Mr. McGovern holds Senior Black Belt ranking in the old Saito Ninpo Grading System. He has studied Martial Arts for more
than 35 years and holds Sandan ranking in Aiki Okami Ryu Jujutsu (Daito Ryu), Nidan ranking in Aikido and Shodan ranking in Shotokan Karate. He also has experience in
White Crane Kung Fu, Won Hop Loong Chuan Gung Fu, Judo, Kenjutsu and Iaido/Battojutsu. Mr. McGovern has practiced, taught and employed his martial training in real
world situations while serving over 20 honorable years on Active Duty in the United States Navy.
His campaigns include:
Operations-
Restore Hope (Somalia)
Desert Shield
Desert Storm, The Gulf War
Vessel Boarding Search and Seizure Ops with U.S. Marines
Enduring Freedom (911/Afganistan).
Iraqi Freedom - War on Iraq
During his 22 year military career he was a member of the Navy's early Security/Anti-Terrorism Force. For 12 years his duties included, but were not limited to:
Hostage Rescue Team Leader (SWAT)
VIP Protection Team Leader
Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Instructor
Weapons and Tactics Instructor
Defensive Tactics (Hand to Hand) Instructor
He attended specified training at the San Diego County Sheriff's SWAT Academy in 1989 as part of a cooperative Navy Law Enforcement/Sheriff Department venture as well as
training in FBI Defensive Tactics in 1989/90. He coordinated Naval Security operations
with the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI on Presidential, Vice Presidential and VIP visits
to San Diego Naval Bases and is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) an international group of and for security professionals. Additionally he has operated as Chief of Stage Security for
country music stars: The Judds, Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Sawyer Brown and The Pirates of the Mississippi when these artists performed at former Naval Air Station Miramar.
Mr. McGovern was the President of the USS JOHN C. STENNIS CVN-74 Martial Arts Club from 2000 -
2002 and was an active member of the NAS Whidbey Island Tae Kwon Do Team (1984/85).
He attended Southern Illinois University earning a B.S. Degree in Aviation/
Business Management in 1994 and holds certificates in Leadership and Management from Harvard University (2004).
Mr. McGovern has recently returned to training in Won Hop Loong Chuan and Dim Mak under long time friend and teacher, Sigung A. F. Walker. He has also been received for personal training under the current Head of Saito Ninpo System, Master Hans Maui Saito.
Chief Instructor - Stephen T. McGovern