John Wicker started Martial Arts in 1982. The school mostly taught Shorin Ryu Karate and added Ryu Kyu Kempo in later years. It also taught various kung fu styles as students progressed at the school. John was first exposed to Northern Praying Mantis at the school in 1984. John was taught a few Praying Mantis hand forms, some weapons, and basic moving and fighting drills. After receiving his 1st degree black belt in Ryu Kyu Kempo Karate and Shorin Ryu Karate in 1995, John retired from Ryu Kyu Kempo Karate in 1996 and Shorin Ryu Karate in 1997. Prior to retiring from karate, John started training Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu from the Wong Hon Fun Clan in 1996 through seminars and video instruction from Sifu Jon Funk and from 1997 to 2005 John would also learn under Sifu Dwight Edwards. From 1998 to 1999 he taught Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu to a small group of friends at his house. In 1999 John started teaching classes in Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu at Zion. In 2006, John started learning under Praying Mantis Master Henry Chung and became a disciple in 2016. John continues to meet with Master Chung several times a year.

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In 1999 he started training in Master Yang Jwing-Ming's Chin Na Program then started teaching a chin na class at Zion in 2000. John received his Assistant Instructor Level in 2008 and Instructors Level in 2021.