A Lifetime of Martial Arts

Once upon a time in Pittsburgh, PA, in the year 1966, a boy named Bob was born into a world where martial arts movies lit up the screen and ignited his passion. Growing up in a town with few dojos, his dreams of learning these ancient arts seemed distant until after college when he met Curtis Smith, a full-contact fighter versed in Shotokan Karate and Jujitsu.

In 1991, Bob's martial arts journey truly began. He trained four times a week, absorbing not just the techniques but also the discipline of martial arts. At the University of Pittsburgh, he shared this passion, teaching fitness boxing and self-defense, and even working with police officers on baton and gun control.

His quest for knowledge led him to explore different styles, from Northern Chinese Kung Fu to Tai Chi, enriching his understanding and skills. When life took him to Washington DC, Bob's black belts in Shorin-ryu and Jujitsu were his tickets to new challenges. There, he delved into Aikido and Jo Staff, and a transformative trip to Japan under Kaminoda Sensei immersed him in the culture of martial arts.

In DC, Bob crossed paths with Yoshikazu Nakamura, embarking on an intense training regime that would define his career. They trained rigorously, aiming to spread Nakamura's teachings. By 2013, with Nakamura's blessing, Bob opened his own dojo in DC, quickly amassing a community of 70 dedicated students.

Life's road then led Bob to Colorado in 2017, where he expanded his legacy with another dojo. Even from afar, he kept the DC dojo alive through Sensei Adam and Lauren, students at the school, technology, and bi-annual visits. In 2019, the call of new beginnings took him and his wife, Nicky, to Montana.

Now, in Bozeman, Montana, Bob's story continues. With a 6th Level Black Belt in Karate and Jujitsu, and a 5th Level in Kenjutsu, he's not just teaching martial arts but sharing a way of life, building his school with the intent to inspire for generations to come. His journey, marked by dedication, learning, and community, is an ongoing saga of martial arts mastery.