Our Instructors
Ray Hildreth
Birth Date: 04-06-47
Birth Place: Tulsa, Ok
Master Ray Hildreth was born and raised in Tulsa, Ok and graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1965. In 1966, according to the May 1968 issue of Reader's Digest, Ray earned the distinction of being a member of the most decorated unit for its size in 193 years of American military service and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received and the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Combat. In 2003 Ray wrote "Hill 488" (published by Simon & Schuster) which told the story of this famous battle in South Vietnam. It was this battle that prompted Ray to begin martial arts training in 1968.
Military Service
- United States Marine Corps, July 1965 - Dec 1969
- Awarded Purple Heart for wounds in combat action - June 16, 1966
- Awarded Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in combat action - June 16, 1966
- United States Army, November 1971 - April 1977
- 1975 - Outstanding Soldier of the Year for the 43rd Support Group, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado
- October, 2003 - Released book titled "Hill 488" published by Simon & Schuster
Martial Arts
- 1968 - Began martial arts training with the U S Kenpo Karate Escrima Association of Hawaii
- 1972 - Attained the level of 2nd Degree Black Belt
- 1983 - Certified by Buck Sam Kong to teach Hung Gar Kung Fu
- 1992 - Hosted the United States Amateur Athletic Union's National Chinese Martial Arts Championships
- 1992 - Presented the "Outstanding Service Award" by the AAU Chinese Martial Arts Program
- 1993 - Appointed as National Chief Official for the AAU Chinese Martial Arts Program
- 1994 - Appointed as Senior Vice President for Region 6 of the United States Wushu Kung Fu Federation
- 1998 - Inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame for his Outstanding Support of Chinese Martial Arts
- 2003 - Presented the Whirlwind Classic's "Lifetime Achievement Award" by Master Larry Wells of Tulsa, Ok
- 2003 - Selected to serve as a Committee Member of the United States of America Wushu Kung fu Federation (USAWKF) Traditional Wushu Committee
- 2004 - Inducted into the American Black Belt System Karate Association Hall of Fame
- 2004 - Awarded Rank of 7th Degree by the World Organization of Wushu & Kung Fu Masters
- 2006 - Promoted to Rank of 8th Degree by World Organization of Wushu & Kung Fu Masters
2603-D S. Memorial Dr.
Tulsa, OK 74129-2601
CALL 918-664-8202
