Grandmaster John Cicco

     Founder of the Martial Arts Academy of Pittsburgh, Mr. John Cicco commands over forty years experience in martial arts. Since opening his first school in 1974, over 2,000 students have been trained from his expert knowledge and caring spirit. A native of Penn Hills, Mr. Cicco served in the armed forces specially trained as a United States Navy Seal. There he served as Operations Department Advisor aboard the USS Constellation and the USS Kitty Hawk. His extensive areas of martial arts training include American Kickboxing, Korean Tang Soo Do, Aikido, Kendo, and Golden Gloves Tournaments. In addition, he traveled to the Orient to gain mature experience in White Crane Kung Fu. He also served as a Professional Karate Association judge for national tournaments and world title fights.
     Mr. Cicco also developed the Women's Self-Defense Program for Community College of Allegheny County's Life Long Learning Program.