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Biography
A brief history to preface M. L. Cerpok's biography.
In 1905, a child was born in Khotin, Bessarabia, in Romania. His name was Fischel Cerpok and he was the son of Leib Cerpok. In 1913, Leib Cerpok hid Fischel and his brothers in potato sacks, loaded them onto a wagon, and fled the country. When Fischel and his family arrived in the United States on March 5th 1913, their names were changed and Fischel Cerpok was renamed Philip Rosen. Shortly afterward, in 1919, the village of Khotin was the site of a horrific massacre and the entire town was laid to waste and plowed under. Many, if not all, personal records were lost.
Coincidentally, a grandson of Philip Rosen was born on March 5th in 1961. The grandson was named Michael Lewis Rosen (Lewis being the English version of Leib). While the name Rosen has a great deal of personal history itself, that history is relatively brief, and Michael wished to honor his heritage by going back to using the name Cerpok. He also wished to pay respect to his great-grandfather, Leib, whom he was named after. So, in early 2006 after the passing of his grandfather (nearly 101 years of age) Michael resumed the use of his original surname.
Biography
Michael Leib Cerpok was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1961. In 1978, he left Chicago to explore creative pursuits of music and writing in California. It was also at that time that he began a study of World Religion and Philosophy. This led to his introduction to the practice of Zazen seated meditation, a practice that would continue to this day.
In 1980, he became involved with martial arts and after thousands of hours of study in several martial disciplines he founded the system of Byakko Ryu Jujutsu some time around 1992. As the system of Byakko Ryu Jujutsu evolved, so did Mr. Cerpok's personal philosophy of living. This philosophy has been formalized as The Study of True Understanding.
In 1989, while developing his first martial arts training hall, Mr. Cerpok introduced the Common Sense Self Defense Abduction Prevention Program to public schools in Washington State. The program was wildly successful, and Mr. Cerpok found himself presenting the program to schools across the United States. After several appearances on television and radio, the CSSD Abduction Prevention program was released on video, and received excellent reviews.
After the success of the CSSD program, Mr. Cerpok began developing and implementing myriad public school programs. Classes in Conflict Resolution, Dealing with Prejudice, Social Skills Building, and Self Defense were all presented in the energetic, humorous, and motivating style that made him a highly sought-after speaker. Addressing students from Kindergarten through College, government agencies, and business organizations, Mr. Cerpok has always been humbled by the enthusiastic response to his teachings.
His first major publication, The Gentle Ravings of an Egomaniacal Master, was released in July, 2006. This book explains, in some detail, the philosophy of The Study of True Understanding, and is intended as a guide towards a more simplified and satisfying way of living.
Mr. Cerpok's second book was released in 2008. The Mobile Monk; A Zen Tale follows the adventures of Sute Inu, a wandering monk who inspires others through stories. This unique book introduces complex concepts of philosophy to the adult reader, while offering to children a simplified version of the same concepts through four illustrated short stories.
Mr. Cerpok currently facilitates programs and classes through Mobile Monk Wellness, a Community outreach program of Personal Development Center Inc., an Arizona 501c3 non-profit organization. Mobile Monk Wellness provides both the internal and external training necessary to ensure that individuals are able to meet each moment of every day with physical and mental balance, strength, and focus, while at the same time enjoying an immediate reduction in stress and mental fatigue. The techniques utilized are the result of Mr. Cerpok's thirty years of study in Eastern and Western philosophy combined with more than twenty five years in the practice of the martial arts.
For interviews, public speaking engagements, seminars, and school assemblies, please refer to the contacts at the top of this page.
Mr. Cerpok is a featured speaker at universities, businesses, and government agencies nationwide. In addition to speaking engagements and lectures, Mr. Cerpok is also available for individual consultation, weekly motivational workshops, and to lead Wellness Programs.
Some of his notable clients have included Central Phoenix Internist, Campus Medical Services at Arizona State University, Law Office of A. J. Mitchell, and JP Morgan Chase Bank. He also currently works with a number of individuals including artists, fitness experts, athletes, and business professionals. Fees and suggested donations may vary due to distance traveled, number of attendees, and number of sessions contracted. For details in regard to your particular needs, please contact monica@mnmventuregroup.com or contact@mobilemonk.org.
