Marc Canonizado

3rd Dan in Tae Kwon Do.

Born in Long Island, New York of Filipino, Japanese and Spanish descent; this outstanding martial artist has been competing for over 14 years. At the tender age of 3½ , Marc took an interest in martial arts by watching his father train.  A black belt in tae kwon do, his father William Canonizado, succumbed to the constant pleading and enrolled Marc at a local Orlando school at the age of 5.  It was love at first sight, Marc was hooked.  He began competing at the age of 7, and was awarded his black belt in 1994, at the age of 8.  From his start in competition as a youth, to becoming a top-rated adult competitor he has proven himself to be “the one to beat” in the weapons and extreme divisions. 

With aerial skills that defy gravity coupled with expertise that earned him the reputation and nickname “Mr. Precision”, Marc has achieved many notable accomplishments such as being an eight (8) time National and World NASKA/ISKA Weapons and Forms Champion; three (3) time NASKA All-Around youth black belt (top ranked in forms, weapons and fighting); more than five (5) sportmartialarts.com Viewer’s Choice awards including Best Adult Forms – Male (NASKA); Best Adult Weapons – Male (NASKA); and, Best Overall Adult Competitor – Male (NASKA) in 2006; AND, has proudly represented the United States earning numerous Grand Champion wins around the world.  As you will see below, Canonizado has won some of the top, and most competitive, tournaments in the country.  This outstanding athlete is also a proud member of world-renowned team “Straight-Up”, one of the top competitive teams in the sport karate world, under the direction of Mr. Joe Greenhalgh Sr.

In addition to Tae Kwon Do, Marc has trained in Capoeira, Kung Fu; and, even gymnastics at Broadway Gymnastics in Orlando, FL under the guidance of Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Johnson.  He is an expert in weapons (Kamas, nun chucks, bo staff, sword and escrima sticks).  When he isn’t traveling the world to compete, conduct a seminar, or perform a demonstration; you can find Marc at the Florida Sports Martial Arts Academy ( www.floridasportsmartialarts.com ) where he is the lead instructor and co-owner.  No stranger to the mass media, Mr. Canonizado has many television, video and print credits to his name including being featured in the ISKA championships on ESPN/ESPN2 and the Sunshine Network five year’s running; at the 2003 Battle of Atlanta on CNN; and, many more.  And, like other extraordinary martial artists, Marc shares the secrets to his success in more than three instructional videos.

This personable young man has a broad range of talents and interests that include gymnastics; dance (break-dancing, hip-hop, Latin and jazz); and, numerous sports interests including basketball, football, tennis, baseball, track & field, swimming, soccer, rollerblading, biking and volleyball.  Ok, where does he find the time; and, can we bottle some of that energy?  It’s that boundless energy and undeniable spirit that helped Marc achieve the following accomplishments in 2007:

2007 Capitol Classics Grand Champion Weapons Adult M/F Grand Champion Forms Adult M First, Black Belt Musical Forms 18+ M First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M 2007 Twin Towers Classic Grand Champion Weapons Adult M/F First, Black Belt Musical Forms 18+ M First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M 2007 Battle of Atlanta First, Black Belt Musical Forms 18+ M First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Weapons 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Forms 18+ M 2007 US Open First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Forms 18+ M 2007 Bluegrass Nationals Grand Champion Weapons Adult M/F First, Black Belt Musical Forms 18+ M First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Weapons 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Forms 18+ M 2007 New England Open Grand Champion Weapons Adult M/F Grand Champion Forms Adult M First, Black Belt Musical Forms 18+ M First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M 2007 Quebec Open First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M 2007 Ocean State Grand Nationals First, Black Belt Musical Forms 18+ M 2007 World Series of Martial Arts First, Black Belt Musical Forms 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Forms 18+ M 2007 COMPETE Nationals Grand Champion Weapons Adult M/F First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Weapons 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Forms 18+ M 2007 AKA Grand Nationals Grand Champion Forms Adult M First, Black Belt Musical Forms 18+ M First, Black Belt Musical Weapons 18+ M First, Black Belt Extreme Forms 18+ M

We could continue to elaborate on the successes of this young man, but to do so would contradict the low key and down-to-earth attitude that he presents himself with.  He performs well because he loves what he does; and, his greatness is a result of his love for the art.  It’s like watching Rocky Balboa win his fight…you want him to win because he’s just that nice of a guy.  And I’m told, the apple doesn’t fall far from the Canonizado tree.  IMAC, USA is proud to showcase this athlete’s talent at the 2008 Martial Arts Olympics East-West Open.  Be sure to look for this American treasure, he’ll be the happy one wearing his trademark smile.