I started My Martial arts career in 1969 with the study of Judo.
I studied Judo under the guidance of Sensei Bill Yakota and Xavier Maryuama, brother of Paul Maryuama, a noted Judoka in his own right.
It was soon after that I met Prof. John Chow Hoon who was a much respected Martial Arts Instructor, instructing classes in Jujitsu, Judo and Karate.
While I was not a regular student of Prof. Chow Hoon, I had the opportunity to train with him from time to time, learning not only Judo and Jujitsu, but the openness that I was later to find would be one of the most valuable assets one can possess.
I received my Shodan in Judo in 1977 while still a student of Sensei Bill Yakota. Present Judo rank Sandan (3rd. degree)
It was about that time I started the earnest study of Jujitsu and Karate with Prof. Chow Hoon.
It was in 1997/78 that I joined Jujitsu America a fledgling organization dedicated to the propagation and advancement of the Kodenkan, Jujitsu System, founded by Prof. Henry S. Okazaki.
I received my Shodan in Jujitsu in 1980 with my Nidan to follow in 1981.
I was awarded my Sandan Rank in 1982.
I was promoted to the rank of Shodan in Karate in 1980 and my present rank of Sandan In 1984.
In 1982-84 I was awarded the Presidential Meritorious award by acting Jujitsu America President, Prof. Willy Cahill, for my contribution to the organization, while serving as regional and National Secretary, for a total of six years.
Due to the progressive decline in his health, Prof. Chow Hoon asks me to continue his duties as Chief Instructor of his club, while staying on in an advisory capacity.
I retained that position from 1983 until his death, taking over at that time as Head Instructor, a position held as part of the Pacific Grove Adult School program for over eleven years.
I received my Yodan in Jujitsu in 1986.
I was awarded the Black Belt Instructor of the year award in 1987
One of my most prized awards ever, is the “Jujitsu America Professor, John Chow Hoon Spirit of Kodenkan Award” given to me in 1988.
I was awarded the Black Belt Hall of Fame Award in 1989
The Jujitsu rank of Godan was awarded to me in 1990.
I have been a member of the Board of Directors of Jujitsu America in one Capacity or another since 1980.
I have been fortunate to teach clinics at the regional, local and national level.