Mikel LaChapelle

Mikel LaChapelle's formal martial arts training began at age twelve. He began his studies in Uechi-ryu and Shorin-ryu Karate in Concord, NH. He continued studying Okinawan Karate until his graduation from high school.

While attending Wheaton College and continuing the study of Okinawan Karate in Massachusetts, he trained in the Japanese art of Shotokan Karate and Korean Tae Kwon Do. LaChapelle Sensei helped establish the first multi-cultural martial arts club on the college campus.

While living in Boston between 1993 to 1995 LaChapelle sensei was introduced to Jeet Kune Do and Ninpo to a limited degree.

In 1995 LaChapelle sensei moved to South Korea to teach English as a Second Language. While living and working in Korea he immediately began studying the arts of Kuk Sool Won (Hapkido) and Yudo (Korean Judo) in the city of Pusan. At that time Sensei LaChapelle was the only foreigner studying the art of Yudo in Pusan, which had over 50 dojangs (schools). Needless to say this situation gave LaChapelle Sensei an opportunity to test his martial skills.

LaChapelle sensei returned to America and New Hampshire in 1998. He joined the local Judo club and became an assistant instructor. His focus went from self-defense to competition and training youth in the finer points of sport Judo. LaChapelle sensei competed successfully in various grappling and local Judo events.

In 1999 LaChapelle sensei began his studies in the Indonesian art of Kuntao Silat under Bapak Willem DeThouars and the Filipino art of Dekiti Tirsia Siradas under Maha Guru Mike Willams. In 2002 he began studying Pekiti Tirsia under Maha Guru Wes Tasker. He continues his studies with all three amazing teachers on a limited basis to further his knowledge of these and other South East Asian martial arts. Sensei LaChapelle incorporates various principles from these arts into his self-defense training.

LaChapelle sensei is currently teaching jujitsu and judo in Concord, New Hampshire at Rising Dragon Martial Arts. LaChapelle sensei is a special education teacher at a public middle school and has been teaching professionally for over eight years. He recently finished his Masters in Education.

Sensei LaChapelle is a Life Member of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) and a Life-Time Fellow of USA Traditional Kodokan Judo (USA-TKJ)

Current Martial Arts Rankings

Sandan (3rd Dan) US JU-JITSU, United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF)
Sandan (3rd Dan) Traditional Kodokan Judo, (USA-TKJ)
Nidan (2nd Dan) Yudo, Korean Judo Association
Nidan (2nd Dan) Sport Judo, United States Judo Association
Chodan (1st Dan) Kuk Sool Won, The Korean Kido Association
Chodan (1st Dan) Chop Tu Kwan Hapkido, International Hapkido Federation
Also holds the rank of Shodan in Okinawan Karate but does not actively teach or study.

Competition Highlights

1997- South Korea- Pusan Heavyweight Champion in Yudo
1998- Maine Skirmish- Open Grappling Tournament (GI) Heavyweight Second Place
2002- US Jujitsu National Championships- 3rd Place Heavyweight Division
2002- US Jujitsu National Championships- Best Male Sportsman
2004- Body Works Grappling Tournament- (No gi) 1st place Men's Heavyweight Division

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