About Gm. Eisenhart
More than 59 years Martial Art experience since 1965
46 years of teaching Taekwondo since 1978
"Lucky" Lou Eisenhart drop-kicks Johnny Gilbert
1950's, Gm. Eisenhart's father, "Lucky" Lou Eisenhart, was a Professional Wrestler with legends Dick the Bruiser, Angelo Poffo, The Sheik, Bobo Brazil, & Tiny Tim Hampton
1957 "Lucky" Lou Eisenhart & "Tiny" Tim Hampton
At a 1957 match held for prisoners in the Indiana State Prison, Lou Eisenhart puts headlock on Tim Hampton.
1960's
Darwin James Eisenhart, born January 30, 1960
On Friday evening, January 29th, Louis & pregnant wife, Gladys Eisenhart were attending the Professional Wrestling matches when they had to rush to Memorial (not Mercy) Hospital in St. Joe, Michigan where Darwin Eisenhart was born shortly after midnight. The birth announcement appeared later that day in the sports section of local newspaper.
1963 Darwin (age 3) with father, Lou Eisenhart
Louis Eisenhart served as the Chief of Police in Stevensville, MI. In 1965, Darwin (age 5), was being tormented by a bully in school. Lou taught his son self defense skills that stopped the bully & began Darwin's Journey and career as a Martial Artist. Over the following decades, Lou would continue to teach Darwin Professional Wrestling and other self defense skills.
Leslie A. Eisenhart
Lou Eisenhart's brother, Les Eisenhart, was a U.S. Marine, and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Judo. During his childhood, Darwin was introduced to judo from his uncle Les.
1970's
1976 - Jump Spin Outward Crescent Kick
Following 11 years of self defense training - including wrestling & judo, Darwin Eisenhart began Taekwondo in 1976 at the YMCA in Benton Harbor, MI., at the age of 16. After an 8 week course, he tested and attained the Yellow Belt.
1978 ATA 1st Degree Black Belt
In 1978, Gm. Eisenhart earned the 1st Degree Black Belt from the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) - Great-Grandmaster Suh Chong Kang, ATA President. Master Haeng Ung Lee, ATA Vice President, Chief of Instruction.
1978 Berrien County Youth Fair Demo
In 1978, 1st Degree Black Belt, Darwin Eisenhart participated in the very 1st Taekwondo demonstration at the annual Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs, MI., with other Black Belts and students of 3rd Degree Instructor Al Smith (pictured at right). Later that year, Darwin promoted to 2nd Degree Recommended. Chief Instructor Eisenhart opened his 1st school in Bridgman, MI., the roots of what was to become Blue Knight Taekwondo.
1978 ATA Championships, Lansing, MI
First time competing as a Black Belt, Eisenhart won his first match with a 3-point jump-spin wheel kick to his opponent's head. In his second match, Eisenhart (in the air picture pictured above) executes the same kick, but opponent ducked.
1979 - 2nd Degre Black Belt
In late 1978, Master H. U. Lee took over as ATA President. By 1979, Eisenhart earned the 2nd Degree Black Belt, pictured here with Master Lee, then 7th Degree Black Belt.
1979 ATA Instructors
Pictured (left to right): Al Smith (4th Degree) ATA President, H.U. Lee (7th Degree), Darwin J. Eisenhart (2nd Degree), ATA Vice President, Robert S. Allemier (5th Degree).
1980's
U.S.Army Basic Training Graduation 21 MAR 1981
Pvt. E-2 Eisenhart graduated from Army Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, followed by AIT (Advanced Individual Training) as a Field Artillery Surveyor - serving 6 years in the Army Reserves from 1981 to 1987.
Field Artillery Survey School Diploma
1981 - 3rd Degree Black Belt - SJPD
By 1981, Eisenhart had earned the 3rd Degree Black Belt, and was working for St. Joseph, MI Police Department
1984 - 4th Degree Black Belt
In 1984, Eisenhart was promoted to 4th Degree Master Instructor with the Universal Taekwondo Association, and opened Eagle Self Defense in Stevensville, MI, along with his father, "Lucky Lou" Eisenhart, who taught Professional Wrestling.
1990's
1994 Jr. Olympic National Championship
Master Eisenhart was a Referee at Rosemont Horizon Arena in Chicago, IL, where more than 4,000 athletes competed.
1995 U. S. Open Taekwondo Championship
5th Degree Master Eisenhart was a U.S.A. Coach at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.
Master Eisenhart & LuAnn with Muhammad Ali
Early in his career, Muhammad Ali had studied Taekwondo under Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee In 1995, 5th Degree Master Eisenhart presented Muhammad Ali with a Kukkiwon Honorary 4th Degree Black Belt certificate.
The timeline & All the Belts worn by Grandmaster Eisenhart over a Martial Art career spanning 59 years.
From self defense training, wrestling & Judo at age 5 to 15, (1965 to 1975), to school wrestling (1971 to 1978), to Taekwondo training (1976 to present).