Larry “Stoney” Stone did not grow up in a traditional little boy’s environment.  Raised in the small town of Frankfort, New York, he was born as a twin into a family of three brothers and three sisters.  But unlike his healthy siblings, his life began as an extraordinary journey of challenges right from the beginning. 

When his twin brother was learning to crawl and then walk, Stoney did not show the same ability; he was five years old before he learned how to walk.  By the age of ten, a misalignment of his hip was causing extreme stress on his spine.  Subsequently, he was admitted into the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA where he spent almost three years undergoing multiple surgeries to correct his congenital hip disease. 

At age 16, he was diagnosed with severe scoliosis.  During those years, he spent eight months in a body cast with numerous surgical attempts to lengthen his shorter leg.  He has since been diagnosed with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) disorder.  As nerves to his extremities degenerate, causing increased muscle weakness, Stoney is slowly losing the use of his feet, legs, hands and arms.  In more recent years, Stoney was diagnosed with a precancerous condition in his throat which is being closely monitored.  Rather than becoming another obstacle to living, it’s just another reason for his increased passion for living life “in the now.”

In fact, spending that amount of time in a hospital environment has had a great impact on him.  The moment-to-moment challenges of walking with specialized crutches and carrying out the tasks of living, which most people take for granted, have shaped his steadfast determination and commitment to live as actively and passionately as possible, every single day.  “You get to decide who you want to become.  My physical disabilities are just my reality, so I embrace life and live each day to its fullest,” says Stoney.

During his life journey and despite his physical challenges, Stoney has chosen many paths of experience including being an author, commercial and movie stunt coordinator , inspirational speaker and rock band singer on the road for 18 years, to name just a few.  Overcoming all the odds of his significant physical challenges, he studied martial arts to become a martial arts Master.  He has mentored and produced sixteen black belts, four Florida State Karate Champions, three Southeast karate Champions, a No.7 Super Heavyweight World Karate Kickboxer and a No. 1 amateur World Karate Kickboxer.  He has also inspired one of the world’s foremost martial artists, Tuhon Ray Dionaldo, founder of FCSKali.

Stoney’s love of traditional martial arts inspired him to start Ishido Karate School 25 years ago.  It has been his deep passion ever since to establish an arena that promotes the foundational principles of life, and also creates a safe place for kids to learn and grow into confident young adults.  Stoney’s commitment to helping people understand just how powerful they are - and that their unique abilities can truly make a difference in the lives of their friends, families and communities - has been rewarded many times over.  Stoney was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2000 for his loyalty and dedication to making a difference in other people’s lives.

“Today, as a martial arts instructor, life coach, author and inspirational speaker, I have dedicated my life to helping others overcome their self-imposed limitations.  By sharing my message, I strive to be a living example to young and old alike.  You can be anything you decide you want to be.  ‘Living now’ is the most powerful gift you have,” says Stoney.

Through his compelling sharing of life stories, experiences and wisdom, Stoney encouragingly conveys the valuable message that people, young and old, have the choice to be whatever they decide, against any and all odds.  Stoney undeniably believes that “living now” is the most powerful positive gift we have to make a difference. 

Stoney looks forward to sharing his uplifting and fascinating experiences with you in his ongoing dedication to make an emotional, intellectual and physical difference in the lives of each and every person he meets.  We can all make a difference and be part of the solution to “live now!”