Sifu Silva has study martial arts since his teens. He has trained in numerous styles including: Tai Chi, Shaolin Kempo, Kajukembo, Jujitsu, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, and Boxing. Sifu Silva opened Black Belt Martial Arts Academy in 1996. He has taught at many local after school programs including ones at Sandmeier School, Walton School, Darcey School, Summit Child Care Centers, Springfield School System, and a Springfield Brownie Troop. Sifu Silva has taught self-defense to corporate executives and womens groups. He has been featured on a local television show highlighting martial arts. Sifu Silva also hosted a weekly martial arts class on local cable television.

Dr. John began the study of martial arts as an adult, achieving the rank of advanced black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate, Chin Na and Jiujutsu systems. He studies Chen Man-Ch'ing's Yang style short form Tai Chi and classic Yang style Tai Chi knife (broad sword). He has been instrumental in teaching the Lohan Pattern in the Shaolin Kempo Karate system. Dr. John practices multiple weapons including Bo staff, Jo staff, Escrima and Shaolin broad sword. He has taken part in the development of the Lightening Fist Knife System. Dr. John has won several Black Belt Senior Division championships in both sparring and weapons forms. He is certified as an instructor for Rape Awareness and Self Defense. Recently, he achieved the prestigious national certification as a Martial Arts Instructor from the American Council of Martial Arts. Dr. John is a practicing pediatrician and has a keen interest in the Asian philosophy of health and healing. He holds a Masters certificate in Acupressure.

Vinnie has trained for over 9 years in Martial Arts, having studied 4 different styles (Tae Kwon Do, Goju Ryu, Ninjitsu, and Shaolin Kempo). He is a former member of New Jersey Shadow Warriors Junior Team. Vinnie is fluent with many different weapons including: Nunchuku, Escrima Sticks, Jo Staff, and Broad Sword. In the 1992 Empty Hands School of Martial Arts Tournament, he took First Place. Currently he is enrolled at Caldwell College as Criminal Justice Major.