To become a black belt (or Dan rank) in Ketsugo Goju-Ryu one must train diligently for many years. This should normally take 5 years if the karateka trains diligently 3 to 5 days a week and demonstrates the skill and maturity that this rank holds. Black belts must be 18 yrs of age or older.

Receiving a black belt is a great honor but it does not mean one has mastered the art, this is a common misconception, training does not cease upon receiving your black belt. Receiving the black belt means you have entered a new stage and understanding of the art, and you can begin to delve more deeply into the advanced techniques of the art.

For over 50 years Shodai Jay Trombley has dedicated his life to the teaching and training of karate-ka, and the development of Ketsugo Goju-Ryu.

Shodai continues to train students and his black belts in the same tradition he brought back from Okinawa.

Although Shodai has trained thousands of students from all walks of life, he has only promoted 26 students to the rank of Shodan (first degree black belt).

Read More

Renshi David Griffin began his karate training under Shodai in January 1980. In 1990, Renshi Griffin was the first Ketsugo Goju-Ryu student to receive the rank of Sandan. During his early karate training, he competed at numerous tournaments as both a junior and adult. He won many titles and awards, including the TKL men's division in 1992.

Renshi is particularly fond of teaching; he enjoys seeing students transition from beginners to skilled karateka. In his training, Renshi devotes special attention to the performing Goju-Ryu kata, and his diligence in this is evident.

Outside of the dojo, Renshi Griffin has had a long and successful career as a firefighter. He has drawn upon his karate training (both physical and mental) to perform at the level required in this profession.

Renshi Griffin is proud to be a part of the tradition of Ketsugo Goju-Ryu Karate, a tradition he hopes to promote for many more years.

Sensei Robert Oliver began his Ketsugo Goju-Ryu training in 2002 at the age of 31. After watching a two-day black belt test he signed up the next week. It was a demonstration of Sanchin kata, the central kata of Goju-Ryu, which impressed him the most.

Training in all aspects of Ketsugo Goju-Ryu, Sensei particularly enjoys working with traditional Okinawa weapons: bo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, and kama. Instructing is an active part of training and Sensei enjoys helping students understand the mental focus as well as the physical aspects of karate. Sensei believes that teaching karate is not only a way to pass on a rich and traditional art form, but is a testament to one's own teachers as well.

Sensei George Eastlick began his Ketsugo Goju-Ryu training in July 2005 at the age of 41. He wanted a traditional style with traditional values, a school where you earn your belts through hard work and practice. Prior to beginning karate, Sensei spent 9 1/2 years in the U.S. Army, and then went back to school earning his BA in Math and Computer Science. He currently works in the IT field.

Sensei enjoys kata and teaching. It is enjoyable to watch a student gain confidence and skill by your teaching and it is important to pass on the style. It is also beneficial for the teacher as the act of teaching solidifies the movements and forces one to break down and understand each movement.

Below are the names of all 26 black belts under Ketsugo Goju-Ryu in order of his or her first black belt promotion:

1. Alyce Strickland
2. Tom Rieber
3. Rusty Fralia
4. Todd Kauffman
5. Lavada White
6. Shane Facemyer
7. David Griffin
8. Ken Johnson
9. Bob Loewenstein
10. Mark Ashraf
11. Sharen Griffin
12. Allen Crowley
13. Christine Landmon
14. Andrew Smith
15. Marvin Madison
16. Kyle Brown
17. Russell Dare
18. Chris Collins
19. Jared Smith
20. Alan Viengluang
21. Trent Boe
22. Mike Perry
23. Brodie Wolgamott
24. Ashley Oliver
25. Robert Oliver
26. George Eastlick