Master Gary M. Hotchkiss was born in Cleveland, OH on September 29, 1982 and began his martial arts training at the age of 6 in September of 1989. At the age of 11, Master Hotchkiss earned his 1st degree black belt in 1994. At this point he was one of the youngest black belts ever at the Kang Do Won. In 1994, he was awarded ‘Student of the Year’ and on several occasions been awarded ‘Instructor of the Year’ by Grand Master Richard J. Lewis. Master Hotchkiss has frequently earned ‘American Warrior Competitor of the Year’ awards in the American Warrior Martial Arts Tournament.

In 2003, Master Hotchkiss earned his 4th degree master black belt. Making him one of the youngest master black belts in the history of the Kang Do Won and one of the youngest master black belts in this area. In 2003 Master Hotchkiss founded Kang Do Won II Martial Arts Institute in Garfield Hts, OH. He has taught self defense courses for men, women and children in various locations throughout northeast Ohio. Master Hotchkiss has taught martial arts and self defense in schools, day cares and private businesses. Some of these include St. Monica’s Catholic School, Boy Scouts of America, Progressive Insurance, WEE Care Daycare, Ridge Valley Daycare, Maple Hts City Schools, Amtrust, Mentor Heisley Racquet and Fitness Club.

In June of 2015, Master Hotchkiss earned his 7th degree black belt at the age of 32. On July 1, 2015, Master Hotchkiss became the successor to Grand Master Richard J. Lewis. On this date, Master Hotchkiss became the sole owner and head teacher at the Kang Do Won Martial Arts Institute. He is the director of the American Warrior Martial Arts Tournament and the President of Moo Doo Won/USA.

Master Hotchkiss graduated from Eastlake North High School, in Eastlake Ohio in 2001. After graduation, Master Hotchkiss continued in his job in construction for Dave Knott Construction. A short while later he worked for Ressler Construction. Continuing in the construction field Master Hotchkiss moved on to Action Business Interiors and then JTC Inc., installing and moving office furniture. From 2007-­‐2013, Master Hotchkiss obtained his Real Estate License and worked for Paramount Wealth Group, Minton Publishing and Howard Hanna. From 2011-­‐2012 Master Hotchkiss worked for Laurelwood Behavioral Health Center as a Mental Health Technician. In 2012 Master Hotchkiss completed the Table Games Academy for Horseshoe Casino and dealt the game of Craps. In 2014-­‐2015, Master Hotchkiss completed the OPOTA Basic Police Academy at Tri-­‐C West Campus. In 2015 Master Hotchkiss was received his first commission as an Auxiliary Officer with Notre Dame College in South Euclid, OH. In May of 2016, he received his full time commission as a Police Officer with the City of Eastlake and still currently holds this position.

Regardless of Master Hotchkiss’ personal and work endeavors, training and teaching martial arts at the Kang Do Won has been his life long pursuit, love and passion. Training and teaching at the Kang Do Won has been constant and is the basis for everything he has accomplished in his life, both personally and professionally. ‘Kang Do’ is Master Hotchkiss’ way of life. It is not what he does…It is who he is.