Ex-Mayor In The Oranges Earns Spot In Martial Arts Hall Of Fame

ORANGES, NJ — A former New Jersey mayor with deep connections to the Oranges continues to redefine himself as a master martial artist.

After 35 years of studying the martial arts, Eldridge Hawkins Jr. – a former West Orange resident and mayor of Orange from 2008 to 2012 – was inducted into the USA Unified Martial Arts Hall of Fame through the United States Martial Arts Federation (USMAF) last month during an event in Eatontown.

Hawkins also received similar recognition from the United States Ju Jitsu Federation (USJJF) at the same event.

Hawkins’ achievements are largely thanks to his world-class talent in the nunchaku area of Kobudo.

Hawkins, now 42, began his martial arts career at Red Iron Dragon Karate Academy in East Orange when he was 7-years-old. He earned his first black belt in 2001 in Chinese Kenpo Kung Fu. Over the years Hawkins placed in and won several tournaments while studying different forms of martial arts, earning a master-level rank in different styles including Fusion Kenpo, U.S. Ju-Jitsu and American-style nunchaku. He is also founder of the Ken-Fu Nunchaku Jutsu system.

The former politico, who is also known as Shihan E. Hawkins, is the senior international rank examiner in charge of training for the American Style Nunchaku Federation, a member of the United States Ju Jitsu Federation Senior Masters Caucus, and has recently been appointed to the role of vice president in the United States Martial Arts Federation.

“I feel blessed that after severe knee injuries and surgeries on both knees, I was able to find an alternate way to stay involved in martial arts by focusing my energy on weapons training and teaching others,” Hawkins said.

“I’m grateful for the Hall of Fame recognition and honored to have participated in an event with so many other accomplished martial artists,” he added.

LESSONS FROM A HALL OF FAMER

Looking for a lesson from a master martial artist?

Locally, Hawkins teaches under 10th dan professor Harry Baker, who spearheads the Baker’s Red Iron Dragon at the UFC GYM in Orange, which is owned by Amir Hashemi. As an instructor at the Iron Dragon, Hawkins teaches multiple systems/styles beyond American Style Nunchaku that focus on Junior Olympic Archery, traditional weapons and self-defense classes.

“I’m proud of Shihan Hawkins’ accomplishments and the leadership role he plays in our Fusion Kenpo system,” Baker said.

More information about programing or classes can be found by visiting www.BakersRedIronDragon.Com or calling the UFC Gym at (973) 250-6354.

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