Adam Snipes started his Martial Arts training at an early age. Like most other children, he was introduced to the Martial Arts through TV mainly the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His first class he took was at age 4. At that time, his instructor only held classes for adults till meeting him, then he added a children's program to the Academy. This style Grand Master Snipes took was Tang Soo Do. At age 10, he started to take Tae Kwon Do. When he turned age 13 he was introduced back into Tang Soo Do in his local town. From there GM Snipes cross trained with Judo, Jujitsu, and Non Traditional Aikido (Aikijitsu). Approximately a year later Master Snipes was introduced to Manabi-Masho Jujitsu where he cross trained from his other combative Martial Arts. He then started to put together his own unique style of Free Style Martial arts (or what he likes to call 'adaptive training'). Joining stand up styles (Tang Soo Do & Kickboxing) along with Combatives (Manabi-Masho, Aikijitsu, Judo, Krav Maga aspects, & Environmental Adaptation Training).
During this time mid 1990s is when Grand Master Snipes decided there is 'No' such thing as an "Ultimate or Best" Martial Art! Every Style is unique in it's own way all has something to offer (depending on what you are looking to achieve during your journey). The Ultimate Martial Arts is in "Life's" Journey in learning (mind, body, and spirit). Therefore Life's Ultimate Martial Arts Academy would be in the making.LUMA Academy
While students earn their Belts within the Tang Soo Do Style of Martial Arts, Grand Master Snipes offers the Continuous Training Aspect as an added Combative Course in addition too. This blend of Martial Arts is a great way for anyone to adapt: stand up, ground, close quarter combat, and environmental.
On September 1st, 1998 Grand Master Snipes Opened Life's Ultimate Martial Arts Academy, in Flemingsburg KY. On the Academy's 10 year Anniversary he opened his 2nd location in Maysville in 2008. He shortly closed his Flemingsburg location (after one year) as most students transferred to his new location keeping his centered location in Maysville KY. In which LUMA remains in operation today under Head Instructor GM Snipes.
Grand Master Snipes currently Holds Ranks/Titles of:
*10th Dan under/by GM Professor John Casarez
*Founder of A.C.T. Defense Systems
*Doctor/Professor/Grand Master in Martial Arts
*6th Dan Tang Soo Do*5th Dan Aikijitsu
*3rd Dan Hapkido
*1st Dan Total Defense Combat Karate
During the 1990s Grand Master Snipes competed professionally through tournament circuits taking numerous awards in Weapons, Forms, Fighting, and Breaking, along with being awarded as Over-All Tournament Champion. GM Snipes still competes today. His last tournament he competed in after a 2 year lay off from the tournament circuit GM Snipes placed 1st in all divisions (weapons, forms, and fighting) and won 1st place in Over-All Forms and Fighting as Tournament Grand Champion in 2016.
Awards of Grand Master Snipes:
WHFSC (World Head of Family Sokeships Council)
•1998 Outstanding Asst. Instructor WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•1999 Outstanding Instructor WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•1999 WHFSC Hall of Fame Induction International Hall of Fame
•2000 Martial Arts Contributor of the Year WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2001 Outstanding Instructor WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2002 Regional Instructor of the Year Manabi Masho WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2003 Mixed Martial Artist of the Year USA Hall of Fame
•2003 WPMAC Grappling Coordinator Award
•2004 USA Hall of Fame Induction
•2005 Mixed Martial Artist of the Year WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2006 National Instructor of the Year WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2007 School listed within the top in the Nation United Professionals BBS International
•2008 University of Asian Martial Arts Study - Title of Professor of Martial Arts
•2008 Master Instructor WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2008 Mixed Martial Arts Master of the Year USA Hall of Fame
•2009 School of the Year (Zenith) USA Hall of Fame
•2010 Regional Master Instructor WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2010 International Instructor of the Year USA Hall of Fame
•2010 Hall of Heroes USA Hall of Fame
•2011 Zenith Award USA Hall of Fame
•2011 Officially Inducted as 'Member' USA Hall of Fame
•2011 Silver Life Achievement 'Mixed Martial Arts' WHFSC (over 25 years in Martial Arts) International Hall of Fame
•2012 Council's Master Award WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2012 Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts USA Hall of Fame
•2014 Leading Martial Arts School of the Year USA Hall of Fame
•2014 Ranked #1 School in the US USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
•2014 Black Belt Schools International (BBSI) Advanced Concept Training Certified BBSI School Instructor
•2015 WPKA (World Professional Karate Association) - State Director (US Team)
•2015 Martial Arts Superior Excellence USA Hall of Fame
•2019 Hero Award Tournament Circuit
•Along with many other Awards during the years.
•2022 Promoted to 10th Dan Grand Master on Feb. 12th, 2022
•2022 Owner and Founder of A.C.T Defense Systems. Officially named on Feb. 12th, 2022 (started it's inception in the late 90s)
•2023 Founder's Award (New Style Recognition: A.C.T. Defense Systems) WHFSC International Hall of Fame
•2024 Featured in American Martial Arts Alliance Legacy Book (10 Year Anniversary Edition). One of 150 Martial Artists Nationwide. Others include: Chuck Norris, Pat Johnson Karate Kid Movies, Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace, Cynthia Rothrock, Ernie Reyes Sr. and many other great martial artists from around the country!
•2025 Grandmaster of the Year WHFSC International Hall of Fame
However, Grand Master Snipes always says his greatest awards comes from his students!
Grand Master Snipes has had the privilege to train, meet, and teach seminars with many great Martial Artists from around the world (including United Kingdom, Philippines, Russia, Canada, Germany, Italy, China, Japan) but here are some you may have heard of (to name just a few): •GM Professor John Casarez • 'Tokyo' Joe Williams • Chuck Norris • Frank Dux • Ron Van Clief • Bob Wall • Kathy Long • Don 'The Dragon' Wilson • Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace • GM Irving Soto • Dan 'The Beast' Severn • Keith Hackney •James Cook & Many others
Grand Master Snipes has also helped in securing venues, including music group ".38 Special".
Grand Master Snipes continues to run his Academy as Owner and Chief/Head Instructor. While train/teaching police officers, sheriff officers, correctional officers, along with other officials not only locally but teaches Seminars across the United States. Many including the above and Women's Only Self Protection Courses and Active Shooter Trainings he offers for free.
To Book GM Snipes for a Seminar Please go to Contact Link or Call Office at 606-564-9400. Thank you.
