Chronicles of Carl Cestari
Carl Cestari was best known for his research, training and teaching of WWII Combatives, however Carl had an extensive background in both Japanese and Okinawan Martial-Arts. From the early of 7, Carl started training in Kodokan Judo, under world renowned Judo Instructor Yoshisada Yonezuka at the Judo-Karate Center in Cranford, N.J. Carl's’ love for Judo and its history is something he researched throughout his life.
Martial Arts Carl studied and had Yudansha rank in:
*Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo USJA under Yoshisada Yonezuka
*Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt in Tani-Ha Shito Ryu Karate (Shukokai)
(His Shukokai technique is based on study with four Sensei primarily: S. Kimura, Yonezuka, Kidachi and Ishihara. He trained with Nanbu but this was very limited)
*Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt in Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu - Kodokai
*Nidan 2nd Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate (Shobukai)
*Sandan 3rd Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Ryu Karate (Kenkokan)
*Sandan 3rd Degree Black Belt in Nippon Kempo with Narabu Sada
*Sandan 3rd Dregree Black Belt from the Federation of Practicing Jujutuans
*Godan 5th Degree Black Belt Jujutsu - World Jujutsu Federation under Clarke
*Ryokudan 6th Degree Black Belt - Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
*Instructors Certificate - Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
*Founder of Tekken Ryu Jujutsu (Shinan)
In the mid 1970’s, it’s my understanding that Carl served in the United States Army Reserves. In the late 1970’s, Carl began a career in Law Enforcement and became a Police Officer in which he served with a local Police Department and a Federal Agency. It was around this time that Carl started researching Military Combatives that were developed for troops during World War II. Carl sought out old Combatives Instructors to either train with and/or interview. These included such units as the U.S. Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, Paratroopers, Marine Raiders & Scouts, (ONI) Office of Naval Intelligence, (CIC) Counter Intelligence Corps), (MID) Military Intelligence Division and the First Special Service Force, also know as the "Devil's Brigade" or "Black Devil's".
To add to his research, Carl had started collecting martial arts magazines & books at the early age of 7. At the time of his passing, Carl had one of the most extensive and impressive libraries in the WORLD. I know of only one other gentleman who had such a library and even he was in awe when he walked into Carl's library. Carl had thousands of books on every type, method or system of Hand-to-Hand Combat, Combatives, Judo, Jujutsu, Karate, Savate, Sambo, Sombo, Boxing, Bare-Knuckle Boxing, All-In Wrestling; Books from China, Japan, Indonesian, Burma, India, France etc. You name it he had it! Carl would receive UPS & Fed-Ex packages EVERY DAY.
Carl was always looking to improve his own personal methods of street survival and looked at EVERYTHING. He was NEVER closed-minded and when I questioned him as to why he looked at everything he said: I never want to be surprised by the other man's method, I want to see it all, and be ready for it and then find ways to defeat it.
He NEVER had an interest in the SPORING ASPECT of the Martial Arts, Only in the strategy & tactics that would help him SURVIVE A VICIOUS CRIMINAL ASSAULT or BATTLEFIELD ENGAGMENT!
Carl was most influenced by W.E. Fairbairn, E.A. Sykes, Dermot O'Neill, Rex Applegate and Charles Nelson, as well as others from the era. Carl took all his training, research and real world experience and developed a very comprehensive method of Close-Quarters Combat. Carl referred to what he was teaching as Defendu, as Carl was very “hinky” to put his name to anything.
Clint Sporman started training with Carl Cestari in 1993, and remained with Mr. Cestari for the next 14-Years. On July 23, 2007, Mr. Cestari passed away after a long battle with diabetes & cancer, the only battle he ever lost! Mr. Cestari designated long time student & friend, Clint Sporman as his successor. Mr. Sporman has taken on the role of instructing and passing on Mr. Cestari's legacy, so in essence, the Defendu name continues on.
