Yudansha


Explanation of Content
The word yudansha is a Japanese word that translates to "grade holder" and is used to identify those individuals that have reached the rank of Shodan or higher. The Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy has three status of yudansha:
Active - those who are participating in the training program;
Inactive - those who are unable to participate for whatever reason;
Former - those who have elected to pursue other interests.

This page is currently under improvement and we request your understanding and support through this transition.

Active Yudansha
John E. Doub, Jr.
Headmaster - Godan
John Doub-Sensei is the son of the Founder of Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy and the Headmaster as well. He assumed the leadership role of the academy on the day following his father's death. He is intent on continuing his father's legacy. John Doub-Sensei began his serious training in the martial arts (under the direct supervision of his father) in 1979 at the age of thirteen. In 1983, John Doub-Sensei received his Shodan (first Degree Black Belt). Also at that time he entered military service in the United States Army Infantry. In January 1994, John Doub-Sensei began to do intensive research projects with his father into the history of the martial arts and advanced pressure point fighting. More specifically, how both influenced and could be applied to Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy and the curriculum. John Doub-Sensei's martial arts exposure outside of Heiwa-Ryu is limited to his military Combative Skills training and over 9 years of real world hand-to-hand combat experience.

Michael Roy
Sandan
Michael Roy-Sensei began his training in the U.S. Navy from 1970-73 where he trained in Aikido at Treasure Island, San Francisco. He enrolled in Heiwa-Ryu in July of 1980 after he met John Doub-Sensei during an eye exam. Michael Roy-Sensei received his Shodan (first Degree Black Belt) in October of 1984. He has had a private private practice of Optometry in Walnut Creek, California from 1973 to present.

Gabe Rafael
Nidan
Gabe Rafael-Sensei began his training at the Fremont branch of Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy. He has been training at Heiwa-Ryu since 1985. He has pursued his interest in Philippino martial arts and is currently a Nidan in Arnis. In 1998 he participated in the World Competition in the Philippines and took First Place. Gabe Rafael-Sensei received his Shodan (first Degree Black Belt) in 1989.

Michael Bland
Nidan
Michael Bland-Sensei began his training in 1978 in Judo at the age of five in Walnut Creek, California, where he studied for about 6 years. He continued his interest in martial arts, but did not enter formal training again until January 1991 when he was introduced to Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy. He received his Shodan (first Degree Black Belt) in January 1995. Michael Bland-Sensei moved to Japan in June of 1996, and formally trained in Chito-Ryu Karate for 1 year in Kashima, Ibaraki. He currently resides in Tokyo where he trains in in the RyuTe Renmei system at the RyuShiKan dojo, though he still strives to remain active in Heiwa-Ryu despite the ocean in between.

Bob Brindley
Nidan
Robert J. Brindley-Sensei began his training with wrestling and boxing in high school and college. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He has been training in Heiwa-Ryu since September of 1985. Bob Brindley-Sensei received his Shodan (first Degree Black Belt) in August of 1993. In addition to Heiwa-Ryu, he also studied Tai Chi separately from Soa Sean King-Sifu from 1990-1997.


Prakash Narasimhalu
Shodan
Biography to come - bug Prakash to mail it to me!




Inactive Yudansha
Patrick Ciminera
Dave Frost
Jim Coe


Former Yudansha
There are over twenty men and women that have achieved the rank of Shodan, or higher, within Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy that have elected to pursue another direction.