joe

Hanshi Joseph Bonacci began his martial arts training in the year 1965, and what began as a way of learning to defend himself better, soon became the essence of his life; a life he shared unselfishly with all his students. Shortly after starting his martial arts training, Hanshi Bonacci was drafted into the US Army were he would serve his country in Vietnam. In 1968 Hanshi Bonacci began his tour with the ninth infantry recondo unit, spending a great deal of time in the Mekong Delta. It was during this time that Hanshi Bonacci found himself relying on his martial arts training quite frequently to stay alive. During his tour, Hanshi Bonacci received the Bronze Star, as well as the Cross of Gallantry for bravery under fire making; him a highly decorated veteran upon his discharge.