V-MAT Founder, Scott Lombardo (1966 – 2022)

Scott was a 7th degree Black Belt (Nana Dan) in Isshinryu Karate under Grand Master Ernie Temple and began his Martial Arts studies in 1990. He was well rounded in the culture, history, and philosophy of the Art, in addition to the physical aspects of forms, sparring and self-defense.

Scott spent years adapting the Isshinryu Karate system in order to offer Martial Arts instruction to amputee students, with and without prosthetics, wheelchair bound, as well as those with any traumatic injury or experience.

A cancer survivor who was given less than a 10% chance of survival as a young adult, Scott became acutely aware of the mental, spiritual, and physical benefits the Martial Arts have on the human mind, psyche, and behavior. He realized the discipline and balance required in martial arts training are the same characteristics required to handle the stresses of daily life, and it’s more challenging situations. Scott boldly faced another multi-year challenge against ALS which he succumbed to in April of 2022.

His guidance, vision and inspiration remain with us today. As our veterans continue training, we embody Scott’s vision while continuing to build community.