NorthWest Defensive Arts
NorthWest Defensive Arts
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Instructor
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About the Instructor:
NAME : Wayne L. Brannon
D.O.B. : May 12th, 1958
BIRTHPLACE : Miami, Florida
MARTIAL ARTS BACKGROUND
1966 - Began training and competing in interscholastic amateur wrestling at age 8 and continued to compete until 1974.
1970 - Began training in Jiujitsu and Kobujitsu under Sensei Nobusato (Nobu) Arakawa. Ranked GODAN (5TH Degree Black Belt).
1973 - While studying the Russian language and culture in school, I had the opportunity to cross train in Sambo for 1 year.
1974 - Trained in (Song Moo Kwon) Tae Kwon Do from 1974 to 1976 in order to fight in (point) karate tournaments, and later, in full contact competition. Ranked 2nd Degree Black Belt.
1976-1979 - Competed in full contact competition (16-6-2, 11 KO’s)
1983 - Trained for a short time in Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu. I found the philosophy and some of the principles interesting.
1985 - At this time I was working as a Bodyguard and Security Agent. To augment my weapons skills, I trained for several months in the Filipino art of Kali.
1988 - Started training in Aikido/Aikijutsu at the Tacoma Aiki Dojo, beginning my affiliation with them and The Washington Budokan. My instructors were Senseis Lonnie Grimm (now deceased), Fujiko Gardner, and Bernie Lau. Ranked GODAN (5th Degree Black Belt).
1990 - While training at the Tacoma Aiki Dojo, I had the opportunity to cross-train in Koiyama Ryu Aikijutsu under Sensei Phil Pedersen. Ranked SHODAN (1st Degree Black Belt).
1993 - I was Owner/Senior Editor/Head Writer of NORTHWEST WARRIORS - A Pacific Northwest Guide to Martial Arts. A pet project of mine, this short-lived magazine offered a forum for local martial artists, reviews of books, videos, and schools, and coverage of tournaments, seminars, and exhibitions.
Present - I continue to train with Neil Yamamoto, the current head of Icho Ryu Aikijutsu.
My goal throughout my training has been to be the best and most knowledgeable instructor and practitioner that I can be. To this end, I have studied not only the physical aspects of the martial arts, but the historical and philosophic aspects as well. This enables me to provide the high quality of instruction my students deserve.
Send inquiries and correspondence to:
| Northwest Defensive Arts | |
| c/o Wayne L. Brannon |
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| 6421 South Mullen Street |
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| Tacoma, WA 98409 |
Phone: (253) 476-4486 |
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