Sensei Erik Broemmel started his path in the Martial Arts in 1993 when he met a friend of a friend.  This gentleman was a Black Belt in many styles of the arts.  He tought what he considerred to be the full circle.  His style which was unnamed at the time was very similar to the MMA fighting you see today.  It was believed that it was a combination of all the different styles he tought (grappling, wrestling, Jujitsu, boxing, and Karate)that made one unstoppable.  Sensei Erik Broemmel learned under this instructor for several years and achieved the rank of Brown Belt.

     In the late 90's, Sensei Erik Broemmel left California and went to Indiana continuing his training on his own and with various students and teachers of the martial arts.  In 2001, Sensei moved to Arizona where he would train under yet more instructors.  By 2003, Sensei was feeling a big void in his training.  He knew that something was missing.  And in 2003, he found what would become the love of his life...  He foundKyokushin...  The ultimate truth...

     In 2003, Sensei Erik Broemmel was introduced to Hanshi Fred Buck.  Sensei started to train under Hanshi who was the Chairman of the AKKO (American Kyokushin Karate Organization).  Sensei knew immediately that Kyokushin was what he was looking for.  It was very ironic that when Sensei started his path in the martial arts, he lived no more than an hour away from Hanshi Fred Buck but would not meet him until 10 years and two states later...

     Sensei Erik trained under Hanshi Fred Buck until early 2006 when he moved to Saint Johns, Arizona.  At that time, Hanshi gave Sensei Erik a black instructor's belt and the authority to open a new School of the Tiger in Saint Johns.  So in May, 2006 The White Mountain School of the Tiger was born.  Through the years, Hanshi has made several visits to WMSOTT and held as many seminars.  In July of 2009, Sensei was visiting Hanshi at his home in Peoria when Hanshi awarded him the rank of Shodan Ho and the title of Sensei. 

     Sensei returned to Saint Johns and continued teaching at WMSOTT.  Shortly after, Hanshi visited Saint Johns for a weekend of training and held a self-defense seminar.  On 08/07/2010 at the "Battle in the desert" in Elko, Nevada, Hanshi had yet another suprise for Sensei Erik.  He named Sensei Erik Broemmel the 2010 AKKO Instructor of the year.