Antonio N. Sherman: Where Ancient Discipline Meets Modern Protection
Antonio N. Sherman is an extraordinay figure in the martial arts world known not only for his profound skills in Wing Chun but also for his diverse background as a U.S. Army historian, author, and executive protection specialist. His journey in martial arts is deeply rooted in practical application, with a strong emphasis on close-quarters combat (CQC). The CQC he designed for protection specialists is called "The Take-5 Self-defense Concept" - making his approach highly effective for real-world situations. As the founder of the Nikida-Kan Wing Chun Hall of Discipline, Sherman has dedicated himself to creating a unique and structured system that integrates martial arts with modern training techniques.
Dr. Antonio N. Sherman, known to his students as "Nikida," has dedicated over four decades to the study and practice of martial arts. A U.S. Army veteran who served seventeen years as a Staff Sergeant, Sherman spent eight formative years stationed in Korea, where he served with the United Nations Command Joint Security Area at Pan Mun Jom. In this role, he worked as a Dignitary Security Escort Driver and member of the Quick Reaction Forces, experiences that would later inform his approach to close-quarters combat and executive protection work.
Sherman's contribution to martial arts extends into his writing, most notably with his book Mudo Kan-Waza Ryu Martial Arts System. This work reflects his commitment to disciplining the structured approach to martial arts mastery. By combining core principles with his extensive military and protective services experience, Sherman's system offers a comprehensive method designed to enhance a practitioner's effectiveness both mentally and physically. His approach demonstrates a bridge between traditional theoretical knowledge and applied martial skills, making it invaluable for those seeking to excel in martial arts beyond the dojo.
His military background has significantly influenced his martial arts philosophy, especially his focus on practical and efficient techniques suited for high-stress, real-life encounters. Sherman specializes in executive protection requiring quick decisiveness, and the ability to neutralize threats effectively, traits that he incorporates into his Wing Chun training methodology. Through this blend of battlefield experience and traditional martial arts, Sherman presents a well-rounded curriculum that is both rigorous and adaptable.
Sherman is a member of the Global Kung Fu Alliance, a level 7 Wing Chun student of Sifu Kendra Mahon, holds a Doctorate in Martial Science and Philosophy and has earned the rank of 10th Dan 9th Kup Red-Grand Master. His expertise in Martial Offense and Philosophy extends across multiple disciplines, including Filipino knife fighting and Arnis stick training under 33rd GGM Master Roberto Cordonesllo as part of the Fierce Tigers Generation. He is also certified under the Kukkiwon Taekwondo World Federation and Chang Moo Kwan Federation. In 2019, he was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the martial arts community.
Beyond his instructional work, Antonio N. Sherman is also recognized for his role as a mentor and leader within the martial arts community. His school, Nikida-Kan Hall of Discipline, embodies his teaching philosophy founded on respect, discipline, and structured training. Students who train under Sherman's guidance learn a combat system that also embraces a lifestyle that prioritizes mental focus and personal development. This holistic approach has earned Sherman a respected place among contemporary martial artists, offering training systems that are grounded in tradition yet enhanced by experience.
As Co-founder of Global H.I.L.L. Medical & Tactical Training, LLC, and Director of Global Training and Executive Protection Services, Sherman has built an extensive career spanning over twenty years of combined military and civilian security experience. He has worked as a certified private investigator, Ministry of Defense contractor, and executive protection specialist in Guam for Protection Services. He developed the Placci-O Placci-D combative methodology designed specifically for executive protection specialists working in confined spaces and high-pressure situations. His philosophy challenges students with the reality that "Your attacker or threat doesn't follow a set pattern in the real world," and his training reflects this understanding by preparing practitioners for unpredictable scenarios.
In a world where martial arts is often seen through the lens of sport or entertainment, Antonio N. Sherman stands out as an authentic martial artist whose commitment to purpose: survival, discipline, and self-improvement. His dedication ensures that the legacy of traditional martial arts is preserved while also inspiring a new generation of martial artists to train with purpose and integrity. Sherman is also a prolific author, having published over thirty-five books ranging from fiction to specialized texts for the executive protection industry. His work reflects his belief that "Survival is not solely for the fittest, but for those who are prepared." Through Nikida-Kan Hall of Discipline, his writings, and his training programs, Sherman continues to share the knowledge gained from a lifetime of study, service, and practical application in both martial arts and security operations.