Sempai Cory began his martial arts training at the age of 5 in New Jersey. He studied the traditional Okinawan style known as Goshin-Ryu Karate under Shihan Paul Goncalves until he went to college at the U.S. Naval Academy and subsequently joined the Navy. During this time, Cory earned his Ni-Dan in Goshin-Ryu, taught for several years, and had the joy of practicing martial arts alongside his father, a 5th Degree black belt in the same.

While at the Academy, Cory met Shifu Anthony Clark and began learning Won Hop Loong Chuan. Since earning his black belt in 2013, he has continued his personal martial arts journey throughout his military and now-civilain life. His current instructors include Shifu Anthony and Shifu Jay Coulbourne, under the approval of Renshi Nathan Walker and Sigung A.F. Walker.

Since leaving New Jersey, Cory has lived in Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and now California. He is married to Melissa and they have two children currently learning the art.