In the Beginning:
Ronin is a Japanese term for an outlaw or masterless Samurai. 'Ro' meaning wave and 'Nin' man, the word literally means "man tossed around like a wave." The Dojo was founded by men in a state of chaos. Discontent to subscribe to just one art or method of training, they learned and tested many. Drawing on Okinawan Karate, Ninjutsu, Akido, Muay Thai, Boxing, SIlat, Kali, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, Bujutsu, they engaged in no holds barred training before the UFC and the Gracies transformed mixed martial arts into a mainstream phenomenon.
For the first decade the teachers and their students were a rag-tag underground group of fighters and rule-breakers. Their reputation was for intensity, pushing limits, and a voracity to test everything. From the fires of this group the art began to take shape.
The Growing Years:
As the school grew, its distinct nature began to become apparent. This nature was about being a training grounds for life. Here students came to learn that the limits they believed they were bound to didn't exist, and that the human capacity was far beyond anything they'd ever imagined. A return to nature, a de-evolution to states of harmony and primal strength fueled the art and those who trained in it.
Martial arts was a vehicle that encompassed warrior training on many levels. Mastery of movement became the study of working with opposing force through the fighting arts. Mastery of breath and self through Lung Gom, meditation, and tests by the elements of nature expanded students awareness and control. Wilderness survival, attunement, and tracking brought them directly in touch with nature and the place humankind holds as a part of the larger whole.
Instructors:
RANDALL BROWN
In 1993 Mr. Brown was awarded the rank of Soke (headmaster) by the Zen Kokusai Soke Budo Bugei Remmei, a traditional martial arts organization with branches in the US, Okinawa and Japan. This rank was the result of his thirty plus years of training in various martial arts but dealt exclusively with his training in the traditional bugei (warrior) systems of Japan. Not long after this the ZKSBBR made it clear that any of the traditional martial artists who competed in non-traditional competitions (mma) would have their rank and status revoked. Because his students have won both mma and grappling world titles, Mr. Brown has been disassociated from that organization for over 15 years. He no longer acknowledges his traditional titles or belts, and has not identified the arts taught in his school as Akumu Ryu in well over a decade. At this time he continues to train advanced students.
John Hertlein
Kyoshi Hertlein is a master instructor in Bujutsu, and Guru in Kali Silat. He teaches kickboxing, grappling, and traditional martial arts. Kyoshi Hertlein also holds a Doctorate in Oriental Philosophy and is a certified instructor in the C.O.B.R.A. Self Defense Training system .
Silas Beaner
Silas Beaner is a 5th degree black belt in Bujutsu, a Wilderness Survival Instructor and a professional MMA Trainer. He holds a Bachelors degree in Business Finance as well as a Bachelors degree in Oriental Philosophy. He is also one of only a handful of people in the state of Colorado to become a certified instructor in the C.O.B.R.A. Self Defense Training system. Silas is the head instructor of our Dojo Kids program.
Annie McLaughlin
Annie is a world class fitness, self defense and grappling instructor. She holds a second degree blackbelt in Akumu and is a Pancrase World Champion. She is our amazing fitness instructor and a C.O.B.R.A. Top Gun self-defense instructor.
Elizabeth
Our Sila Kalari teacher is also a first degree black belt, and C.O.B.R.A. Top Gun self-defense instructor! Elizabeth has a traditional yoga background but has found her true niche here exploring the lesser known yogic traditions that make up Sila Kalari.
