David “Sensei” Stainko, Master of Kinesiology and senior organizer of kinesiological recreation, was born in 1962 in Rijeka, Croatia. He completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown before enrolling at the University of Zagreb in 1980, where he earned his M.A. degree in Kinesiology.

Today, Sensei Stainko serves as a Physical Education teacher and martial arts counselor, continuing to live and work in Rijeka.

His martial arts journey began in 1972 with Budokai Club Rijeka. In 1978, at just 16 years old, he founded the Youth Budokai Club, later renamed The Club of Martial Arts Victoria — the first registered club of its kind in the former Yugoslavia, and one of the earliest in Europe.

That same year, he earned his 1st DAN black belt in Budokai and became a WAKO-certified instructor.
In the early 1980s, he expanded his training into boxing and kickboxing, later adding Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, Aikido, Judo, Ju-Jutsu, and Wing Tsun Kung Fu to his growing arsenal of skills. By 1983, he had achieved his 3rd DAN in Budokai, and in 1984 became an instructor of Jeet Kune Do and Tai Chi-style Kung Fu.

Sensei Stainko’s progression continued rapidly:

• 1986: Earned 4th DAN black belt and became a certified coach in kickboxing and Tang Soo Do.
   
• 1987: Became a certified Karate Kyokushinkai trainer and began studying Viet Vo Dao.
   
• 1988: Achieved 1st DAN black belt in Shotokan Karate while deepening his expertise in wrestling and Sambo.
   
• 1989: Gained Silver Glove title and coaching license in Savate Boxing.
   
• 1990: Achieved 5th DAN in kickboxing (PKA).
   

Throughout these years, he also trained in Brazilian Capoeira, Hwa Rang Do, and Pa Kua Kung Fu, learning from master's across England, Korea, Japan, the United States, Germany, Hungary, France, Italy, and Russia.

Sensei Stainko has been a pioneer in martial arts organizations, serving as a founding member of various associations and acting as a federal judge in Boxing, Karate (WUKO), Tae Kwon Do (ITF), and an international judge for kickboxing and Savate.

Beyond the dojo, he is a prolific writer, contributing over 70 professional articles to 25 different magazines published in 15 languages worldwide.

In 1997, after 25 years of continuous study, he achieved the master title of 6th DAN in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). His research-driven approach to martial arts deepened over the next decade, culminating in the 7th DAN Master title in MMS (Mixed Martial Sciences) in 2010 — a recognition of his published research and lifelong commitment to the advancement of martial arts.

By 2018, at over 55 years of age and with 45 years of martial arts experience, he earned the prestigious 8th DAN Master title, further solidifying his legacy.

Throughout his competitive career, Sensei Stainko competed in four European Championships and three World Championships, capturing the European title in 1986, joining the elite European Martial Arts Team in 1987, and taking second place at the 1988 WMMAF World Championship.

Today, David Stainko is recognized worldwide as a consultant in various martial arts disciplines. He is also honored as a Croatian military veteran of the Homeland War, representing both his country and the spirit of martial arts excellence on and off the battlefield.