Master Lawrence Whitaker holds a 6th Degree Black Belt in the Mongolian Kempo and Naphtali martial arts systems, as well as a 2nd Degree Black Belt from the AMEXEM Cultural Art Institute (Institute of African Martial Arts), a 1st Degree Black Belt in Pankration, and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Taming of the Great Power. Master Whitaker is a Certified Restraining Arts Instructor, and he is certified and registered with the Institute of Certified Martial Arts National/International Certification and Registration Board.

• Master Whitaker received martial arts and self-defense training from the following instructors:
• Master Rashad Bay (Taming of the Great Power)
• Master James Laws (African-American Martial Arts)
• Master Roy Lightfoot (Jiu-Jutsu)
• Master Larry Mason (Tae Kwon Do)
• Master Lester Kearny (Mongolian Kempo)
• Master C. Hamilton Robinson (Naphtali, Pankration)
• Ahati Kilindi Iyi, Head Instructor and Technical Advisor, African Fighting Sciences (Tamerrian)
• Baba Ishangi (Traditional African Martial Arts)

Master Whitaker gained leadership experience in the US Army while Stationed in Germany at the Primary Leadership/ Development School. He received intensive combat and survival training and participated in Operation Urgent Fury, an important student rescue mission in Grenada in 1983. Military honors include: the Army Achievement Medal, Merit of Service Award, Good Conduct Medal, and the Overseas Award. In recent years, Whitaker has trained national law enforcement.

Master Whitaker’s awards and recognized achievements include:

• 25 people making a difference in South Philly: 2013 Difference Maker Award
• Martial Arts Hall of Fame – Outstanding Achievement in Martial Arts
• Honored as a minority business owner
• Featured on ABC6 in Philadelphia