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MASTER JACO
I began my martial arts training in 1973 in Chicago Illinois, under the instruction of Master Gregory Jaco. At the time Master Jaco lived on 79th and Vincennes and the students trained in his basement, Westcott Elementary School Park, and the gym at Simeon Vocational High School. Master Jaco was a master breaker and weapons expert who trained all of his students in a combination of self defense tactics that are realistic and combat effective. The training covered lessons in judo, ju jitsu, and karate, elements of kung fu, kendo, meditation, pain control, archery, traditional weapons and marksmanship. It was common in the school to train outdoors in all types of weather. Walking bare feet in the snow and running through the streets with a log over your head was routine in the Black Dragon Slayers School. I learned many valuable lessons from Master Jaco that saved my life and I have never forgotten the significance of internal meditation as an important aspect of martial arts training. I was fortunate to reunite with Master Jaco in the fall of 2006. My reunion with Master Jaco was facilitated by Floyd Webb for whom I am eternally grateful. Master Jaco awarded me teachers rank 7th Dan in the Four Winds System on October 11, 2006. He also explained some of the history of the Black Dragon Slayers and the creation of the Tornado School of Martial Arts. With great regret Master Jaco passed on February 26, 2007 leaving behind a tradition of discipline and service by his trusted instructors and students.
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SOKE DWIGHT CHILDRESS
I left Chicago in 1980 by joining the U.S. Army and I continued to train in the art of karate. In February 1997, I joined (BSR) the Brotherhood of Self Defense and Respect. BSR was formed in Poughkeepsie New York by Soke Dwight Childress, in 1973. (BSR) has its roots in Wado Ryu Karate. Soke Childress used his extensive experience and innovation to further develop the Ken Zen Ichii Karate System in North America. Ken Zen Ichii is a self defense system that is both traditional and street effective. I earned my 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) in Ken Zen Ichii Karate on June 14, 1998. I was promoted to the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt {Yodan} in April 2007. Soke Childress relocated to Charlotte North Carolina in 1998 and established the Ken Zen Ichii Headquarters resulting in the development of many accomplished martial artists.
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SHINAN GENE JAMES
In September 1998, I joined the Bushido Ryu Ju Jitsu and Karate School located in Peekskill, New York. The Bushido Ryu School was established in 1980 by Shinan Gene James. I studied the arts of Ju Jitsu and Jo Jitsu at the Bushido Ryu School and I earned the rank of 1st Degree Brown Belt in March 2001. Due to illness Shinan Gene James no longer teaches and the school was closed. Gene James was the chief weapons instructor during the latter years of his training in the Miyama Ryu Combat Ju Jitsu School.
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SHINAN HECTOR NEGRON
In September 2001, I joined the San Yama Bushi Ryu Ju Jutsu School at the behest of Shihan Vincent Brusco. The San Yama Bushi Ryu system was founded by Shinan Hector Negron. Both the Bushido Ryu and San Yama Bushi Ryu systems were developed from the Mi Yama Ryu Combat Ju Jitsu System which is internationally recognized. The founder of the Mi Yama Ryu system is the late Professor Antonio Pereira. Professor Pereira taught both Shinan Hector Negron and Shinan Gene James. I received my Okuiri, 1st Degree Black Belt in San Yam Bushi Ju Jutsu in May 2003. Shinan Negron welcomed me into the system and I am grateful for the technical skill that was imparted to me as a student and the camaraderie that was extended by his instructors.
CLOSING STATMENT
I recognize that no one instructor surpasses another; all of my instructors are instrumental in my development as a martial artist. I give thanks and respect to those who came before me with hopes of passing on the valuable lessons learned both inside and outside of the dojo. Peace be upon Master Gregory Jaco, the memory of his life is a motivator against any and all adversity.
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