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"I cherish the friends I have made, the students I have taught, the teachers I have known, the lessons I have learned, and opportunities I have had. I love the journey."

Master Jeff Helaney began his martial arts journey in 1970. During the seventies he studied three different arts Judo, TaeKwon-Do, and American Freestyle Karate.  According to Master Helaney his father Wallace Helaney, Master S.K. Shin, Master Steven Johnson, and Master Fred VanAckren were to play a large part in his understanding of true spirit of the martial arts. Ironically it wasn’t his time at commercial schools where he felt he learned the most; it was time with his instructor’s families. During these years Helaney frequently studied at the homes of Johnson and VanAckren with their children. It was with Johnson where he received his first black belt.

During the early eighties Helaney taught sports karate at two now defunct ACS Martial Arts Schools, while continuing to pick up TaeKwon-Do classes when he could. The year 1984 marked a significant change for Master Helaney in both his professional life and his martial arts life.  He started his first job in law enforcement and learned very quickly that the types of martial arts he had learned were not always a good match for his new found profession.  During this time he started studying Hapkido and defensive tactics. He would later earn certifications in two states as police defensive tactics instructor, a firearms instructor, and as a psychomotor skills design instructor.

By 1990 Helaney was ready for a new challenge. Now living in Ohio, he decided to add a new component to his already busy life.  He opened the doors of ACTC Martial Arts for the first time.  Initially, the school was opened in an FOP hall and classes were held free for law enforcement officers and their families. During the late eighties and early ninties Helaney continued his personal quest for more knowledge under Master Myers, Master Sell, and several other excellent instructors.

It was, also, at this time Helaney became heavily involved in the Police Martial Arts Association and accepted a position as State Representative.  Through the PMAA, Helaney met Master Emeric “Sonny” Scarsella.  Scarsella, a Pennsylvania State Constable, was one of the highest ranking Poekelon Pent-Jak Silat instructors in the world and a direct student to the late Willy Wetzel. Intrigued at the controlled aggression of the art, Helaney began studying Poekelon under Master Scarsella and Dr. Nick Gerassimakas. Both men would become close friends to Helaney.

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