Biography
Hello! My name is Louis Gross, and I am one of the assistant instructors at the Excel Martial Arts. In 2000, when I was about age 7, I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, from Chicago, Illinois. From a very young age I have had an interest in martial arts. When I first entered high school I decided to take a Shotokan-Karate class at my local YMCA on a whim. I did not have any real interest in a sport at that moment. I just felt it would be a good way to kill some time.
However, under the tutelage of Sensei Catalin ʻNickʼ Neagu, I began to develop a passion for the art. I stayed with Excel Martial Arts throughout high school and was able to achieve the rank of Shodan (First Degree Black Belt) before I graduated and went off to college. After two years away at the University of Reno, I returned to Las Vegas and continued my training in Shotokan-Karate. I also started training in Krav Maga with Sensei Nick. I began assisting with classes and eventually became an assistant instructor.
I have trained with Sensei Nick for almost 14 years. During those years I have attended and participated in several tournaments, such as the USA Open and Junior Olympics Championship. I’ve won gold, silver, and bronze medals in competitions for kumite (sparring) and kata (form).
I assist Sensei Nick in operating the dojo and instructing the students. When Sensei Nick is not present, I handle the instruction of the students and operation of Excel Martial Arts. I enjoy all aspects of Shotokan-Karate. I view it as more than a system for fighting–it is a way of life. Shotokan-Karate honors virtues of tradition and respect that every man of every faith can follow. It allows students to improve physically, mentally, and spiritually, and fosters bonds of loyalty and friendship as we all seek to further perfect our art. I am truly grateful to Sensei Nick for passing along his knowledge of such a beautiful art to me. I train every day to be worthy of that knowledge and to preserve a tradition which has persisted for hundreds of years.
Acheivements
USA Karate Junior Olympics Championship 2010
Silver medal– Kata(Form)
Silver medal– Kumite(Sparring)
USA Karate Junior Olympics Championship 2011
Gold medal – Kata(Form)
Bronze medal – Kumite(Sparring)