J. Travis Merendino

In 2007 his mother at forty six years of age passed from a Cardiac Arrest in Orange County California . She was a friend to all whom new her and loving mother of two.

While working, Travis put himself through college studying Police Academy Science making both the Dean's honor list in the fall of 2003, and The President's Honor list in spring 2004, graduating in the top ten of his class.

After graduating from High School in 2001, Travis began his Performance and Stunt Career with live shows, for which he attained his equitation training over 10 years.

His Grandfather was an avid film collector whom's hobby filled the entire home with VHS tapes stacked side to side. As a child Travis' chores included rewinding watched tapes, and organizing his grandfather's collection in both genre & alphabetical order. They both enjoyed watching films together until his passing March 19, 1999.

Placed Gold at the 1998 California Open Taekwondo: Division, Black/Welter (Kyorugi).

Placed Gold at the 1997 5th International California Open Taekwondo Championships: Division, Black/Welter (Kyorugi).

Placed Gold at the 1996 16th US Olympic California State Taekwondo: Division, Welter (Kyorugi).

Best friend, and sparring & training partner to: Taekwondo: US Olympic Team member. Dana Marten- Titles: National- Team Trials, 1994-Gold, 1995-Gold, 1996-Gold, 1997-Gold, 1998-Gold, Olympic Festival 1995-Gold, Titles: International- International champion- 1990-Gold, 1991-Gold, 1993, KBS Cup, 1994-Silver, Pan American, 1994-Silver,1995-Bronze,1996-Gold, World Cup, 1996- 4th,1997-5th,1998-6th.

Travis was born to Brenda Merendino (1961-2007) & Carl Merendino, and raised by his grandparents Joseph Merendino (1918-1999) & Ruth Merendino (1924-2007). From the age of five, he underwent training in several Martial Arts and received a rank of 3rd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, issued by the Kukkiwon in Korea recognized by the Olympic World Taekwondo Federation; certification by The International Muay Thai School in Thailand; and a 2nd degree black belt by the International Kali Federation in the Philippines (stick and knife fighting). Travis competed in the Invitational U. S. Open and the Invitational Pan-American games, as well as in numerous regional, national and international Kyorugi (fighting) Taekwondo competitions.

His most influential hero, his grandfather Joseph Merendino served in the US Army during WW II from August 16th 1943, to March 14th 1946. Beginning on the European Front with the second wave of Operation Overlord / D-Day, June 6th 1944. Having received post Allied invasion, a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster and Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a beloved husband, father of three, and two grandchildren. After an unsuccessful attempt for hip replacement surgery, he passed Friday March 19, 1999 in Orange County California.

He served six years in The United States Army MOS: 31Bravo in the 800th Military Police Company -160th Military Police Battalion with Honorable Discharge. Medals: National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Expert Qualification M9-9MM Beretta Pistol, Sharp shooter M4 Carbine. Specialist Browning M2-50 cal Heavy Machine Gun, M240 Bravo Machine Gun & M249 Light Machine Gun.

Kali / Eskrima Certified under - Grand Masters: Antonio "Tatang" Ilustrisimo (1904 - 1997) & Pely Ferrer.