• 7th Degree Black belt, former Kickboxing Champion & former head instructor under Grand Master FredDegerberg at the Degerberg Academy
of Martial Arts – Chicago (awarded “Best Overall School” by Black Belt Magazine in a 2006 worldwide vote). Roger began training in Martial arts at the Degerberg Academy in 1982. In his early years Roger specialized in amateur boxing, kickboxing and Judo along with the “Degerberg Blend”. Over the years, Roger has also studied many different styles of Karate, Kung Fu, Jui Jitsu, Kali, Bando and many other diverse arts.
Grand Master Degerberg and his Degerberg Academy pioneered the “MMA” concept over 30 years ago by combining striking arts with grappling arts and weaponry. The Degerberg “Blend” is very “street” oriented and combines aspects of Boxing, Kickboxing, Kali, Jun Fan/ JKD Concepts, Judo/ Jiu Jitsu, Thai Boxing, Savate, Silat and Wrestling. As head instructor at the Degerberg Academy, Roger has been instrumental in contributing to the development of Degerberg “Blend” system, has appeared on television & radio interview programs and is in demand as an instructor of martial arts seminars worldwide.
• Thai Boxing (Muay Thai):
Kru Roger Luri is has been training in Muay Thai since the early 1980′s and has been a certified Muay Thai instructor since the mid 1980’s.
Red Ring Master Instructor under the United World Muay Thai Council and Former Director Chicago Branch of Thai Boxing Association of USA, the Roger has trained and certified many talented Muay Thai instructors.
Roger trained with Apidej Sit Hirun and many other pro Thai Boxing champions at several different pro camps in Thailand and in Europe and also trained in Krabi Krabong (Thai sword and weapons) in Thailand at Buddai Swan.
Roger Luri was awarded his Silver Glove (highest rank) in B.F. Savate by the French Federation of B.F. Savate in Strassburg, FR. In 1990.
Two time United States Heavyweight B.F. Savate Combat (full contact) Champion.
Founding Member of United States Savate Federation (USSF), Roger has ranked hundreds of students in B.F. Savate including 10 Silver Gloves.
• Kickboxing, etc. :
Twice United States heavyweight Kickboxing champion, Roger trained with countless world champions in Kickboxing, Boxing, Thai Boxing, Savate, Shoot Boxing, etc. Has fought in Boxing, Kickboxing, Savate, Thai boxing and Shoot boxing in the USA, Italy and France.
Undefeated in kickboxing with 12 knockouts to his credit and has trained numerous students who have become champion boxers and kick boxers.
• Kali / Silat /Jun Fan (Jeet Kune D0):
Guro Roger is an instructor in Lameco Escrima under Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Roger has trained extensively with many diverse Kali, panatukan, silat and Escrima masters along with several Indonesian Silat masters. Sifu Roger has also studied Wing Chun Gung Fu under several different Sifus.
Guro Roger is an associate instructor under Guro Ron Balicki’s Martial Arts Research Systems and received his apprentice instructorship in both Kali and Jun Fan under Punong Guru Dan Inosanto in 1989.
• Yoga, etc.
Roger began practicing yoga and Pilates in the mid 1980’s and has studied many different styles of yoga and healing arts including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Letha and many others. Roger has adapted many techniques and principals from these yogic styles to his philosophy and practice of the Martial arts.
In his early 20′s , before taking up martial arts, Roger trained extensively in body building and had training partners who were professional competitors. During this time, Roger learned principals of nutrition and training methods which would lay the groundwork for future martial arts and fight training.
Come to Kensho Martial Arts Chicago to discover our unique blend of Mixed Martial Arts. Experience the difference for life.