Biographies I

Personal Instructors, Affiliated, and/or Special Guest Instructors Biographies who: Teach, Train, or have an influence on Sierra Foothills Karate Jujitsu Dojo/Bujinkan Koryu Aikidojo and Jason Kilgore, Renshi. These Instructors listed are represented by their respected associations who Sierra Foothills Karate and Jason Kilgore, Renshi are a long "LIFE" Dojo/Instructor member or a direct personal student of. If you are interested in hosting a seminar you can contact us at sfk@neworld.net or them directly via their email for further information.

Who is Don Cunningham ?
Like most people, I have many different facets to my personality. Basically, I am ...

A warrior...
From 1971 to 1975, I served as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy and as a field medical service technician with the U.S. Marine Corps, primarily in Southeast Asia. An experienced combat veteran, I received several citations and medals before being honorably discharged at the non-commissioned officer rank of E-5, Petty Officer Second Class.

A scholar...
I have received many academic honors, titles, and awards. I also earned two under-graduate degrees, as well as a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M-Commerce. For several years years, I was an adjunct professor teaching graduate students at Illinois Institute of Technology and have been a guest lecturer at Northern Illinois University. In addition, I have authored several magazine articles and one book, Secret Weapons of Jujutsu, based on my research into Japanese martial arts history and traditions.

A competitor...
I first tried judo as a teenager. Due to injuries from my military service, though, I stopped practicing for several years. While visiting Japan for business in 1984, I became interested in judo once again and started training and competing. Since then, I have practiced and competed in the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Scotland, and Germany.
My competition highlights include: Bronze medalist, 1996 AAU Judo National Tournament; Gold medalist, 1995 Chicago Open Judo Tournament; Two-time Gold medalist, North Carolina State Games Judo Tournament; and numerous regional and local judo tournament titles.

A martial arts student...
My martial arts ranks include: Sandan, Shudokan Martial Arts Association and National Sport Judo; Nidan, Kodokan Judo Institute, Tokyo; Shodan, Nihon-ryu Jujutsu, Jujutsu America; and Sankyu, Kendo, Southeast United States Kendo Federation. I have also been instructed in Taiho Jutsu as a special guest of the Kanagawa Prefecture Police Department in Yokohama. Furthermore, I have studied several koryu bujutsu styles with teachers I've had the pleasure to train with during my frequent visits to Japan.
A professional...
After college graduation, I worked for several years as a newspaper reporter and photographer. Due to my desire to make my rent and car payments and a rather strange twist of fate, I eventually became involved in the telecommunications industry. I am currently employed in the research and design department of a major cellular telephone systems manufacturer. I could go into further detail about my job, but unless you're another technical geek, it would be quite boring. Suffice to say, the hours are not too bad and the money is pretty good.
A husband and father...
My wife, Lynn, and I currently reside in Aurora, Illinois. Our son, Cory, and our daughter, Sarah, are both grown and on their own (finally!). We also have two Boston Terriers, Sgt. Pepper and SuzyQ.

Professor LARRY HILTON, founder of NIPPON KETSUGO KAI
Professor Hilton's career began in 1958 when he took up boxing. Later in 1960, he switched to karate and earned his 2nd Dan Black Belt in the TAIHO RYU Systems (OKINAWAN). In 1962, he began training with Master C.G. Burke, a WW2 hand-to-hand combat instructor who taught the elite ranger division.Professor Hilton earned his black belt in 1965 in GOSHIN JITSU. Over the past 30 years, he has studied a wide variety of JUJITSU Systems. In 1981, he founded the NKK.
His of rank of Professor was awarded to him by Grandmaster Florendo Visitacion. In 1986, he became a member of Who's Who in American Martial Arts. In 1994 and 1995, he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and in the WHFSC International Hall of Fame as Grandmaster of the Year.
Professor Hilton is truly an American pioneer in the art of JUJITSU.
On October 19, 2001, the North American Black Belt Hall of Fame recognized Prof. Hilton in their "Living Legend" category for his 44 years of accomplishments in Martial Arts.
Professor Hilton was recently elected as the new President of the International Black Belt federation representing the USA.
HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF NIPPON KETSUGO RYU JUJITSU :KNOWLEDGE OBTAINED FROM THE BELOW LISTED INSTRUCTORS LEAD TO THE CREATION OF MY
SYSTEM OF JUJITSU IN 1981.
Ketsugo Ryu Ju-jitsu *Below is a short biography from 1958 thru 1999. I would like to thank and acknowledge all the Instructors in my career who have influenced my chosen path! - They are : Prof. Burke and his sensei Dae Shin Kim, Prof Don Wrobel, Dr.R. Sacharnoski, Prof Jim Gaines, Dr.Tom Burdine, Prof Bo Hardy and Sifu Chaun Ai. A special recognition to GRANDMASTER FLORENDO VISITACION who told me I could go anywhere in the Martial Arts that I dream of!

Professor Harold Brosious (10th degree Black Belt) created Ketsugo Ju-Jitsu. Translated, Ketsugo means combine or blend. The Professor's contribution to martial arts in America is unique and singularly special. His induction into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame as "Instructor of the Year", (1997) is profoundly deserved. Ranked by the American Ju-Jitsu Association Black Belt Board of Directors, Professor Brosious holds the rank (Judan) 10th Degree Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu. Beginning in 1950, he studied with several professional wrestlers and boxers. While serving in the United States Navy in 1951, he began formal Martial Arts training. Professor Brosious studied with several Ju-Jitsu and Self-Defense instructors, and studied (later instructing) the renowned United States Navy Hand-to-Hand Combat System -- forerunner to all hand-to-hand combat systems in the U.S. Military. His instruction included intensive work with the former U.D.T. members (Underwater Demolition Team -- forerunners to the Navy Seals).
In 1955, Professor Brosious began his career as a police officer in Lewiston, Maine. There he taught "suspect control", and was the self defense instructor for the police department. He also trained "Civilian Defense Volunteers" -- the equivalent of the modern day police reserves.
In 1955, the Professor founded Ketsugo Ju-Jitsu Self-Defense. He continues to teach this unique and highly effective form of self-defense nationwide.
Professor Brosious is one of America's most seasoned Martial Artists. He is also one of the few high ranking Ju-Jitsu masters who has actually used his techniques in the street.