Dan Rheaume

I am a Sandan (3rd degree) black belt shidoshi-ho instructor (member of the shidoshi-kai "instructor's association") through the Honbu dojo in Japan.

I've travelled to Japan on occasion for about a month at a time on my own personal "musha shugyo" (warrior adventures) to experience training at the source. I've had the pleasure and unequaled experience of training with Soke Hatsumi as well as several shihan including primarily Ishizuka (assisted by Kacem Zoughari) then Shiraishi, Nagato, Noguchi, Someya and others with invaluable expertise and advice. I continue to study with Kacem Zoughari Sensei and welcome him here at least once a year as well as attending seminars with other instructors whenever possible.

I am open and unassuming to anyone who I train with as long as they are. I believe in a relaxed atmosphere mixed with a healthy dose of proper etiquette, courtesy and respect. I am an apolitical animal and don't engage in discussion of budo politics while training. Hatsumi sensei says, "Shut up and train!" so I do. After all, we study, in effect, nine individual and distinct martial arts and although similar in nature, dictates that we should cultivate an open mind in the world of Budo.

Previous Martial Arts Experience & Other Areas of Study

My experience in the martial arts and related fields are varied - previous arts include Aikido, Uechi-ryu Karate, Muy Thai kickboxing, Kempo, Kung Fu, and Shotokan karate.

I have three diplomas in Executive (V.I.P.) Protection, have studied and continue to study armed (firearms) and unarmed policing/security defense tactics.

I am also a professional Japanese Shiatsu Therapist and Kinesio-Taping practitioner and as well I practice some seitai/honetsugi (realignment therapies) and some Kampo (herbal) medicine.