Survival Training Conference brings renowned experts to Chicago

By Toure Muhammad -Contributing Writer- | Last updated: Jul 21, 2015 - 9:44:20 PM

CHICAGO—This year marks the 20th annual Survival Training Conference hosted by Nation of Islam’s National Training Director Anthony Muhammad to be held July 31 through August 2 at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, a Chicago suburb.

The conference will be a weekend filled with training from some of the top martial artists and security personnel in the world designed to help attendees improve their body, mind and spirit, explained Anthony Muhammad who has earned the title of Grandmaster in the martial arts world and is an eight time Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee and International Martial Artist.

In 1995, Grandmaster Anthony and his family moved to Chicago in order to serve as the National Trainer for the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He has since served in positions of First Officer, local Captain, Student Central Regional Captain and was recently promoted to Student Assistant Supreme Captain of the Fruit of Islam (F.O.I.).

Grand Master Anthony Muhammad demonstrating martial arts techniques.

“I really don’t know what next year will bring,” said Grandmaster Anthony explaining that he wasn’t sure if there will be a 21st annual conference. But he’s excited about this year’s seminars. “We are trying to make an impact on society with training and preparing individuals, children, men and women to have what is necessary to defend themselves from rapists, child molesters, kidnappers, domestic violence and any other aggressive attacks,” he explained.

Both Black on Black violence and racially-motivated attacks seem to be on an increase nationwide. Addressing both issues, the conference will not only teach self-defense techniques, but it will deal with overcoming fear, knowing your surroundings, destroying the victim mentality and how not to become a victim.

Attendees coming to offer their expertise include Soke Lil’ John Davis, Professor Bill McCloud, Professor Roger Braswell, Grandmaster Robert Sugar Crosson, Master Samuel Scott, Soke Thomas Gettling, Captain Robert Hibbert, and many others. Courses will include first aid-CPR, threat assessment, disaster preparedness, self-defense complete fitness and more.

Specifically for Nation of Islam members is the national training courses that will include extraction, close contact, dignitary protection, front rostrum, motorcade and pain compliance to help members get ready for the upcoming anniversary of the Million Man March October 10 in Washington, D.C. themed, “Justice Or Else!.”

Grand Master Anthony Muhammad training the women in self-defense.

The conference opens Friday, July 31 at 6:00 p.m. with world renowned championship fighter, Soke Lil’ John Davis and Grandmaster Robert Sugar Crosson.

Then on Saturday, Aug. 1 the Children’s and Women’s Self-Defense Seminar will begin at 9:00 a.m. There will also be an open seminar from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with sensei’s, grandmasters and masters from all over the U.S. and the Caribbean who will share their skills and expertise in the martial arts.

Grandmaster Anthony Muhammad has 40 years of study of these systems of Jiu-Jitsu, along with his studies of: boxing, Kung Fu, Karate, Aikido, Kali and Arnis. He has been a lifelong student of three of the most renowned martial artists in the world—the late Grand Professor Vee (Florendo Visitacion), the late Dr. Moses Powell (Master Musa Muhammad), and Soke Lil’ John Davis.

V.S.K. Ryu Jiu-Jitsu is a system of martial arts founded by Grandmaster Anthony derived from hundreds of years of combined training from these three top teachers. He earned the title of Grand Master from Dr. Powell. This conference continues to uplift their legacy.

He opened two successful Martial Arts academies: When Worlds Collide Center of the Arts in Brooklyn, New York and United Schools of Survival in Chicago. In New York, he founded the Young Kings and Queens Military Academy in which martial arts, military drill, math, reading and dance were part of the curriculum.

Grandmaster Anthony also owned and operated a successful security company that provided security for many of the movie director Spike Lee’s projects, New Line Cinema, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures and the Hudlin Brothers film projects. He has provided security on movie sets such as Malcolm X, Boyz In the Hood, Boomerang and House Party, to name a few. He also appeared in the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

In addition, he has provided personal security for the late former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, the late former mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington, celebrities Denzel Washington and Stevie Wonder, and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He has also worked in the New York Department of Corrections where one of his responsibilities was the training of corrections officers in its training academy.

To attend the conference for two days at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg 1800 E. Golf Road $99 a night. Visit schaumburg.hyatt.com to reserve a room. The cost for the conference is $150 and one day is $90. Children can attend both days for $50. Call to register 773.769.7017. For more information, please see page 29.

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