can contact me at: gulfcoastikd@qmail.com

John T. Doty

Senior Instructor Jun Fan Gung Fu

Senior Instructor Progressive Fighting Systems

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