Grand Master Joseph Rossi was born in Waterbury, CT in 1919. At age 15 he joined the local Boy's Club and took up boxing. Fighting under the name Joe Dundee, he became the "Middle Weight Champion" of Waterbury. In 1938, Mr. Rossi joined the US Army and quickly achieved the rank of Sergeant. In 1940 Mr. Rossi moved his military career to the US Navy.

During his military career Mr. Rossi continued boxing and became a "Fleet Champion" in the Navy. While on patrol August 9, 1942, the USS Vincennes, the cruiser Mr. Rossi was stationed on, was sunk along with three other ships. Mr. Rossi was reassigned to the USS Hornet Carrier. Mr. Rossi then signed up for special forces training in Hawaii. This is where he met his Philippine Master. Out of the 295 men who signed up, only 69 graduated. Mr. Rossi was one of those men.

The intense training included jungle survival and hand-to-hand combat; in particular Kun Tao. He was the recipient of the WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart. Mr. Rossi continued his training throughout his military career and after, and was promoted to the rank of Grand Master in April of 1983 by the Philippine Kun Tao Karate Association. Before his passing, Mr. Rossi had instructed thousands of students and had approximately 20 affiliated studios which he instructed at regularly. One of his most famous sayings. "Zook 'um cuz".

Words cannot express our gratitude for all you have done for us and taught us over the many years you have instructed us all. We, as your students, would like to thank you for your dedication and commitment to the art of American-Filipino Kun Tao/The Filipino Kun Tao System, and to the Martial Arts community as a whole. You were not only our instructor, but many times our friend as well. Please watch over us and give us the strength, courage, and wisdom to teach others what you have taught us. You will always be in our hearts,


March 21, 1998 - Grandmaster Rossi states to leading black belts in his art that his son does not wish to carry on his art and tradition. At this all-important meeting a board of directors was selected to carry on his teachings. It was the last meeting that our Grandmaster would direct. Grand Master Rossi has always admired the organization that Professor Wally Jay established for Small Circle Jujitsu. He has also seen the dilemma in the death of Ed Parker, where many followers claim to be the chosen one, or soke - dai. Grandmaster Rossi was also considered a renegade, and very different in his approach to martial arts. His approach left some very accomplished martial artists and an organization that needed to be continued. Like the blending that defines Filipino Kun Tao, he believed that blending the knowledge of these inheritors will enhance the future of Filipino Kun Tao.