The history of any development in life always starts with the founder. Grand Master Meredith my father, my Master and my teacher is the founder of the American Karate Academy (which has been renamed Hawks Martial Arts) and the American Martial Arts Commission. Which has helped many martial artists over the years and has been supported by the many Grand Masters that he has made friends with in his journey of training in the art of Tae Kwon Do .

In 1976 Grand Master Meredith started training in the art of Tae Kwon Do with the Koreans. Grand Master Chin Duk Kang, Master Beck and Master Moon opened schools in the Pittsburgh area when they came from Korea. Classes were different at that time and could last for hours until the masters were satisfied with the training for that day. There was no fighting gear to use or any type of protection. There were plenty of broken noses at tournaments and injuries. If you complained about anything the Korean masters would show you the door and tell you to leave if you couldn’t take it. Training is different today. American masters make good leaders and teach the students how to train others and to make them the best they can be.

Grand Master Meredith stayed with the Koreans earning his 1st and 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. He was ranked in the “United Tae Kwon Do Federation” and the “World Martial Arts Association”. Grand Master Meredith then opened up his own school, “American Karate Academy”. He then became a member and assistant director of the “Professional Karate Commission” and traveled around the states as a referee and official in tournaments held on ESPN and in all the eastern states.

Grand Master Meredith also belonged to the “United States Karate Alliance” where he traveled with other officials to tournaments around the eastern states.

Grand Master Meredith had many master friends. There were four that belonged to their own organizations and held their own tournaments that he helped at for over 30 years. Grand Masters Frank Caligiuri 10th dan, John Barton 10th dan, Curtis Smith 9th dan and William Viola 9th dan.

Grand Master Meredith stayed with Grand Master Caligiuri in the “United States Association of Martial Artists” where Grand Master Caligiuri is the eastern states director. Grand Master Hawk received his 8th degree from the U.S.A.M.A. To receive an 8th degree you must have three Grand Masters, each from a different organization. Also three Grand Masters from the issuing organization that know you to sign for your certificate.

As for me Master Meredith I am currently a 6th degree black belt. President of the American Martial Arts Commission also a member of the United States Association of Martial Artists and the P.K.A. I began my training in 1983 with my father at Kangs Black Belt Academy under the same masters and methods of training. I helped through the years teach at my fathers many A.K.A schools and also fought in many tournaments throughout the years.

Then after a bad quad accident I severely damaged my neck and back I took a break from the art because of the injuries that still haunt me to this day. After living in Jamaica on and off for a few years I returned home then decided to open my own school to teach the art . I still love the art and want to also  carry on the traditions and teachings my father has taught me all my life. Ultimately  to spread that knowledge of Discipline, Honor, Respect and the art of Tae Kwon Do to others.