Some of his Martial Arts stats are: 1995 Nr. 1 Korean Forms Champion, 1996 Otomix World Forms Champion, 1997 ISKA World Forms and Weapons Champion, US WAKO World Team Member, Member Team Paul Mitchell, 1998 ISKA World Forms and Weapons Champion. In 1995 he regained his number 1 rank after recovering from a back injury. He competed at and won many NASKA and WAKO championships. He is now also a member of several stunt service teams. He began his training in Freestyle Karate at the age of eight in 1984 and traveled the circuit in 1988. He also trained in Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Kempo and Kickboxing. He earned the number one title his second year, dominating the junior division in forms, weapons and sparring. Jon Valera graduated from Salem High School in Salem, VA in 1994. He dominated Salem's tennis team from 1990 to 1994, especially as one of the "Asian Invasion" doubles team that included himself and Kevin Dalal.
