Jim Fortunato started martial arts at the age of 13 after getting beat up following a neighborhood hockey game. One of the neighborhood bullies attacked him from behind with a hockey stick and the next thing he knew he was flat on his belly with the bully on top beating him up. Finally, one of the neighborhood kids broke it up Jim went home with a bloody nose and a bruised up face and head.

He urged his parents to sign him up for karate and they did. He started his training with Master Garaguso in Williamstown, NJ. He ended up quitting karate in High School and during his 2nd year in college rejoined with his old instructor. He started training hard and became an apprentice instructor for Master Garaguso.
 

In 1995 he tested and passed his Black Belt test in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duck Kwan. And shortly after tested and passed his Intructor Certification for the title of "Kyo Sa Nim" (meaning Certified Instructor).

In 1995 he traveled to Korean to celebrate the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation 50th Anniversary. The Grandmaster of Soo Bahk Do, Hwang Kee, organized the federation officially in 1945 so it was a great honor to see him live in 1995. He was able to learn and train with some of the greatest Korean masters of this system. Unfortunately, Grandmaster Hwang Kee passed away in July 2002. However, thousands of people across the world are still able to learn and enjoy his Soo Bahk Do techniques.

In 1996, Jim found himself unsatisfied working as a 23 year old broke cook at a local restaurant. So, with a strong desire to become more and some help from his family and friends, Mr. Fortunato opened up Fortunato Karate. Within a year he was able to quit his job as a cook and focus on teaching martial arts full time.

Even with the decision to teach martial arts full time Mr. Fortunato continued to train and advance in karate and Soo Bahk Do with Mr. John Hassett. Evuentually Mr. Hassett and Mr. Fortunato decided to pursue their martial arts training more extensively by learning and studying the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; the same art made famous by the legendary Gracie family of Rio De Janero, Brazil.  Mr. Fortunato studied under the tutelege of Steve Maxwell in Philadelphia.

Mr. Fortunato was also trained by and took instruction from many members of the Gracie family. Including Helio Gracie, Royce Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Relson Gracie, Rorion Gracie & Rolker Gracie. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Mr. Fortunato and he feels blessed to have been able to learn from such excellent teachers of Jiu-Jitsu.

Mr. Fortunato also studied the art of Submission Wrestling and sought instructions under the guidance of Mr. Robert Ferguson of California. Mr. Ferguson is a renowned martial artist, women's self-defense expert and holder of 8 black belts. Mr. Ferguson took Mr. Fortunato under his wing and continued teaching him the art of Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling as well as proper self defense needed for teaching woman personal protection.

Mr. Ferguson has traveled from California to Fortunato Karate on several occasions giving seminars and promoting the advancement of martial arts, self-defense and an overall health and wellness approach to life.

During his years as a martial artist Mr. Fortunato competed regularly and become a champion in many Karate, Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling tournaments.

Today he is retired from competing and focuses his energy on his students, teaching them the physical and personal development skills martial arts has taught him.