Director/Principal Instructor
Gary Lescak began his study of massage in 1967 in conjunction with the beginning of his martial arts education. As part of learning Dan Zan Ryu ju-jitsu, he has studied the Okazaki style of traditional Japanese deep-tissue, restorative massage therapy as part of the broader sefukujitsu program of instruction which also includes resuscitation techniques (kappo/katsu), specific massage techniques for specific ailments, bone setting, and lomi-lomi (Hawaiian massage). Gary holds the title of Professor which, by definition, indicates a complete knowledge of the entire system (ryu) as well as the ability to teach its contents. He is also a certified Okazaki style restoration therapy instructor, 1997, from the Kodenkan International Martial Arts Inc. of Costa Rica.
Gary Lescak has done substantial graduate work in martial arts theory and practice; his main academic areas of expertise are history and philosophy of martial arts. Gary has over 38 years experience doing a variety of martial arts; he specializes in Ju-Jutsu and Chinese boxing. He has taught specialized police combatives, knife fighting, stick fighting, psychiatric and geriatric patient restraint, self-defense for the elderly, and teaches professionally, full-time, at his school. A more detailed biography follows.
Education
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Gerontology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, (1983); Areas of Specialization: value establishment and clarification, death and dying, self-defense for the elderly; restraining the elderly, combative patient.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Social Sciences, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, Illinois (1981); Areas of Specialization: criminology/juvenile delinquency; sociological, psychological, and philosophical perspectives on the problems of prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency; including various treatment modalities and methods of assessment, programming, evaluation, and aftercare; the contemporary application of traditional Asian martial arts theory and practice to the problem of juvenile delinquency; an epistemological basis for qualitative methods of evaluation.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Leisure Studies, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, Illinois (1980); Areas of Specialization: leisure systems administration including: organization and management theories, budgeting, and interpersonal relations; character development through leisure activities (especially Asian martial arts).
Department of Asian Studies, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, Illinois (1977-78); Areas of Specialization: medieval Japanese history and traditional Japanese culture.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Modern Languages, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (1974); Distinguished Military Graduate with subsequent Regular Army commission being awarded.
Military Experience
Gary was commissioned as a Lieutenant (R.A.) in 1974. While still at The Citadel, he attended U.S. Army Airborne School (1972), Jumpmaster School (1972), and Ranger School (1973). While on active duty as an infantry officer in West Germany, he also attended the German Army Einzelkaempfer Lehrgang (Ranger School, 1974). In addition to his regular duties, Gary taught a jujitsu class, was in charge of training the Post Karate Club, and taught specialized combatives to military police officers.
Martial Arts Background
Gary has studied Ju-Jutsu since 1967. He began his study of the Kodenkan-Dan Zan Ryu ju-jutsu system in 1968 with Professor Patrick Browne (7th Dan) of the Chicago, Illinois based Suburban Kodenkai of the American Judo and Ju-Jitsu Federation. He has also studied with Professor Ramon Ancho (10th Dan), original Okazaki student and senior instructor of the Kodenkan Hombu, Costa Rica; and Professor Bill Beach (10th Dan), founder of The Hawaiian Jiu-Jitsu System.
Gary has formed clubs and taught since 1971 wherever he has lived; he currently owns and operates the Martial Arts Academy, Metter, Georgia, where he teaches professionally, full time. He currently holds the rank of Schichidan (7th Dan) and title of Professor. He serves as the Executive Director of The Hawaiian Jiu-Jitsu System, Inc., a national organization dedicated to preserving the Okazaki legacy.
In addition to ju-jutsu, Gary has practiced Chinese boxing since 1977 when he began his study with Master George Ling Hu. He has also studied Phillipino stick and blade fighting (Serrada Eskrima) with Master Instructor Phil Stoecklin.
His current studies and interests include Thai boxing (Muay Thai) and combat weapons throwing.
Additional Experience
Gary has worked on a county hospital psychiatric unit and taught (and practiced) patient restraint. He has taught martial arts to orphans and emotionally/behaviorally disturbed adolescents at a children's group home. He has been responsible for security at a multi-million dollar plantation.
Continuing Education
Gary’s studies are ongoing; he currently continues his studies with Master George Ling Hu and Prof. Bill Beach.
Publications
Kill or Cure: The Martial Art / Healing Art Connection; in Massage and Bodywork magazine, April, 2004.
Other works are in progress.
Business Experience
Gary has owned and operated the very successful Power of Touch Massage, Inc. since 1999 in Metter, Ga. He specializes in medical massage and has clients with a wide range of problems that he has helped; some of his successes include helping people with fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, sciatica, chronic neck and back pain, tendonitis, etc.
Professional Organizations
Executive Director, The Hawaiian Jiu-Jitsu System, Inc.
International Massage Association
References or more information available upon request; also see http://www.mettermartialarts.com/