N O R T H W E S T E R N    U N I V E R S I T Y    P A R A C O M B A T I V E S    J U - J U T S U 
     
John J. Lewis
 

DR. JOHN J. LEWIS

1946 - 1996

Courageous Leader, Dedicated Teacher,
Loyal Friend

  John Lewis founded the ParaCombatives Martial Arts Institute at Northwestern University in 1977. This institution is devoted to research, development and training in eclectic self-defense systems which respond to the realities of urban violence. As chief instructor, John made enormous contributions of time and effort to his thousands of students. John thought of these students as an extension of his family and many viewed him as a father. John Lewis' martial arts credentials included an 8th degree black belt in Miyama Ryu Ju-Jutsu, a black belt in Judo and specialized training in Aikido, military hand-to-hand combat techniques, and police tactics. John taught Ju-Jutsu for over 25 years at various universities, police departments and to U.S. Army Special Forces groups both here and overseas.

John's accomplishments extended well beyond his martial arts background. John worked as a police officer and had a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army Special Forces, rising to the rank of Major. John also received a J.D. and P.h.D. in Biological Anthropology from Northwestern University. John worked as a prosecutor for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and later opened his own law firm.

John greatly enhanced the lives of all who knew him through his incredible skill as a martial artist and through his unique insights into everyday life.

We cherish his memory.