Tom Benich

Thomas was born April 1st, 1947. April, 1982 Thomas Benich passed away in Painesville, Ohio at the age of 35. In a small plane crash we understand.
Sensei Tom Benich, founder of Koroshi, was a member of USKA and received training under Masters Robert Trias and Phillip Koepple. Sensei Benich was a recipient of the coveted Trias Award and Double Axe Award.
Master Russell was privileged to have trained under some of the country's best instructors: Master Al Gene Caraulia, founder of Karate Institute, Master Victor Moore, Master Robert Moore, founder of American Martial Arts Academy, and Sensei Tom Benich.
THE BEGINNING OF KOROSHI
In the winter of 1970, Sensei Tom Benich solicited two students to join him and help make his dream of opening his own school a reality. Vic Claycomb, a purple belt with good business ability and Melvin Russell, a brown belt with good teaching and technical ability joined Sensei Benich. After inspecting several facilities in different cities, the trio of investors agreed on a location on North State Street in Painesville, Ohio.
Koroshi School of Defense was established and incorporated in the summer of 1971. Master Russell still holds the original letter of incorporation for Koroshi. The doors opened and the people of Painesville and the surrounding area were introduced to the tough and traditional Martial Arts training that were the norm from Sensei Benich and Melvin Russell.