Aaron has been training in the martial arts since 1998. He started with Tai Chi Chuan and Wing Chun, until beginning American Kenpo in 2003. At the same school under Grandmaster Brent Thompson, he began training in Combat Hapkido in 2004, eventually earning a brown belt. After earning a 3rd degree black belt (Head Instructor) in Kenpo, Aaron began exploring various martial arts and combat sport disciplines, including; Yin Style linear BaGua Zhang under Professor Steve Bonzak in Chicago; Tai Ji Chuan under Brendan Matson in Chicago; Fencing under Patrice Coux in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa (1976 U.S. Olympic fencing team [alternate]); Boxing in Iowa City under Clif Johnson of ICOR. While still living in Chicago in 2018, he was promoted to 4th degree black belt (Senior Instructor), and is preparing for his 5th degree black belt (Associate Professor) test later this year.

In 2009, Aaron attempted to enlist in the Army for the 6th consecutive year, finally gaining acceptance to the Iowa National Guard, serving from ‘09 to ‘15 as a Heavy Equipment Engineer in Middletown, IA. From ‘16 to his discharge in ‘23, he was an 11B Infantryman, making it as far as WSL (weapon squad leader), as senior E6 in his Platoon. As such, he was deployed to Qatar from May ‘20 to April ‘21. Yes, That was the middle of Covid lockdown… please don’t bring it up. Aaron was able to participate in a few schools while in. Master Fitness Trainer, Small Arms Weapons Expert, Civil Disturbance/Riot training, and many other various training events in his 14 years of service.

After leaving the service, Aaron used his GI Bill to obtain a Survival/SERE Instructor certification through Sigma III Survival school in Reed’s Spring, MO. He plans to eventually use GI bill for gunsmithing school and whatever is left for flight training. Aaron is dedicated to a lifetime of learning.

Aaron enjoys several hobbies in his free time. Fixie Bicycling, mountain biking, motorcycles, metal and woodworking, playing bass and guitar, bouldering/rock climbing, trail running, snowboarding, axe/knife/spike throwing, pool, darts, etc.