Joe Fiorentino, a  Cook  County  Deputy  Sheriff  and a proud Italian American, was inducted on August 1, 2009, into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Joe started training in the martial arts in 1977 taking judo. Over the years, he has trained in many styles accumulating a lifetime of awards. including a  Championship  Belt  at  the  Naga  Midwest  Grappling  Championships and most recently became  the  #1  Ranked  Director  Division  Grappler  in  the  Nation.

As  a  Cook  County  Deputy  Sheriff  and  Shidokan  Black  Belt  Joe has given  back  to  the  community. Volunteering  to  teach  self  defense  to  fellow  Officers  and  to  the  Cupscouts  with  Sensei  Duane  Sharp.  In recognition of his volunteerism, in June 2009, Joe  was  awarded  the  President`s  Volunteer  Service  Award  from  President  Obama. As  a  Officer  he  was  Awarded  the  NRLO  Outstanding  Officer  Award  and  the  Knights  of  Justice  Award.

 Joe  is  proud  of  his  Italian  Heritage.  His roots go back to Sicily and La Puglia Regions.  His  family  settled in the Italian  Neighborhood  near  Grand  Avenue  and  Halstead  in  Chicago, Illinois, where some of his relatives still call it home. He  is  a  member  of  the  Italian  American  Police  Association , NIAF  and  OSIA.

(Pictured above holding the award is Joe Fiorentino with his spouse Heidi.and Professor Marty Cale President of The United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame )