John Hagman
Shihan John Hagman is co-owner and vice-president of the Learning Center for Martial Arts (now Excel Martial Arts). Along with business partner Cody Robyn, John took over Excel after being a faithful student and instructor since 1974.
John Hagman is an incredible martial artist, a gifted instructor, and one of the most dedicated martial artists over almost 30 years.
After joining Massapoag Martial Arts in Sharon in his teens, John found an outlet for his energy and creativity. His dedication to his instructor, Steve Schatvet, paid off as John followed Steve in his many new classes in the newly formed Learning Center for Martial Arts in 1980.
John’s dedication to the martial arts is only trumped by that of his family. During the mid-80’s John took a leave of absence to focus on his career as an electrician and to get married. In between, he found time to return and in 1986 received the fifth 1st degree Black Belt in the school. After taking time to start a family, John eventually returned in 1995 and never looked back.
Shortly after meeting Cody Robyn, they began training together; Cody seeking his 1st Degree and John his 2nd. John suffered an unexpected medical setback in early 1996, but it did not prevent him from returning a receiving his 2nd degree Black Belt. After taking over the school in 1997, the training increased and the achievements followed. In 2000, John not only received his 3rd degree Black Belt but for the first time, advanced two students of his own to the rank of 1st degree Black Belt.
In 2004, John received his 4th degree Black Belt and his PL-1 status in Evan Pantazi’s Pressure Point System called Kyusho International. He advanced to Pl-2 (2005) and PL-3 (2008), the latter being the same year he was promoted to 5th degree Black Belt and awarded the title of “Shihan” (teacher of teachers).John Hagman
The year 2008 was a turning point for Shihan John Hagman as he began training with Sifu David Bilyeu in Internal Arts Tai Chi Ch’uan. Dave’s effect on John’s training and outlook was dramatic as it served a great counter-balance to outside stresses and freed John to improve in ways he never expected. In 2009 John was award his 1st Duan rank, followed by his 2nd in 2011, and his 3rd in 2013. This training had a great impact on John and was evident when he received his PL-4 rank in Kyusho in 2012.
Shihan John has a huge influence and impact over all of the students at Excel Martial Arts. He is a Master Level Instructor who regularly teaches and manages at the Mansfield Dojo.
RANKS
- 7th Degree Black Belt American Te®
- 8th Degree Black Belt Ryukyu Kempo/ Kyusho Kempo
- 7th Level Practitioner Kyusho International™
- 6th Degree Black Belt Kyusho-Jutsu Kokusai Shihankai
- 6th Duan in Internal Arts Tai Chi Ch’uan
AFFILIATIONS
- Studied Kickboxing with Kenny Wagner (1986-1989)
- Studied with Professor Thomas Sotis (1989-1990, 2000-2006)
- Studied in seminar with Grand Master George Dillman of Ryukyu Kempo (2000-2004)
- Currently studies in semi-private classes with Shihan Evan Pantazi (2000-present)
- Trains and Certifies Members of Kyusho International™
- Trains and Certifies students of Excel levels White Belt through all Black Belt ranks
- Awarded the title of Shihan (Master Level teacher of teachers) from Evan Pantazi (2013)
