The United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame (USMAHOF) is honored to announce Charles Cherry Jr., a 3rd-degree black belt in the Art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and 2nd-degree black belt in Judo has been selected for induction into our prestigious Hall of Fame. The Inductee Class of 2024 will be formally recognized and honored at a black-tie banquet and ceremony, to be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
Professor Charles Cherry began his martial arts journey by studying kung fu with his father when he was five years old. While growing up, Professor Cherry trained in Tang soo do, Boxing, Shito-Ryu Karate, Hakkoryu jiu-jitsu, American Kickboxing, and Judo. His favorite uncle growing up, Harold Cherry, is also a United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee. Professor Cherry recently retired from a 28-year career in law enforcement, but he continues to teach defensive tactics, firearms, and tactical medicine at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
Professor Cherry started his law enforcement career in a small town in North Carolina and while protecting his community, he volunteered to coach the local junior high school wrestling team. That was the start of what would become years of devoting his time to instilling confidence and self-esteem in kids from his community. Professor Cherry later moved to Maryland where he continued his law enforcement career as a federal agent, became a two-time member of the U.S. Judo team roster, and later became the head coach of his local Boys & Girls wrestling club. Professor Cherry also became an assistant wrestling coach at St. John’s College High School in Washington DC. Professor Cherry opened a Brazilian Jiujitsu school in Bowie, Maryland with his former partner and 4th-degree BJJ black Belt, Carlos Catania in 2010.
The Professor has mentored hundreds of children who have come through his programs, but his latest efforts incorporate his knowledge of applied behavior to assist his martial arts students who are struggling with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), and other developmental disabilities, gain confidence, combat bullying, and learn to enjoy their martial arts experiences also. Professor Cherry obtained a second master’s degree in applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which is an evidence-based intervention used for children with ASD. Over the last four years, Professor Cherry has continued to impact the lives of those around him whether they are able-bodied or considered disabled. Professor Cherry is a disabled U.S. Army veteran who believes that martial arts can also assist veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress.
Preceding this event, martial arts school owners, instructors, and their students from across the United States will gather for a three-day National Training Camp, hosted by the International Martial Arts Council of America, Inc. Fifteen Master Level instructors, representing a broad cross-section of the global martial arts community, will be teaching, with a different discipline taught each session.
Induction into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame is a recognition of the Inductee's contribution to the Martial Arts at a local, state, national, or international level by his or her peers. It further recognizes the discipline, commitment, training, and years of selfless sacrifice required to wear the coveted Black Belt. For many, this is an opportunity to be honored by their peers for their dedication to raising a new generation of martial arts practitioners who will one day join the ranks of future instructors and school owners.
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