About John
John Fonseca is an actor, founding owner of Fonseca Martial Arts (FMA), and American karateka most well known for being the first karate athlete in the world to win repeat gold medals at the Pan American Games, first American to medal at the Karate World Championships in almost 20 years, and first American to win the Paris Open in more than 30 years.
His passion and respect for the sport is exemplified by numerous accolades including three consecutive U.S. Olympic Committee’s Athlete of the Year Awards, James E. Sullivan Award finalist, and Hall of Fame inductions to the USAKF and Black Belt Magazine. Notably, Fonseca used the platform provided by these global honors to advocate for Karate’s recognition as an Olympic sport.
Acting
John Fonseca co-starred in a short film and several commercials. He studies the Meisner technique at the William Esper Studio, and is available for film, television, commercial, modeling and stunt work.
Martial Arts
Fonseca holds a Shotokan karate sixth dan black belt, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a black belt in Taekwondo. Having started his training at the age of six in Long Island, New York, he began competing nationally at the age of seven and continued his training and competition when he relocated to Chicago at the age of 10. At age 15 he began representing Team USA as a junior, competing in International events, eventually joining the Senior Team at age 18. Fonseca was USA Team captain from 2000-2008.
In August 2003, Fonseca founded his own dojo, called Fonseca Martial Arts. Since then, Fonseca Martial Arts has expanded to five locations and is home to over 1,200 students with programs that have expanded into local schools, park districts, and corporate locations.
John Fonseca conducts martial arts instructional seminars domestically and internationally. Through Fonseca Martial Arts, he has hosted National and International Team Training Camps and has helped prepare US athletes for National and International Competition.
