Soke’s Martial Arts career began in 1967 at the age of 17 when he entered the Marine Corps to serve his country and was assigned to the Infantry Armour Division in Vietnam. Promoted to Sergeant, he received a Presidential Citation for his exemplary service in battle.

Returning home in 1970 and wanting to refine his warrior spirit, Soke began his formal training in 1971 under the tutelage of Frank Cerio. After earning his brown belt in 1976, he was introduced to and began training with Nick Cerio. By 1984 Soke was the Chief Instructor for Nick Cerio’s Kenpo International.

In November of that same year Professor Cerio promoted Soke Coutu to fourth degree Black Belt and subsequently introduced him to Grandmaster Edmund Parker. Trained personally by Grandmaster Parker, Soke was awarded his 5th degree Black Belt in 1987.

Always seeking to expand his knowledge and refine his art, Soke Coutu continued his training under the tutelage of Soke Richard Petronelli from whom Soke Coutu received his 6th and 7th degree Black Belt promotions in Kenpo.

In addition to earning his Black Belt in Judo in 1997 under Pof. John Wooten of the US Judo Federation, Soke furthered his studies under Professor Talib Muhammed. In April of 1998 Soke was awarded his 8th degree Black Belt and the title of Professor in Kenpo-Kobudo which was sanctioned by the Supreme Grandmaster Professor Visitacion of New York City.

Soke Coutu earned a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tai-jitsu and was named RI Representative of the Kokon-Ryu under Soke John Rubiano, who in November of 1999, nominated Soke Coutu and his art for official recognition by the International Society of Headfounders and Headfamiles (ISHH).

This unique recognition officially validates his ranking of 9th Degree Black Belt, and the title of Soke (headmaster) of the Kenpo-Kobudo tradition. In March of 2000, Soke Coutu was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame (WMAHOF) when he received the Headmaster of the Year Award, Grandmaster of the Year Award and was further honored to recieve his Doctorate of Martial Arts. PhD. Soke Coutu now sits on the Executive Board of the WMAHOF. In July of 2001 Grandmaster Soke Eugene Coutu was awarded his 10th Degree.