Cristian Nelson began training with the National Karate Schools in 1983 under the expert tutelage of 10th Degree Black Belt, Grand Master John Worley, who is one of America’s most prominent martial artists. Mr. Nelson also studied and trained with some of the top professional fighters of our time including: World Kick-Boxing Champion John Longstreet, and U.S. Kick-Boxing Champions Scott Masterton and Terry Norblom.
Mr. Nelson began his martial arts teaching career in 1987 and as soon as 1990, he was presented with the “School of the Year” award. While teaching karate he also doubled his time by attending the University of Minnesota where he studied Business and Communications.
After college, Mr. Nelson then pursued his sport karate career in earnest where he won or placed in nearly every karate tournament he entered. In 1994, the N.C.K.A. (North Central Karate Association) presented him with the “Top Competitor Award” for fighting. Some of his other awards include; the prestigious “Instructor of the Year” award, he is a 6-time winner of the “School of Champions” award (1991-1996), and a 8-time winner of the “School of the Year” award. In 2005, he was awarded the “John Worley Leadership Award” for Organizational Excellence. In 2012, 2013, 2014,2015, 2016 and 2017 his schools were voted the “Best Martial Arts Studio’s” in the Chicagoland area by the readers of the Daily Herald newspaper. He is also a Certified Krav Maga Instructor.
Out of the 11,000 students promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt in the National Karate system, Mr. Nelson is only the fourth person to be promoted to 7th Degree. In June of 2012 he reached a very important milestone in which he has promoted over 1,000 students to the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt. He currently oversees the training of over 1,200 students and conducts advanced training for 30 instructors and staff. See More Pictures of Mr. Nelson
Master Nelson attributes any success and accomplishments he may have had to God’s grace and to the help of the great instructors he has been blessed to work with.
Mr. Nelson and his wife Kelly (a 3rd Degree Black Belt) live in the western suburbs of Chicago with their 4 children.