Ed, Mr. Z, Szelap has trained in the Martial Arts since 1979 and has taught since 1986. Ed currently holds a 4th degree Black Belt in Isshinryu and a 1st degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He has attended seminars by many noted Isshinryu Masters, and teaching seminars through the National Association of Professional Martial Artists. He has been certified by the nationally accredited Cooper’s Institute. In 1992 Ed started his own Isshinryu school, Family Self Defense Center, which he now co-owns with his wife Chris, a 3rd degree Black Belt in Isshinryu. Ed was chosen the #1 Male Instructor nationally in 2002 for “Isshinryu Spirit” by the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Board, as well as having Family Self Defense Center voted as Dojo of the year in 2002. Ed currently teaches 4 nights a week with his wife, and attends local and national tournaments with his students.

Ed was nominated for the "top 5 Contributors to Isshinryu for 2009".