Fredonia firefighter inducted into Hall of Fame for seventh time

Fredonia volunteer firefighter Robert Olmedo was Inducted for the seventh time into The United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Las Vegas on July 18.

Olmedo has over 45 years of martial arts and self-defense training. He has a black belt in Judo, Aikido, Hapkido, Jiujitsu, Kali, Krav-Maga (Israeli martial arts and weapons) and is a 7th degree Korean Martial Arts Master instructor. Master Olmedo has also been a certified fitness instructor for over 25 years.

Olmedo studied with the Secret Service at John Jay College and became a professional celebrity bodyguard. He has worked for numerous high-profile clients, including John F. Kennedy Jr, Princess Diana, Hillary Clinton, B.B. King, Carlos Santana, Sheryl Crow, and Fran Drescher.

Olmedo is also a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor.

Olmedo has earned many awards throughout his life. Including a public service award from the Connecticut Secretary of State for his work in New York City in the days after the Sept. 11 attacks. He was also awarded for his work with the National Academy for Fire and Emergency Response to Terrorism: by the Nassau County Executive for his community service; and once got an award from President Bill Clinton.

Olmedo is fluent in Spanish, Greek, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese. He has worked as a translator for law enforcement and court systems.

Olmedo believes that mental and physical training is great for people of every age. His philosophy is that we should always try to avoid conflict using our minds and words instead of using violence. He teaches his students to live with discipline, have respect for others, humility, courage, honor, integrity, and confidence. He encourages all his clients to love what you do in your life, honor and respect your family and friends, and build a teamwork environment.