Grand Master Mike Reeves: The Godfather of Breaking

Grand Master Mike Reeves: The Godfather of Breaking

Grand Master Mike Reeves is a legendary figure in the martial arts world, widely recognized as “The Godfather of Breaking” and the first celebrity within the competitive breaking community. His remarkable career spans decades, characterized by groundbreaking achievements in both breaking and traditional martial arts.

World-Class Breaking Champion

Mike Reeves’s influence on competitive breaking is profound. He was instrumental in establishing the legitimacy of the sport, famously petitioning for the creation of formal breaking championships.

• 10 ISKA Titles: A testament to his dominance in the sport.
• 5 World Titles: He captured the first five ISKA World Breaking Championships after successfully petitioning for the events to be held.
• World Speed Breaking Records: Reeves went on to set five ISKA World Speed Breaking Records using wood boards.
• Guinness World Record: He set a major world record, breaking 100 boards in a mere 7.07 seconds, an achievement that garnered national attention.

Media and Entertainment Presence

Grand Master Reeves brought the art of breaking to mainstream audiences through numerous high-profile media appearances, cementing his status as a martial arts celebrity.

• ESPN: Appeared on 10 ESPN shows covering the ISKA Breaking Championships.
• National Television: Featured on Good Morning America for his Ripley’s Believe It or Not world record, and made two appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and an appearance on The Steve Harvey Show.
• Film: He costarred with the late Pat Morita (famous as Mr. Miyagi) in a Karate Kid remake.

Traditional Martial Arts and Lineage

While known for breaking, Grand Master Reeves is also an accomplished traditional martial artist, holding an 8th Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate.

• Training in Okinawa: He trained in Okinawa under Grandmaster Angi Uezu with his Sensei, John Devine. He is scheduled to return to Okinawa in 2025 with Sensei Devine to train with numerous masters of Shorinryu and Kobudo.
• Kata and Fighting Achievements:
  • Florida State Kata Champion
  • Southeast Kata Champion
  • Second in Kata at the ISKA World Championships
  • Third in Fighting at the ISKA World Championships
  • Second in Fighting at the Florida State Isshinryu Championships

The Legacy Continues

For 45 years, Grand Master Reeves has owned and operated his own dojo in Longwood, Florida, where he continues to teach, mentor, and pass on his extensive knowledge and passion for martial arts, ensuring his powerful legacy endures.