Dai-Hanshi Dennis McCurdy (Judan, 10th degree black belt): jujutsujohn@netscape.net
Dr. John D. McCurdy is ranked in the sword arts by the Dai-Nippon Iaido Renmei and All Japan Kendo Federation, and is cross certified with the Kokusai Budoin. He is licensed to teach Ju-Jutsu in Japan by the Japanese government through the Nippon Kobudo Kumiai and is the Chairman of the Certification Board for the Dai-Nippon Seibukan Budo/Bugei-kai (USA), Kyoto, Japan. A 10th Dan (Judan) with over 30 years of experience teaching Ju-Jutsu, Dr. McCurdy is President of the American Ju-Jitsu Association (AJA) and is internationally recognized with the title of Dai-Hanshi. Dr. McCurdy is also an internationally recognized scientist with the U.S. FDA, and is an Adjunct Professor at Montgomery College, Germantown, MD.
Hanshi Terry Feelemyer
(Kudan, 9th degree black belt):
terryf@daitobukan.com
Hanshi Terry Feelemyer has been teaching Ju-Jitsu for over 25 years. He is the Northern Regional Director of the
American Ju-Jitsu Association (AJA). He is ranked by Dai-Nippon Seibukan Budo/Bugei-kai (USA), Kyoto, Japan as 9th Dan (Hanshi) in Ju-Jitsu and 6th Dan (Rokudan) in Judo. His AJA Ju-Jitsu rank is 8th Dan (Hachidan).
He also teaches a Ju-Jitsu course in the Goucher College Physical Education Department and is an instructor & coach for the Goucher College Jujitsu Club. Hanshi Feelemyer is a Professional Engineer and an Executive Project Manager with a large Baltimore-based engineering & contracting company.
Sensei Mario Harold (Godan, 5th degree black belt)
Sensei Mario Harold is a Godan (5th degree black belt) and has been teaching Ju-Jitsu for 7 years. His work as a hospital security guard gives him first-hand knowledge of and experience with self-defense. Sensei Harold also runs the Ju-Jitsu club at Johns Hopkins University.
Meaning of the term “hanshi”
The highest teaching title of instructor in many organizations is “hanshi.” "Han" means example, model or pattern. "Shi" means gentleman, samurai or warrior, or scholar. As the title implies, the person is a perfect model, literally "model-person", a teacher of teachers. Awarding a hanshi involves being in the martial arts (whichever they are) for decades as well as a certain age and maturity. A hanshi also makes significant contributions to his martial art and the principles and concepts of their art pervade every aspect of their life.
An instructor may first be recognized in this way with the title "renshi." The next higher honor is the title of "shihan." "Hanshi" is the next title (and often the highest conferred). In some organizations a still-higher title of "dai-hanshi" is also used.
Organizations have various means by which they judge the criteria for a person to attain teaching positions. Seibukan is jointly affiliated with the Kodo Butoku Renmei. They have a hanshi grading board called the Hanshi no Iinkai which is recognized and endorsed by Seibukan.
Original design by Clyde Jones - Maintained by Scott
Last Modified - 10 Jan 2010
