Kyoshi John E. Hughes has been studying Isshin-ryu Karate since 1973. On March 1, 2008 Master William H. Duessel, 9th Degree Black Belt, with whom he has been studying since 1985, promoted him to 8th Degree Black Belt. He is one of 7 people who have earned this rank from the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA).

He has been inducted into the Don Nagle's American Okinawan Karate Association, International Association of Martial Arts and World Karate Union Halls of Fame. He is a retired teacher at Hackettstown High School and is a certified athletic trainer.of Martial Arts and World Karate Union Halls of Fame. He is a retired teacher at Hackettstown High School and is a certified athletic trainer.