About Me
Hanshi Anton Salahuddin A. Muhammad (ASAM) is founder and Grand Master (9th degree) of V.A.S.K. Ryu Jiu Jitsu (Vee, Al-Nas, Sanuces and Kumite Ryu) He is also Founder and Head Master of Bay Area-based United West Coast Jiu Jitsu (UWCJJ).As a 2nd generation martial artist he began training with Grand Master Cleophus Jacobs, Sr. at the early age of 4. At 9 years old, Hanshi ASAM also began studying Aikido with his uncle, 6th Degree Shihan Luqman Abdul-Hakeem who currently lives and teaches in Morocco. Hanshi ASAM received his black belt in Jiu Jitsu and began instructing students in 1971 at age 13. At 14, he earned black belts in Karate-do and Judo.His early years are rich with instruction from numerous notable martial artists. He earned Judo 3rd Dan under John McFadden. Holds 3rd dan in Shotokan Karate under Master Tom Le Puppet and Professor Pierre René. Hanshi ASAM has studied Goju Karate under Grand Master Leon Wallace and Master Sam McGee and has trained under Master Charles Elmo. Since then he has become an internationally known master martial artist with over 30 years teaching experience.Hanshi ASAM possesses an extremely diverse martial arts background with extensive training in Boxing, Escrima, Muy Thai under Master Paul Stewart, 7 Star Praying Mantis, Tiger Claw, Kung Fu, Wu Shu, Capoiera, Iado and Kendo. These disciplines have helped shape and form the basis of his highly effective Urban Survival system of VASK Ryu Jiu Jitsu.Hanshi ASAM is a direct student and representative of world-renown Jiu Jitsu master and Founder of Sanuces Ryu the late Dr. Moses Powell. He is also a direct student of Vee Arnis Jitsu Founder the late Grand Professor Florendo Visitacion, Al-Nas Jiu Jitsu co-Founder Professor Abbass M. Muhammad, and Soke Lil' John Davis founder and Grand Master of Kumite Ryu.Hanshi ASAM is a former board member and Vice President of the American Teachers Association of the Martial Arts (A.T.A.M.A.). He is a member and representative of many other martial arts associations and organizations and is recognized and accredited by numerous martial arts federations and associations worldwide.In addition to his leadership positions within the martial arts community, Hanshi ASAM is also a former tournament champion in Kumite (fighting), self-defense, and weapons and has provided personal and team security for various figures and organizations throughout the Bay Area and abroad. He also leads conflict mediation and martial arts training seminars for law enforcement and security institutions nationally and internationally, demonstrating the street-proven techniques used in "Urban Streetology".Hanshi ASAM brought his unique form of east coast knowledge and self-defense to the bay area in 1986. Since then he has gained a colorful yet formidable reputation from the many powerful and exciting demonstrations at seminars, street fairs and other bay area events including Oakland's Festival at the Lake and Berkeley's annual Juneteenth celebration.Since his arrival to the Bay Area, Hanshi ASAM has shown continuous devotion to working with Bay Area children and troubled youth teaching self-awareness, self-respect, community awareness and responsibility through self-discipline. His knowledge and expertise with these groups is respected and sought after by many Bay Area schools and educational institutions.Look me up on the web under Anton Muhammad!
