Sensei Phillip Lawton began his martial arts training in 1977 and is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Goshi-shun martial arts. He also holds a 4th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and a Shodan in Goju-Ryu. He is the head instructor and founder of Lawton's "My Dojo" Military Way where he provides martial arts instruction to adults and youth.

Sensei Phillip Lawton holds a Master's degree in Christian Counseling and currently works as a hospice chaplain. He is also a proud member of Prince Hall Lodge Number 24 of the Free and Accepted Masons. In addition to these accomplishments, Phillip Lawton is a proud 10-year veteran of the United States Navy and actively served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He is also a former corrections officer and an author of several books including "This is What They Told Me; Stories from Prison That They Won't Tell You."

At the age of 59, his most recent accomplishment will be representing the United States in the World Karate and Kickboxing Commission to be held in Niagara Falls, NY on October 25-31st.