Namido Martial Arts Yudanshakai

Nidai-Soke Michael Frazier: On December 26^th, 2006 the Sho-dai Soke of Namido Jujitsu stepped down and retired his Sokeship of the Namido Jujitsu System and the Namido Martial Arts Yudanshakai.  Shihan Michael Frazier was promoted to the position of second generation Soke and was voted into the position of Nidai-Soke by the board of Namido Jujitsu Yudanshakai and its Board of Directors, with the blessings of the Sho-dai Soke.  Michael has been training since 1979 under Shihan Larry Ingle.  With Shotokan being his mother art, he too has been crossed trained by Shihan Ingle throughout his career in various arts.  Michael holds a 5^th dan in Shotokan karate under Shihan Ingle, 6^th in Kodokan Judo, personally tested 2^nd dan thru 6^th dan under Osensei Phillip Porter, 7^th dan open style jujitsu under Shihan Ingle, while holding the Head of Family Leadership rank in Namido Jujitsu, 8^th in Budoshin White Tiger Hapkido under Shihan Craig Hamm and head instructor in the White Tiger Hapkido system.  Michael is a certified associate instructor of Muay Thai and a level 8 Master in Western Malay kickboxing under Shihan Ingle.  Michael was a coach of the US Team in 2003 in Cancun, Mexico where he had two students win gold and silver medals in five world divisions.  Michael was nominated into the USMA Hall of Fame as well as the Legacy Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Karate for Christ Hall of Fame.  Michael has in the past served as the Dean of Students for the Namido Martial Arts Yudanshakai and the head of the Public Relations Dept. where he has served as the National and International spokesman for the organization.  Michael is the Master instructor of the Morton Church of God Namido Martial Arts Academy with approximately 200 students enrolled.  Michael has held seminars and clinics in different parts of the US and internationally throughout Trinidad, West Indies.  Michael is an ex-police officer and served as a patrol officer, narcotics officer and Deputy Sheriff.  Michael has trained many law enforcement agencies and S.W.A.T. teams in hand-to-hand combatives and he has students who currently train agencies as well.  Michael currently serves as a judge for many Professional and Amatuer boxing, kickboxing and MMA matches throughout the state.  Michael is an Associate Pastor and Kids Pastor at the Morton Church of God.  Michael has a Bachelors degree in Biblical studies and a minor in Christian counseling.  Michael has a wife (Stacey), son (Joshua), and a daughter (Carlie) who all study the martial arts.  Stacey is a 3^rd degree black belt, Josh is a brown belt and Carlie is a green belt and currently competes in local competitions.  Previously, Michael was one of the top 4 leaders of the Karate for Christ International.  Michael is now one of the top 3 leaders of the Korejado Christian Martial Arts Association, where he serves as the Head of Governors over the listed schools Nationally and Internationally.  To contact Shihan Michael Frazier: BurnieMFrazier@aol.com       

Soke Larry Ingle: Larry has been in the arts since 1973, with Shotokan karate being his first art.  He earned his black belt in 1978 under Sensei Jim O'Neal and Sensei Jimmy Barber.  Larry has cross-trained ever since he started in the arts.  Larry has worked with many wrestlers, Judoka, Jijitsuka and many Brazilian martial artists in grappling.  Larry holds a 7^th dan in Shotokan karate, 5^th in Kodokan Judo, 9^th in Budoshin White Tiger Hapkido.  Larry also holds a current 8^th dan in Namido Jujitsu and is a certified Muay Thai kickboxing instructor.  Larry is also the founder and Soke of Western Malay Kickboxing, one of the only systems of its kind, encompassing all areas of combat in modern day real combat situations.  Larry was a professional kickboxer under the PKA and a professional boxer in the early 80's and now referees for major events such as boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai and MMA matches throughout Mississippi as a representative of the Mississippi State Athletic Commission.  Larry has coached many champions to victory in the National tough man competitions, as well as world champions in grappling.  He has also brought many students to the professional status in boxing.  Larry coached the US team in 2003 in Cancun, Mexico.  Larry is the President of Namido Martial Arts Yudanshakai and Chief Instructor of the Yudanshakai schools.  Larry is also the Vice President of the Budoshin White Tiger Hapkido Federation.  Larry has been nominated for Most Accomplished Master under the USMA Hall of Fame, as well as the Legacy Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  Larry has a wife (Karen), a daughter (Crystal) and a son (Kerry).  Larry is the Master instructor at the Bushido Martial Arts Academy in Forest, MS.  He has developed may champion children in tournament competition.  To contact Hanshi Larry Ingle: Larry@namido.org

Soke Craig Hamm: Craig serves as the Tennessee representative and the Vice President for the Namido Yudanshakai as well the National and International representative. Craig is the Soke and founder of Budoshin White Tiger Hapkido.  Soke Hamm is also the President of the Korejado Christian Martial Arts Organization, the second largest Christian Martial Arts Organization in the world.  Soke Hamm also has been named the Ni-dai Soke of Korejado Karate-do.  He is the Master instructor of Hamm's Martial Arts Academy in Selmer, Tn.  Craig was a coach for the US team in Cancun, Mexico in 2003 as well as a competitor.  Craig won three World Championship Gold medals in the Master's division in Open hand forms, weapons and self-defense.  Craig holds not only the founder rank of Budoshin White Tiger Hapkido, he also holds 7^th dan in other styles of Hapkido, 7^th dan in Namido Jujitsu, 6^th dan in Shotokan Pre-1900 karatejitsu, 2^nd in kodokan judo, level seven in Western Malay kickboxing, 5^th dan in Kenpojitsu, and 4^th dan in Pa Sa Ryu Tae Kwon Do. Craig has won many championships in sparring and forms - so many it would take a page by itself to list.  Craig has held many seminars and clinics throughout the USA.  Craig is a member of the USMA Hall of Fame as Founder of the Year.  He also holds Hall of Fame honors in the Legacy Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  One very prestigious Hall of Fame award was given to Soke Hamm earlier this year in Pennsylvania after he was asked to come teach before many high ranking martial artists.  This position was awarded by the World Martial Arts Union.  Craig holds a Bachelors degree in Korean Studies.  Craig has a wife (Angie), son (Lucas) and daughter (Karrah). To contact Craig: Shihanhamm@yahoo.com

Shihan Jody Pittman: Jody has been training for over 30 years in the martial arts.  Jody holds a 6^th dan in Shito Ryu Karate Jutsu, a 1^st dan in Shotokan Karate and holds a 1st dan in Namido Jujitsu under Shihan Frazier.  Jody is a veteran of the USMC and has been a law enforcement officer for over 19 years.  A few of  Jody's achievements include the following: 2000 Instructor of the Year USMAA, 2000 Masters Award of Excellence International Matsumura Seito Society, 2000 Grasshopper Award of Outstanding Martial Artist of the Year International Matsummura Seito Society and 2001 Bronze Life Achievement USMAA.  Jody has been appointed as the Head of Governors for the Namido Martial Arts Yudanshakai.  Jody will be working with our member schools as well as signing up new member schools.  He is the head of the Public Relations Dept. and will be available to answer any questions for any student or instructor who is interested in signing up for membership.  Jody will coordinate with other instructors to assist them in hosting a Namido seminar.  To contact Jody: pittman6717@cableone.net.

It is safe to say that there is no other person alive in the world today who has had so varied and comprehensive a career of achievement in Judo and the martial arts as Philip S. Porter.  In every field of endeavor involved in Judo - from coaching, teaching and national and international leadership positions to writing, refereeing and building the theoretical framework of Judo, he has excelled.  His competitive career spanned 50 years, culminating with four US National Masters Gold medals in wining which he never lost a match.

He may be the only person who has refereed the finals in the world championships and fought in the world masters championships as well.  During his many years in martial arts training, Porter has lived, taught and competed in Europe for four years and lived, studied and competed in Japan for two years.  From Thailand to Germany, from England to Brazil, he has studied, refereed, taught and competed for 65 years.

O-Sensei (Teacher of teachers) Philip S. Porter began his martial arts career as a boxer 65 years ago - in 1943 at the age of 18.  He was later a member of the West Point Boxing Team and in 1950, Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the Western Area of the Air Training Command, USAF.  Porter graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1948, and served in the US Army and Air Force for 25 years, retiring as a major in 1967.

O-Sensei started Judo, JuJitsu and Karate training in 1951 while serving on a Strategic Air Command (SAC) combat crew at Travis Air Force Base, California.  His first teacher was Sensei Walter Todd, 2^nd degree in Judo and the first American to be awarded a black belt in Shotokan Karate.  Todd was later promoted to 9^th degree black belt in Shudokan Karate and is now deceased.  Because Porter was 27 years old at the time, he soon started teaching and coaching Judo as well as competing.  Now, he is called O-Sensei because his responsible for teaching and watching over the ran k promotions of thousands of his black belt students and club leaders throughout the country in over 1,500 clubs of the United States Martial Arts Association.

O-Sensei's Judo Competition History: O-Sensei Porter started competing in Judo in 1951, and is still active in Master's competition, a competitive career spanning over 50 years. He was US Air Force USAFE champion in 1957, won a Bronze Medal in the US Senior Nationals in 1963, won the US National Masters Championship four times (1975,1977,1980 and 1981) and won two gold and a silver medal in the 1988 World Masterathlete Games in Ottawa, Canada in 1998.

Coaching History: Phil Porter's coaching achievements are legendary.  He has produced over 1,000 national and international medallists in Judo over the past 50 years, 500 of them during the eight years he coached the National Judo Team at the NJI (1984-1992). No other coach in America has even approached this record.  His team won six medals with six athletes in the 1991 Pan American Games, including Kate Donahoo's gold medal.  Kate Donahoo also won 5^th place in the World Judo Games of 1989, 5^th place in the 1992 Olympics and won the bronze medal in the 1988 World Good Will Games.

Porter's Creative Work in Judo: Coach Porter considers that his most important contribution to Judo and martial arts is the large number of books, magazine articles, videos and DVDs he has created.  Many of these works outline and explain his original theoretical contributions to Judo.  His videos alone have sold over 130,000 copies, the most important and popular Judo videos in English ever made in the world.  Among his video masterworks are the world standard for Judo, "The 65 Throws of Kodokan Judo" (now available for the first time on DVD); as well as, "The Secrets of Winning in Judo", "The Counters of Judo" and "Judo Grappling Techniques", all of which will soon be available on DVD. 

In addition, an incredible ten DVD series titled "My Life in Budo" is now in preparation by a professional cinematographer and O-Sensei himself is also shooting, writing and directing the creation of a special DVD series on the bent arm lock, ude garami.

His well known books include "Judo From the Beginning", " Championship Judo Drill Training"(with Ben Campbell), "The Basic Jujitsu Manual" and the junior and senior rank system manuals for American Judo, which have been printed in hundreds of thousands of copies over the past 40 years.  He also created and was the editor of the magazine "American Judo" for 35 years. 

O-Sensei believes that at age 83 his theoretical teaching and coaching work in Judo is just beginning.  He says, "My creative ability in Judo seems to increase over the years.  I am developing more new concepts, teaching methods and technical applications of Judo now than ever before.  The next 30 years promise to be a very rich experience!" 

Founding The National College Judo Movement:  In 1962, Porter hosted the first National Collegiate Judo Championships at the US Air Force Academy, wrote the constitution and bylaws of the first National Collegiate Judo Association (NCJA), and was elected as its Secretary.  Later he was elected for a term as Presiden tof the NCJA.

National and International Leadership:  O-Sensei Porter is called "The Father of American Judo" because he helped found the USJA in 1954 and personally built it into the largest Judo group in America, as well as the largest non-profit martial arts organization in the country, over a period of 41 years.  Below are listed a few of O-Sensei Porter's leadership achievements in American and World martial arts:

            Porter served 3 years National Chairman of the AAU Judo Committee (1961-1964), Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Judo Committee (1964-1968), Secretary General of the Pan American Judo Union (1964-1967), Technical Director of the Pan American Judo Union (1967-1969), President, U.S. Judo Association (1980-1995), Editor of "American Judo" (1960-1995), President and Head Coach of National Judo Institute and National Judo Team (1980-1995) and Founder of the United States Martial Arts Association since 1995.

Porter founded and became President of the U.S. Martial Arts Association in late 1995.  The USMA is the only non-profit American organization devoted to unifying the Martial Arts in our country, and recognizing all martial arts.

O-Sensei's Teachers:  Porter says, "I was blessed with the greatest teachers a man could ever have."  While in the Air Force, his first teacher was Walter Todd (later 9^th dan).  In 1953, Sumiyuki Kotani (later 10^th dan) and Tadao Otaki (later 9^th dan) both accepted him as their student.  Then O-Sensei trained in England at the famous Budokwai in London for a period of four years (1954-1958). At that time his teacher was Trevor P. Leggett, until his death the only 9^th Degree in Judo in Europe, and one of only a few 9^th Degrees outside of Japan.  O-Sensei insists that his teachers are still with him, and that not his O-Sensei is the Lord Christ.

Refereeing History:  Porter was active as a national and international referee in Judo for many years.  He rewrote the IJF contest rules in 1967.  He refereed the finals in the 1965 World Judo Championships in Brazil between Geesink and Matsunaga.  He served on the six-member Consultative Committee of Referees for the first Judo Olympics in Tokyo in 1964 and was the referee for the team finals in the World CISM Games of 1971 in Vienna, Austria.

O-Sensei's Martial Arts Rank History:  O-Sensei holds the 10^th dan or higher rank in more than 15 martial arts.  Many of these ranks are honorary and are not listed below.  The six arts in which O-Sensei holds 10^th dan and which he considers earned ranks are included in the rank history below, arranged alphabetically:

            Beikoku Mizu Ryu JuJitsu: Judan (10^th degree) by the Beikoku Mizu Ryu Jujitsu

                        Association.

            Budo Taijutsu: Judan (10^th degree), 1988 by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, 34^th Soke of

                        The Togakure Ryu.

            Judo: Judan (10^th degree). Shodan, 1954; Nidan, 1956, Budokwai, England;

                        Sandan, 1956, Yondan, 1963-Personally presented by Sumiyuki Kotani,

                        9^th dan, of the Kodokan, after O-Sensei placed third in the U.S. Judo

                        Nationals at age 38.  (Kotani Sensei was later for many years the only

                        Living 10^th degree in Judo in the world).  Rokudan, 1973; Shichidan,

                        1981; Hachidan, 1989; Kudan, 1994, Judan, January 1, 2005.

                        Note: There are now about 25 living Kudan (9^th degrees) in Judo in

                        Japan, and a few more outside Japan.  There are now (2008) five Judo

                        10^th degrees in the world. They are: Abe, Osawa and Daigo of Japan;

                        Anton Geesink (of the Netherlands) and O-Sensei Porter.  There have been

                        18 Judoists of 10^th in the history of Judo ( 15 from Japan).  One of the last

                        four Japanese Judan was Sumiyuki Kotani Sensei, who died on October

                        19, 1991 at age 89. He was O-Sensei Porter's most revered teacher.

                        JuJitsu: Judan. All degrees, 1^st through 9^th (1951-1994) by USJA.  Judan

                        (10^th degree) 1997 by USMA and Beikoku Miza Ryu JuJitsu.

                        Jun Kin Shin. Soke-10^th degree. Jun Kin Shin is the JiJitsu Ryu founded

                        By O-Sensei from his many years experience in teaching self defense to

                        law enforcement and military personnel.  He has awarded only a few

                        ranks in this system because he does not consider the system complete.

                        Karate: 8^th degree (Honorary) 1996 by the American Shotokan Karate

                        Alliance.

                        Moo Hap Sul Hapkido:  9^th degree (Honorary) 1997 by House of

                        Discipline Martial Arts Group.

                        Taiho Jitsu: Judan (10^th degree) 1997 by Mid-Atlantic Self Defense

                        Association.

                        Wushu: 9^th degree (Honorary) 1994.

            Hall of Fame Honors:  World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, O-Sensei has also been

            Honored (April 1997) as a member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the

            Recipient of the coveted "Heritage Award of Excellence" award.  International

            Karate & Kickboxing Hall of Fame.  O-Sensei was inducted into the International

            Karate Hall of Fame at a special ceremony conducted in Cleveland, Ohio in April,

World Headfounders Council. O-Sensei was admitted as the 18^th member

of the World Headfounders Council in July, 1997.  He is the 18^th member inducted out of 3,219 applicants.  In May, 1998, O-Sensei was inducted into the Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers and Legends Hall of Fame Council International in the highest category, "Legend."

In 2000, O-Sensei created the USMA International Hall of Fame and the USMA National Junior and Senior Training Camps.  O-Sensei Porter has been granted several honorary Doctor's degrees and has written books on Judo and JuJitsu. O-Sensei travels extensively, conducting over 100 seminars a year.

Dr. Daryl Covington, President of Karate for Christ International, has been a pastor since 1995, and is now serving in Asia.  He is a 7^th degree black belt in Shinsei Hapkido, trained by Joseph Lumpkin, a 4^th degree black belt in Pa Sa Ryu Tae Kwon Do, trained by Kang Rhee, and a Level 1 Certified Dim Mak pressure point strikes instructor, trained by Erle Montiague.  Dr. Covington was a coach for the USA Martial Arts Team in 2003.  His academic studies include a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Auburn University, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries from Trinity, a Doctor of Ministry, and a PhD in Asian Studies. Dr. Covington, his wife (Brenda) and their two daughters (Mikayla and Miriah) currently live in a communist country in Asia.

Master Frank Fuller, an 8^th degree black belt and founder of Hoshin Kwon Bup, has been studying martial arts since 1986.  Master Fuller's training began in ITF Tae Kwon Do and continued to Ho Shin Do, eventually culminated in his joining Koreja Do Christian Martial Arts in 2004 and later the founding of his own art and recognition of this system by Koreja Do, as well as the Korean Martial Arts Instructors Association, based in Seoul, Korea, in 2008.  That same year, he became a member of the Master's Council at Namido Martial Arts Yudanshakai and was also elected to the Masters Hall of Fame in Costa Mesa, CA., for his teaching and his contributions to the arts.

Throughout his martial arts career, Frank has also cross-trained in various other disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, karate, JuJitsu, Kuntao, Hapkido, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, and various Kenpo subsystems.  Some of his other rankings include a 6^th dan in Tang Soo Do, a 5^th dan in Ho Shin Do, and a 5^th dan in TaeKwonDo. Master Fuller is the chief instructor of Marietta Koreja Do Karate, director of the International Fellowship of Martial Artists, and has taught at various recreational centers in the Atlanta area and martial arts schools since 2005, including Georgia State University, Georgia Tech and Emory University.  He is currently a doctoral student in Political Science at Clark Atlanta University.

Soke Gary Smith:  I started TawKwonDo training in 1978.  I trained for about 3 years and was rewarded with promotion to 1^st dan. In 1984 I joined the United States Army.  I was blessed when the Father brought Shihan Tony Chester into my life.  While studying under Shihan Chester, I had the opportunity to meet and train with a number of truly outstanding martial artists.  Included in this group were Professor Steve Patton and Shihan Craig Hamm.  Shihan Chester, Professor Patton and Shihan Hamm were the keys to opening my eyes to the true Christian Martial way. They also brought me back to my Christian roots.  I was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and during the associated training camp, I had the opportunity to meet Soke Hank Williams and enjoy training in Hard Hand Hapkido and Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo.  Under Shihan Williams, I hold 7^th dan in Hapkido and Chon-Tu Taekwondo and 5^th dan in Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo. 

Simply stated, my primary mission in life is two-fold - my relationship with Jesus Christ and bring others to a relationship with him.

I can be reached at shihansmith@gmail.com

I am currently working with Springhill United Methodist Church in Huntsville, Al to open a Martial Arts Outreach.  I have never taught as a commercial venture. I have been blessed to be able to offer free instruction in churches.  (More to follow on this, please pray that God's will is done.)

Shihan Alex "Buddy"Cooper:  In 1961, Shihan Cooper started to train in boxing with Max Jones, and later with the late Albert Brooks and the late Robert Fantsanto, one time sparing partner to Floyd Patterson and Sonny Liston. Shihan Cooper fought in the Golden Gloves thru out the 60's as both middleweight and heavy weight.

In 1963, Shihan Cooper started to train in TaeKwonDo, Hapkido and MooDukKwon under the instruction of the later Master Joi Chai, a former Korean Army officer.  He trained under him into the mid 70's when he started to train under the late Master J. Lei, who also trained him in kickboxing. In the 80's and early 90's Shihan Cooper trained with Master Geoff Bown.  In the early 90's he trained under Master Dan Roberts, retired US Army Colonel and former director of the US Army hand to hand combat training.  He tested before him and Grand Master Hong Sun Hee for his 6^th degree black belts.  The US MooDukKwon Association, World TaeKwonDo Federation and Korean Hapkido Association belted him. Shihan Cooper recently received his 7th degree black belt through Korejado and White Tiger Hapkido.

Shihan Cooper has had the privilege to attend seminars all over the country and had the opportunity to fight on the old club circuit and in the PKA.

High spots of his career were seeing his sons (Gabe and Jake) earn their black belts and being knocked out by the late Danny Hodge, who was a professional wrestler in the 1960's and 70's and also Golden Gloves Champion of the 1950's.

In 1998, Shihan Cooper was bestowed the honor to be named Director of the Martial Arts portion of the A.A.U. Louisiana State Games.  Also in the 90's, he coached, refereed and judged at the Olympic trials, Junior Olympics and the A.A.U. Nationals.

Shihan Cooper taught in the Jackson, Canton and Byram area for 20 plus years.  He is currently teaching in the Florence area in a style of his development combining boxing, TaeKwonDo, Hapkido and grappling for personal street defense.  Shihan Cooper is also currently honored to serve as Deputy Inspector for the Mississippi Athletic Commission.

Shihan Cooper resides in the Florence area with his wife (Dawne) - daughter of the late Harold Heckman, a TaeKwonDo black belt who fought on the PKA circuit in the 1960's and 70's - and her daughter, Brooke.

Shihan Cooper is currently the Mississippi State Representative for the Namido Martial Arts Organization.

Pslams 27:1-3

Sifu Robert Kitchin:  Sifu Kitchen is pastor at Golden Harvest Temple, a Nondenominational church and ministry in Lowell, NC.

Sifu Kitchin has a BA of Divinity.

He is President and Founder of Spoken Word Deliverance Ministry, since 1997.

Pastor Kitchin owns and operates the Academy of Self Defense with Christian values where the whole family can train together.

Grand Master Lee Chuan Gung Fu:

Founder and President: Lee Chuan Gung Fu Association, 1997

Founder and President: Golden Dragon Kung Fu Federation, 1976

Ranks:

            Lee Chuan Gung Fu - 10^th degree Black Belt

            Sil Lum Pai Kung Fun - 5^th degree Black Belt

            Pai Lung Chuan Kung Fu - 1^st degree Black Belt

            Nin jitsu - 5^th degree Black Belt

            Kun Do Ryu Karate - 5^th degree Black Belt

            Jeet Kune Do  5^th level instructor

            Hong Chun Wing Chun - 1^st degree Black Belt

           

Accomplishments:

            WorldBlackBelt.com

            Karate for Christ International

            USADOJO.com

            USA Wushu Kung Fu Federation

            Martial Arts Association International

            International Combat Martial Arts Founders Union ICMAUA Lifetime

                        Member

            10^th degree Black Belt Lee Chuan Gung Fu, Head Master, Founder, Head

                        Instructor, Head Examiner

            International Combat Kung Fu Union ICMAUA Lifetime Member

            5^th degree Black Belt Sil Lum Pai Kung Fu, Instructor, Examiner

            1^st degree Black Belt Pai Lung Chuan Kung Fu, Instructor, Examiner

            International Combat Karate Union ICMAUA Lifetime Member

            4^th Degree Black Belt Zen Do Ryu Karate, Instructor, Examiner

            International Combat Jeet Kune Do Union ICMAUA Lifetime Member

            4^th degree Black Belt Jeet Kune Do, Instructor, Examiner

Bill "Superfoot"Wallace:  Mr. Wallace retired as the undefeated Professional Karate Association (PKA) Middleweight Champion after defeating Bill Biggs in a 12-round bout in June 1980.  The victory, Wallace's 23rs straight, signaled the end to an illustrious 15-year career in tournament and full contact fighting.

Known to the karate world simply as "Superfoot", symbolic of his awesome left leg, which was once clocked in excess of 60 mph, Wallace left a string of battered and bruised bodies along the martial arts fighting trail.

He used his foot as others would use their hands, faking opponents with two or three rapid fake kicks and following with one solid knockout technique.  His power was amazing, his precision outstanding.

Wallace, a 5' 101/2" native of Portland, Ind., began studying karate in February 1967 after suffering a right leg injury in a judo accident.  The injury left him without the use of the leg in karate competition.  Some observers said Wallace was committing martial arts suicide. Wallace, however, had other ideas.

In the next seven years, "Superfoot" (named after his manager saw an advertisement for a "super foot long hot dog" at a sporting event) dominated the point-tournament circuit.

As a national champion point fighter three years in a row, Wallace captured virtually every major event on the tournament circuit. The more prestigious victories included: the US Championships (3 times), the USKA Grand Nationals (3 times) and the Top Ten Nationals (2 times).

He was such a dominant figure in martial arts that Black Belt magazine, the bible of industry publications, named him to its Hall of Fame three times in seven years - twice as "Competitor of the Year" and once as "Man of the Year".

In 1973, Wallace, whose education includes a bachelor's degree (1971) in physical education from Ball State University and a master's degree (1976) in kinesiology (the study of human movement) from Memphis State University, suffered what many considered a career-ending injury.  However, one of Wallace's friends, the late Elvis Presley, flew in a Los Angeles acupuncturist to treat the Karate champion at the Graceland Manor.

A year later, Wallace turned professional and captured the PKA middleweight karate championship with a second-round knockout (hook kick) of West German Bernd Grothe in Los Angeles.  He relinquished the crown in 1980, undefeated and respected around the world.

Despite his retirement, Wallace continues to be one of the martial arts most popular figures.  He is the author of three books: Karate: Basic Concepts & Skills, Dynamic Kicking & Stretching and The Ultimate Kick.

As well as a former member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness, Wallace also has been active in the film industry. His credits include: A Force of One, with Chuck Norris; Kill Point, with Cameron Mitchell; Continental Divide and Neighbors, with John Belushi, whom he acted as trainer and bodyguard; Protector, with Jackie Chan; A Prayer for the Dying, with Mickey Rourke; Ninja Turf and A Sword of Heaven.

We, at Namido Marital Arts Yudanshakai, are honored to have Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, not only as a member of our Masters Board and member of the Yudanshakai, but also as our honored teacher in the Superfoot system.  Bill has become a great friend to the Yudanshakai leaders.  He is a very down to earth individual and a part of the Namido family.

Shihan Oliver Miller Sensei:  "Throughout my profession I strive to institute martial arts, kickboxing and boxing in the Golden Triangle Area.  Each day is the opportunity to enhance the physical and mental ability of each child.  I share knowledge and experience so that each individual has the advantage to compete on a higher level regardless of their economic background."

Shihan Miller was a professional kickboxer for the PKA throughout the late 70's and early 80's where he was ranked number two in the world and had a very prestigious career.  He currently has numerous students who are professional boxers and kickboxers. 

Listed are a few of Shihan Miller's accomplishments:

            Present owner of Miller's Martial Arts LLC - Promoting amateur and

                        Professional boxers and kickboxing in addition to martial arts

            Co-Owner O1 Productions LLC and founder

            Awarded Life Achievement Award by Mid South Martial Arts 2006

            Awarded 8^th dan under Namido Martial Arts Yudanshakai and the

                                    Korejado Christian Martial Arts Assocation, June 2008

                        Awarded 5^th degree Black Belt in 1999 under D.J. Sias

                        Introduced Maximum Body Power Work Out Fitness Program Copyright - 1999

                        Crowned World Kickboxing by the World Kickboxing Association -1993

                        Awarded 4^th degree Black Belt - 1992

                        Crowned North American Kickboxing Champion by the International Council of Kickboxing - 1988

                        Winner of the Professional Karate Association, PKA -1982

                        Awarded 3^rd degree Black Belt - 1981

                        Founded United American Karate Association - 1980

                        Awarded 2^nd degree Black Belt -1979

                        Winner of the Gulf State Golden Gloves Boxing - 1979

                        Opened Miller's Tae-Kwon-Do in 1977

                        Awarded 1^st degree Black Belt, March 4, 1977 at Mississippi State University

                             Start date in martial arts - 1973

Shihan Oliver Miller is responsible for a large part of the boxing and kickboxing aspects of the Namido Jujitsu system and the Western Malay Kickboxing system.  He imparted this knowledge to Shihan Larry Ingle starting in 1978 when he began training Shihan Ingle for the PKA.  This relationship and continued training has been fostered and passed down to all the students of the Namido Yudanshakai and the Western Malay Kickboxing system for over 30 years now and is still continuing today.

Both Namido and Korejado brought Shihan Miller in to teach a clinic at the Namido Summer Slam in June of 2008, where he was bestowed the rank of 8^th dan by all of his peers and a large group of Masters and Grandmasters.  We are honored to have him on the Masters Board.

Jacob "Tito" Ortiz: Mr. Ortiz is a Mexican American participant of the sport of mixed martial arts, better known as "MMA".  He is a native of Huntington Beach, California.  Tito Ortiz is recognized as a charismatic, if controversial and highly-criticized fighter.  Whatever the opinions of Ortiz, he undeniably is both a showman and a talented fighter.  Ortiz's career has been mostly within the UFC organization.  Ortiz began his martial arts career as a wrestler in his sophomore year of high school.  Under Coach Paul Herrera, Ortiz would place 4^th in the state high school championships as a senior.  Following high school, Ortiz continued his wrestling career winning a California State Junior College title for Golden West College.  Following his stint at Golden West, Ortiz wrestled at Cal State Bakersfield.  While never a full-time starter, Ortiz did gain significant experience training with future NCAA and world champion Stephen Neal. 

Championships and Accomplishments:

            Ultimate Fighting Championship

                        UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (5 time defending)

            Wrestling Observer Newsletter

                        2002 Feud of the Year (vs Ken Shamrock)

                        2006 Feud of the Year (vs Ken Shamrock)

            Fighting Spirit magazine

                        2006 Fight of the Year (vs Forrest Griffin, UFC 59)

                        2006 Golden Gloves

Tito spends a lot of his time and money contributing to under-privileged youth.  When Tito found out what kind of martial artists are members of the Namido Martial Arts Yudanshakai, and what we are all about, he wanted to be a part of us and it is an honor to add him to our ranks.

Sensei Leslie L.E. Pearson:  Sensei Les has been in the martial arts for 21 years.

            He holds ranks in the following:

                        Budoshin White Tiger Hapkido - 5^th dan (Soo Suk Sa Bum Nim)

                        Namido Jujitsu - 5^th dan (Shihan)

                        Shotokan Karate - 4^th dan (Shihan-Dai)

                        Budoshin Kenpo Jitsu -3^rd dan (Sensei)

                        Aikido - 1^st dan

                        Brazilian Jujitsu - Blue Belt with 2 stripes

Sensei Lee's First Instructor:

            Master Ron McNair - 5^th dan Shotokan Karate

                        "American Hero" Astronaut killed in the space shuttle Challenger

Sensei Lee's Accomplishments:

            2000 Alabama State Karate Champion - Kata

            2000 Alabama State Karate Champion - Weapons

            2000 West Kentucky State Champion - Kata  

Grand Master Dr. H. G. Robby Robinson, PhD: Grand Master Robinson joins Namido

bringing a lengthy bio filled with wonderful accomplishments and experiences.  He was first introduced to Judo in 1949 through the teachings of Charles Yerkow and was strongly influenced by neighborhood Chinese Tai Chi Chuan practioners.  A former acrobatic performer with the famous Jules Stone Dance Studios of New York and a stint in the late 1940's as a youthful member of the WOR Radio's hit program Juvenile Jury, coupled with a high school background in weight lifting, gymnastics, fencing, wrestling and boxing with the New York City Police Athletic League, Grand Master Robinson was well prepared for a future fulfilling career in the little known field of marital arts that would take him around the world and encompassing the majority of his adult life. 

         Grand Master Robinson's Current Martial Art Ranks:

                  8^th Dan - Hachidan, United States Judo Association

                  9^th Dan - Kudan, Traditional Kodokan Judo, USJJF

                  9^th Dan - Kudan Umi Bushi Goshin Jutsu

                  9^th Dan - Kudan, Ju-Jitsu

                  9^th Dan - Kudan, Taiho Jitsu

                  8^th Dan - Hachidan, Goshin Jitsu

                  9^th Dan - Dong Koo Yudo Kwan, Republic of South Korea No. 0879

                  9^th Dan - Ryu Kyu (Okinawa) Kenpo

                  9^th Dan - American Federation of Martial Arts

                  10^th Dan Soke - International Kempo Federation (IKF) Iran

                  10^th Dan Hanshi - World Ju-Jitsu & AIKI Buijitsu Federation

                  10^th Dan Hanshi - Samurai Ju Jitsu Association International, Teacher's

                              Diploma, All-Japan Seibukan Martial Arts & Way Association

                  10^th Dan - Life Member, European Samurai Ju-Jitsu - AIKI Society

                  10^th Dan Hanshi - Nippon Yawara Ryu AIKI - Ju-Jitsu Renmei

For full bio with pictures along the timeline, please visit: http://www.asjja.com/h.g.-robby-robinson.htm 

Grand Master Robinson may be reached at robin0305@aol.com

Alan Belcher:  Alan started traditional martial arts training at eight years old.  His first instructor was into cross training with Judo and Jiu Jitsu.  They also boxed as his trainer had competed in American boxing in the service.  Alan couldn't afford to travel long distances to compete in the minor competitions, but heard of a local martial arts instructor named Max Bishop, who has ahead of the times, promoting a monthly fight night at a sports bar.  It took Alan over 5 years to convince his parents to let him train with Max.  At the tender age of 14, under the training of Max, Alan had his first martial arts fight against a grown man in his late 20's.  He won this match by submission. 

         He continued to train and fight for the next few years, along with playing high school baseball and basketball.  Martial arts taught him a serious work ethic and he outworked everybody, all the way to college.  After receiving a small baseball scholarship to a junior college in Tennessee, he put fighting on the backburner. That lasted for two semesters until the itch hit again.  The UFC was making a turnaround and it seemed there might be a future in fighting after all, so he quit college and began his real journey. 

         Alan headed back to Arkansas to train and teach for Max Bishop and Joey Perry, a partner in two martial arts gyms.  After a year he packed up and went on a quest to find a gym to further his career the most.  After several stops in several places, he ended up in Biloxi, training with Rich Clememti and Team Voodoo in Slidell, Louisiana.  Hurricane Katrina forced evacuation to Mississippi in 2005. 

         Alan currently trains at his own gym in Biloxi, Ms. He was in Vicksburg, MS for a celebrity appearance when he was first approached about Namido.  After looking the site over, he informed us that it would be his honor to join us. It is indeed an honor to have him aboard. 

Shihan Bob McWhirt:  Shihan Bob is a 6^th Dan in Koreja Do Combat Karate.  He also holds a 3^rd Dan belt in Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do from Dr. Neal Schiesske, Sho-dai Soke of Koreja Do Christitan Martial Arts Association.  He also is 1^st Dan black belt in World Oyama Karate.  Originally from South Jersey, Shihan Bob trained under Sensei Tom DiGiacomo, 5^th Dan World Oyama Karate. Shihan Bob opened the Lusby Maryland branch of Koreja Do Christian Karate in 2001. In 2004, Shihan Bob was inducted into the Legends Champion Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Maryland and was named Male Instructor of the Year.  Later that year, he was inducted into the Action Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame and received their award for Outstanding Leadership in the Martial Arts.  Shihan Bob is the Vice President for Koreja Do Christian Martial Arts Association under President and N-Dai Soke Craig Hamm.  Professionally, Bob McWhirt, RN is the Vice President for Patient Care/Chief Nursing Officer at Calvery Memorial Hospital in Prince Fredrick, Maryland.  Above all else, Shihan Bob loves God and teaches first and foremost "we are training to protect the one and only temple that God has provided for us".

          

Dr. Tommy Skelton has been instructing self-defense and marital arts for 21 years.  He is a certified self-defense instructor, a lifetime member of Adonai Martial Arts Ministries, a certified Christian Martial Arts Instructor and ordained minister.  He holds a Ph. D in Comparative Religion and a postgraduate diploma in Ministry. He is the founder of the Youth Empowerment Ministries in Houston, Mississippi where he lives with his wife (Nancy), four Chihuahuas and his horses. The empowerment program teaches life skills to youth and adults through martial arts.  Dr. Skelton is a certified Self Defense instructor and conducts seminars and courses for all ages and genders.  He is retired from the United States Marine Corps and currently holds the martial arts rank of Rokudan – 6^th Degree.

 

Memberships and Certifications:

         United States Martial Arts Association – Registry #3980

         International Black Belt Association – Registry #OK3018

            Adonai Sports Ministries – Registry #Tx – 02-03-1004