Sifu John Hopper started martial arts training in 1997 under Sifu Jerry Weldon. He attained the rank of black sash in 2003 and received his teaching certification and the rank of 1st degree black sash in 2004. In twenty years, Sifu John is only the second person to ever be awarded his teaching certificate under Sifu Jerry Weldon. Sifu John studies the advanced system of Kajukenbo Tum Pai, Tai Chi Chuan, and Pakua Chang. John Hopper is currently ranked a second degree black sash.