&
HEAD OF ACADEMY
SHIHAN BELL 6th DAN
Ray started his martial arts training when he was serving in the armed forces,he trained with many varied units of our own forces as well as units from other countries which has given him a good foundation for his martial arts career.
On leaving the forces Ray started his training under sensei Martin Hobbs who was a hard task master, this as well as his military training helped him in 1983 to gain his black belt in Kempo ju-jitsu with Tegatani and Prof J. Holt, then in 1987 with the World ju-jitsu Federation and the BJJA.under Prof R.Clarke. In 1998 Ray trained with Dr.Dennis Hanover from israel and is system called survival ju-jitsu for which he received a proficiency award.
As well as ju-jitsu Ray soon found a variety of arts to train in like Kendo, Iaido with the British kendo association and in 1995 gained his 2nd Degree black belt in Iaido (the way of the sword) thanks to his sensei Ernie Blackburn.
Shortly after receiving his award he and sensei Blackburn along with sensei Joe Luna-Cantos and 14 other students went to stay and train in Japan with one of the most respected sword masters HARUNA MATSUO SENSEI who was the head of the MUSASHI dojo until his sad death in 2002 SENSEI will be missed by many, Ray was privileged to be among the many who trained with him.
Up to now that’s it but those of us who know Ray know this list is far from over, his dedication to the world of martial arts knows no end.
Well I spoke too soon he's off again this time he has developed a new defensive system called DTACT ( Defensive Tactics and Armed Combat Techniques ) well he's been developing it for a long time and it's one not to be missed keep a close eye on your mags.
He also has started training in Torite jutsu under Sensei Steven Holden of the Dragon Society, it was in November last year that Ray meet Tom Muncy jnr one of the founders of the Dragon Society who gave him a new insite into the use of pressure points which any system can infuse with there own.
Award In December this year 2004 Ray was awarded his Masters degree SHIHAN 6th DAN by the head of COBRA MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION Andrew Morrell, he also became regional director and Verifier for ju-jitsu for CMAA
YOURS IN BUDO.
