About

Lee Barden was diagnosed on the first of February 2017 with liver cancer, and he passed away on March 2, 2017. Lee was a 7th-degree black belt and chief instructor for Karate Arts. He has been training since 1973. In 1983, he opened his professional Karate School with an emphasis on adult training. In 1992, children became his primary focus. That's when he started the first after-school karate program in daycares all over Jacksonville. Realizing the positive impact martial arts has on children, Master Barden continued to expand our children's programs to include character and life-building skills that all children need to be a success. Master Barden was the team leader for the Neon Ninjas. He also taught weapons seminars and private lessons to many instructors and dojos across the country. He co-produced and was the host of a very popular local show called "Karate Arts," which was picked up and aired on the Sun Network. He was co-owner of Black and Blue Productions, Inc., since 1993, and he is what helps make this company a recognized authority in all things dealing with the Martial Arts. Lee has also produced a series of instructional DVDs that continue to revolutionize the way the nunchaku is viewed and performed.