Mitch Kutzko has been studying martial arts since 1975. His training includes Karate, Aikido, Jujitsu, Arnis, Kung Fu, and Fencing. He is also trained in the use of impact weapons, edged weapons, and firearms.
In the summer of 1987, he joined the Parkland College Isshinryu Karate club, and currently holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate. He was an instructor with the Parkland Karate club for over two years.
While living in Japan on a study-abroad program during the 89-90 academic year, he studied Aikido with the Konan University Aikido Club.
Mr. Kutzko's Isshinryu Karate instructor was Joe L. Smith, a 6th Degree Black belt, 20 year veteran of the Champaign Police Department, and Basic Training Manager for the Police Training Institute (PTI) at the University of Illinois.
During the 94-95 academic year, Mr. Kutzko was the instructor for the Kines 100 Self Defense classes at the University of Illinois, and team-taught the class again for 96-97. He has also conducted individual workshops for various private groups and residence halls on campus.
Mr. Kutzko was a member of the American Women's Self Defense Association (AWSDA) from 1994 to 1999, becoming an AWSDA-certified Rape Prevention Instructor in August of 1997.
In May of 1997, Mr. Kutzko joined the R.A.D. Systems (Rape Aggression Defense) program by certifying as a R.A.D. Basic Instructor. He received his R.A.D. Advanced Instructor certification in May of 1998, and his radKIDS Instructor certification in March of 2000. In July of 2001 he received his Instructor-Trainer certification, and in March of 2004 he received his Authorized IT status.
Mr. Kutzko also studied Aikido at the Central Illinois Aikikai from April of 2001 to January of 2004.