I began practicing Japanese martial arts in the fall of 1971, at the California State University, Chico, where I was introduced to Danzan Ryu (Kodenkan) Jujutsu.  In the summer of 1973, I continued my study of jujutsu and restorative massage under Professors Lamar Fisher, 8th-degree black belt at the time, and Bud Estes, 10th-degree black belt (now deceased), at the Nibukikan, a Danzan Ryu dojo in Chico. In 1987, I was promoted to 4th-degree black belt by the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF).   In the meantime, I trained regularly with the blacks belts of the AJJF, taught jujutsu for several years at the California State University, Chico, collected martial arts books and videos, and absorbed what I could from instructors trained in a variety of arts.

Danzan Ryu Jujutsu includes several techniques with small weapons, such as the hanbo (the 3-foot stick) and the tessen (iron fan), as well as disarms against a knife, gun, and club.  From police tactics instructors in the AJJF, I studied the straight-handled and side-handled batons. I also learned the basic forms of Bokendo, a martial art taught within Danzan Ryu Jujutsu, from Sensei Bob Mckean, the senior instructor of Bokendo since the death of Professor William Montero in 1995.   Bokendo uses a heavy wooden sword (a special type of boken) in a manner similar to that of a riot baton.

 In 1973, I also began studying Aikido and later, Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, with Sensei Don Zier. I trained regularly in iaido with Sensei Zier for more than 15 years, and studied a short while with the All Japan Kendo Federation’s iaido group in Southern California, from whom I received a 2nd-degree black belt in 1983.  From Sensei Zier, I also learn several forms for the Japanese yari, or spear, as well as for the jo, or 4-foot staff.  I trained in the Filipino martial arts under several instructors, most notably Mr. Tim Tackett of Redlands, California.

Publications
I have written on many aspects of the martial arts. My most recent book is The Stick and Cane in Close Combat (Orange, California: Unique Publishing Co., 2006).
With Sensei Zier, I wroteThe Jo: The Japanese Short Staff (Burbank: Unique Publishing Co., 1985), and with Doug Musser, Jujutsu: Techniques and Tactics (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1999).  I also helped Sensei Zier prepare his text, Japanese Sword Drawing: A Guide for Instructors (Unique Publications, 2002).

Other publications include The Kyusho of Ate Mi (the vital points of the body and the medical implications of striking them; a monograph published privately in 1976); An Introduction to Kodenkan Jujutsu (a text published privately in 1979); three editions of The Kata Manual of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation; and Katsu: Traditional Japanese Resuscitation Techniques (Annals of Emergency Medicine 1984;1:40-4.)  

Seminars
I teach seminars on the jo and on stick (hanbo) and cane techniques.  The seminars are based on my books on these topics.  Please contact me for more information.