Jim Fortunato started martial arts at the age of 13 after being being beat up by a neighborhood bully. He urged his parents to sign him up for karate and he started his training with Master Garaguso in Williamstown, NJ. After years of intense training, Mr. Fortunato 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 passed his Instructor Certification for the title of "Kyo Sa Nim" (meaning Certified Instructor).

In 1995 he traveled to Korea 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. He was able to learn and train with some of the greatest Korean masters of this system. 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 with some help from his family and friends, Mr. Fortunato opened up Fortunato Karate.

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. trained by many members of the Gracie family, including Helio Gracie, Royce Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Relson Gracie, Rorion Gracie & Rolker Gracie.
 

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.

During his years as a martial artist Mr. Fortunato competed regularly and became a champion in many Karate, Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling tournaments. Today he is retired from competing and teaching and focuses his energy on his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament circuit The Good Fight.