Sensei Killion began his martial arts training with Shihan Fitzgerald in 1980 at the young age of 11. Killion was in 6th grade and his father felt he needed an avenue to teach him the importance of focus and discipline. His grades were in need of a boost and his father stated that if his grades improved, he would let his son enroll in some boxing classes.

"At the time, several of my friends were taking boxing instruction and that's where I was headed. Then, on a Saturday afternoon, Michael and a friend went to a movie matinee at a local moviehouse. The movie was "A Force of One" with Chuck Norris. I took one look at this guy punching and kicking with ease and effortless motion and knew this is what I wanted to do."

His father enrolled him at Lotus Self Defense Studios, and he has been a student of Shihan Fitzgerald's ever since. July 10th, Hachidan James Bryant tested and promoted Sensei killion to the rank of Godan. In the same year, Shihan bestowed the greatest honor upon Killion by turning over the reigns of the studio. Sensei Killion is now the owner and Head Instructor for all youth, adult and private classes. Shihan Fitzgerald is still an active advisor, instructor, and (will always be) Chief Instructor running all the belt testing and special clinics that the studio sponsors. Killion notes: "All of this would not be possible without the dedication and devotion of Shihan Fitzgerald."