THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 3, 1996 TAG: 9607020147
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: 50 lines
One of the best ways to measure the success of a martial arts studio is to look at its successes outside the dojo.
That would mean that Vance Richmond is carrying the FDC Academy banner.
Richmond, 40, recently won the Fight Factory Karate Association and U.S. cruiserweight title with a second-round knockout. With the victory, he also retained his U.S. Muay Thai Association northeast region cruiserweight title.
Other titlists from the school include U.S. Vale Tudo national champions Scott Turner, middleweight, and John Taylor, heavyweight.
FDC students have compiled an impressive 28-2-2 record in national competitions.
Another way to measure is to take a quick look at the qualifications of the dojo's head instructor - in this case owner Frank Cucci.
The former Navy SEAL who now instructs SEALs in hand-to-hand combat has been named an assistant coach for the U.S. team that will compete in the 18-country King's Cup Vale Tudo competition in Thailand.
FDC students Turner and Larry Pope are on the team.
``We've come a long way in the three years since we opened the school,'' Cucci said. ``We're producing a lot of high-caliber fighters and making a pretty good name for the school, nationally.
``Actually, I'm pleasantly surprised at how far and where we've gone so far.''
The school currently has 250 adult students and 50 youths. Most schools have more kids than adults.
``So we're looking to increase the number of participants in our youth programs,'' Cucci said.
The school's youth programs teach several different forms of self defense including Muuay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Filipino martial arts and Jeet Kune Do - the art form of famed Bruce Lee. Cucci has received instruction in the form from Dan Inosanto - the lone trainer of the art actually certified by Lee.
``I think our successes speak for themselves,'' Cucci said.
FDC will also host a summer karate camp for youngsters 6 and above. Sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 15-19 and Aug. 5-9. Each week is $99.
Call 497-2847 for more information.
The school, under program manager and teacher Mike Moses, will host Aug. 23 a Thai boxing and free fighting card at the Radisson. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
FDC Academy owner/instructor Frank Cucci, left, advises Vance
Richmond during his victorious U.S. karate cruiserweight title bout. by CNB