Justin Hagen, M. Ed

Profile

Join date: Oct 18, 2018

About

Justin Hagen is a martial artist, educator, and Japanese ukiyo-e–inspired woodburn artist who has dedicated his life to the intersection of combat tradition, history, and visual art. A martial arts practitioner since 1994, Justin also holds a B.A. in History (East Asian Studies) and an M.Ed. from DeSales University, where his graduate research focused on the impact of martial arts on student behavior.

Currently a Pennsylvania public school educator and an instructor of Kyokushin Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing in Hatfield, PA, Justin is also a contributor to Black Belt Magazine. He is the author of several works, including Intent: The Path of the Warrior and Shodai-Soke: 101 Quotes, Anecdotes & Precepts From the Founders of Modern Japanese Martial Arts. Through his writing and art, he continues to explore the timeless discipline, ethics, and personal development found within the warrior’s path.

Posts (28)

May 8, 2026 ∙ 3 min

Sweep the Leg III Spotlight: Andrew Sassi

Representing: Beltrante Fighting Systems Division: Heavyweight (290 lbs) | Style: Muay Thai / BJJ Justin Hagen (JH): We are looking at a serious physical presence in Andrew Sassi. Andrew, you’re coming from a Muay Thai background, but you’ve noted that the Kyokushin format offers a unique "middle ground"—a place where nonstop, close-quarters combat is the standard. What is it about this specific "Sweep the Leg" environment that makes it the right battlefield for you? Andrew Sassi (AS): I love...

May 8, 2026 ∙ 4 min

The Heart of One Karate: The Unified Legacy of Tatsuo Shimabuku

In the mid-20th century, a new and revolutionary style emerged from Okinawa that sought to bridge the gaps between the island’s most formidable traditions. Tatsuo Shimabuku (1908–1975), a man of deep spiritual insight and technical mastery, founded Isshin-Ryū —the "One Heart Method." His vision was not to create just another style, but to unify the "mother" and "father" of Okinawan karate into a single, efficient system. A Student of the Greats Shimabuku’s pedigree is perhaps the most...

May 6, 2026 ∙ 2 min

Sweep the Leg III Spotlight: Dan Santillo

Representing: Old Town Martial Arts Division: Heavyweight (250 lbs) | Rank: 5th Dan Justin Hagen (JH): We’re here with a true veteran of the mats. As a 5th Degree Black Belt, you’ve seen the evolution of the striking arts over decades. What was it about the Sweep the Leg challenge—and the specific grit of this tournament—that called a practitioner of your caliber out of the dojo and into the brackets? Dan Santillo (DS): I was really drawn by the camaraderie and the sheer toughness of the...