It's been reported that Michael DePasquale Jr., a fixture on the East Coast martial arts scene for nearly five decades, has passed away at the age of 70. DePasquale learned Japanese style jujutsu from his father, Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame member Michael Sr.
DePasquale Jr. headed up his father's yoshitsune jujutsu system writing several books on the style and other facets of self defense. He was an occasional guest on various television shows providing tips on personal safety and was the publisher of his own martial arts magazine, "Karate International."
A stunt coordinator for martial arts scenes in several movies, DePasquale Jr. was known for presenting seminars in fight film choreography through his Action Film Academy. He served for several years as a mixed martial arts judge in his home state of New Jersey having officiated at a number of UFC shows.