Soke Chaka Zulu began his study of the martial arts in 1950. He holds black belt ranks in the arts of Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Sanuces Ju-jitsu, and Nisei Goju Karate. In addition, he trained hand to hand combat in the recon company of the U.S. Marines. Training under GM Frank Ruiz in the 1960’s and early 70’s he was a popular tournament competitor receiving numerous trophies for kata and sparring. In the 70’s he opened his own school in the East Village of NYC, the 2nd Ave Dojo. Soke Zulu integrated his training, incorporating his own innovations to improve his art. His main concern, self defense, is reflected in all his teachings. In the early '80's he realized that he was no longer teaching solely one art. Instead he was teaching something unique and different. In l984 he named and founded his system of ZUJITSU RYU: The Art of Zulu. In l992 he was awarded the rank of 10th degree black belt by Grand Patriarch Peter Urban. In 1994 he was officially acknowledged by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council as the Soke, head of system, of Zujitsu Ryu. In ‘00 and ‘08 the Council inducted him into their Hall of Fame as Millennium Historical Figure.

Soke Zulu has presented exhibitions both in this country and overseas. He is renowned for his unique style in the use of both traditional and modern day weapons. He has been recognized by Official Karate Magazine, Black Belt Magazine, Karate International and others, and is featured in The Handbook of the Martial Arts, Martial Arts Traditions, History and People, and Black Heroes of the Martial Arts. He is one of the primary featured masters in the award winning martial arts documentary THE WARRIOR WITHIN. He was one of the honored masters at The First Tribute to the Martial Arts Masters of the 20th Century produced by Wesley Snipes for TNT TV.

As a teacher, Soke Zulu has the unique ability to teach his students to flow, adapt, and be creative. Inspiring thousands of students through the years, he has also been an instructor of defensive tactics for the 9th Precinct in Manhattan and the Bronx Criminal Courthouse Uniformed Court Officers. His roster of students includes several celebrities such as Richie Havens and Kareem Abdul Jabar, and he has provided security for such luminaries as General Douglas MacArthur and Madonna.

At 70+ years of age, Soke Zulu continues to train daily. He teaches black belt classes, private classes, seminars, and visits Zujitsu Ryu schools operated by his black belts in NY, NJ, NH, RI, TX, and St. Thomas, USVI. He divides his time between his residences in St. Thomas, USVI and Queens, NY with his wife, Zosia. When not training, Soke Zulu can often be found carving wood into beautiful works of art.