History of Art & Gym — CT School of Survival

A Legacy of Martial Arts & Survival Training

CT School of Survival stands on a rich foundation of martial arts history and practical self‑defense principles. Born from the combined legacy of Vee‑Jitsu, Sanuces Ryu, and Kumite Ryu, our gym has evolved into a teaching institution that honors tradition and adapts to modern realities.

Where Street Effectiveness Meets the Art of Combat

Our Grandmaster Bio

01.

Dr. Moses Powell

Dr. Moses Powell, a 10th degree black belt and one of the true legends of the martial arts world, was born on January 13, 1941 in Norfolk, Virginia. He is the founder of Sanuces Ryu, a fighting style that combines his over 45 years of experience in various martial arts. He is a member of both the Black Belt Hall of Fame and the World Karate Hall of Fame. Dr. Powell was the first martial artist invited to demonstrate martial arts at the United Nations and a featured martial arts demonstrator at the New York World's Fair in 1965. The following year in 1966, he was the first martial artist to receive The African Benign Arts Award. Between 1967 and 1968, Dr. Powell pioneered his craft by traveling overseas to the Caribbean. There, he introduced Sanuces Ryu Jiu Jitsu to the island of Jamaica and Trinidad and to Bermuda in the early 1970's. He was inducted into the International African Arts Festival's "Living Legend" Award, and he was also one of the first African-American martial artists to teach the fighting arts to U.S. law enforcement agencies including the Secret Service and FBI. In addition to these great accomplishments, the Benin Empire of West Africa awarded him the international Benin Award in 1972 for his community work and efforts throughout the world.Dr. Powell was deeply committed to sharing his knowledge and principles with all.

02.

Soke Little John

10th Degree Black Belt Martial Arts Instructor Grand Master John Davis is a tenth degree black belt. He is undeafeated as a World Champion fighter and Self Defense Grand Champion. His title is "Soke" and Founder of Kumite Ryu Jujitsu, a discipline that incorporates jujitsu, judo, karate, and karate.

- Education -
10th DAN - Prof. F Visitacion, Founder of Vee Jitsu 10th DAN - Prof. Moses Powell, Founder Sanuces-Ryu Ju-jitsu Bachelor of Arts - College of New Rochelle

- Television & Film Experience -
Bill Boggs TV Show........ Fight Demonstration Profile 2 ...... Weapons Kung-Fu Documentary...Role of Jonathan & Fight Coordinator Warrior Within - Documentary ... Fight Choreographer Dojo Documentary ..... Fight Choreographer/Stunt man Superweapon .... Stunt Coordinator & Extra The 13 Disciples .... Role of Toni - Fight Scenes Across Two Continents ..... Role of Smart Wide World of Sports .... Live Feature Fight - Karate vs. Kung-Fu Die Hard III ..... Stunt work explosion scene Transporter II ...... Role of US Marshall & Fight scene

- Other Experience - Fight Choreographer in armed, unarmed, single or group combat situations. Body Guard to Eddie Murphy & Haile Barry during Boomerang. Certified Life Guard & Swim Instructor.

- Martial Arts Award -
Honoree in the first "Tribute to Martial Arts Masters" hosted by Wesley Snipes * Grand Champion - Self Defense - Lamar Thornton Annual Karate Tournament * 1st Place fighting, 3rd, 4th, 5th place Board Breaking - Great Grand National Championship * 1st Place Fighting, 3rd Place Board Breaking, Grand Champion Kata - Grand Nation Tourney * Grand Champion - Fighting, World Karate Championship * Grand Champion, United States Grand National Invitational Karate Tournament * Grand Champion & 1st Place Free Style Fighting, First Metropolitan Great Grand Karate Championship Tournament * Grand Champion - Self Defense, GSI National Tournament * Inductee and member of the World Head of Family Sokeship Council (WHFSC).

03.

Professor Vee

Florendo M. Visitaction- better known as "Professor Vee"—was born in the Philippines in 1910. He began training in Arnis (Filipino stick fighting) at age ten and continued to practice Filipino martial arts throughout his life. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and became intrigued by the officers' hand to hand combat course, which represented a combination of styles from different countries. The idea of integrating techniques from a variety of martial arts appealed greatly to him. In 1955, after devoting many years to the study of different fighting styles, he founded Vee Jitsu. In 1966, the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation awarded Vee the title of "Professor" and made him a 10th Dan in his own art. Grandmaster Florendo Visitacion departed on January 4, 1999.

04

Shihan Aquil

Shihan Aqil’s martial arts training began in August 2000. His first instructor was Sensei Larry Rogers of Top Ten Karate Studio. He studied and was trained in karate, tae kwon do, self defense and weapons. The following month in September 2000 he joined the Connecticut School of Survival (CSS) where his training under Grandmaster George Logan began. At the CSS he trained in the arts of Sanuces & Kumite Ryu Ju Jitsu, mixed martial arts, weapons, and self defense. Sanuces Ryu Ju Jitsu was founded by the late, great Dr. Moses Powell and Kumite Ryu Ju Jitsu was founded by the legendary Soke Lil John Davis. Shihan Aqil cross trained with Top Ten Karate Studio and the CSS and in 2001 began competing in New England and Mid Atlantic Karate Tournaments. He actively competed in sparring, kata and self defense competitions. In 2003, after being promoted to the rank of blue belt with Sensei Rogers, he decided to fully concentrate on Ju Jitsu and self defense training with Grandmaster Logan. Shihan Aqil’s training under Grandmaster Logan expanded to include judo, grappling, and intense physical conditioning. In September of 2004, Sensei Aqil tested and was promoted to Shodan/first degree black belt. In October of 2005, he tested again and was promoted to Sandan/third degree black belt. In December 2009, he tested and was promoted to Yondan/fourth degree black belt. In 2019 Shihan Aqil was promoted to Godan/fifth degree black belt and in 2022 he was promoted to Rokudan/sixth degree black belt. The Positive Youth Development (PYD) Program was created by Shihan Aqil and CSS to teach essential life skills of conflict resolution, health education, and self-defense to youth. Since 2005, he and the instructors of CSS have facilitated a vibrant after-school martial arts program for elementary, middle, and high school students, promoting discipline, confidence, leadership, and positive life choices in a safe and empowering environment.

Highlights & Milestones

1910
1941
1950s–60s
1977

Join the Legacy Today

Whether you’re new to martial arts or seeking to deepen your training, CT School of Survival welcomes you.