Sensei Saul Smithson 60 + Years Experience CREDENTIALS and BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
My martial arts training began at the age of five, soon after my escape from Nazi occupied Europe. Though I am not Japanese but am of Caucasian extraction, I was temporarily housed with my Japanese foster parents at the War Relocation Center for Japanese/American citizens in Poston, Arizona (1942-43). It’s a long story! It is a story which is currently being assembled in an autobiography called Postscripts of a Happy Warrior. As I grew older, I was introduced to various forms of Japanese combative arts: such as Kendo and Iaido (swordsmanship), Bojutsu (long staff), Kyudo (archery), and Judo. By the time I reached my early teens, I was very actively engaged in Kung-fu, Tai Chi, and Judo. I became an active member of the Kodokan Judo Dojo at the Butler Boy’s Club in Phoenix, Arizona. While in Phoenix, I was promoted to Black Belt and became the rank registration chairman for the Arizona Judo Association representing the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and the American Judo Black Belt Federation (JBBF). This was a post that I held for seven years, and all during that time I was a very active and successful participant in Judo tournaments everywhere in the country. I was an active member of the Nanka Kodokan Judo Yudansha-Kai and the Rendokan Judo Dojo in Tucson, Arizona. I was also an active student of Karate, studying under Sensei Robert Trias, founder of the first Karate school in America. I later traveled to study at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, as well as the Hombu Aikido Institute (Tokyo). My training opened the door to become a contender for the U.S. Judo Olympic Team. During the late 1950’s, I began the study of Aikido. My teachers of Judo and Aikido include traditional masters of the arts, and in the case of Aikido, first generation instructors of the discipline. My person-to-person Chinese and Japanese mentors include: Koichi Tohei (Aikido), Ark-Yuey Wong (Kung Fu and Karate), Isao Takahashi (Aikido and Kendo), Kazuaki Tanahashi (Aikido, Bo Jutsu, Zen Archery & Oriental Calligraphy), Ken Yoshioka (Judo and Sumo), and Robert Trias (Karate). Upon adopting Aikido as a way of life, I founded the Senshin Jutsu Aikido Kai and was the first to bring Aikido to Arizona, and later, the first to establish the collegiate Aikido program at the University of New Orleans, Louisiana. I was also first to teach Aikido deep within the Navajo Nation at Seba Dalkai, Arizona. A letter of recommendation is available upon request from school official Gregg Shepherd, Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as letters from the University of New Orleans. Also, a number of magazine articles written by me or about me are available upon request. My experience is vast. It includes working with military and law enforcement agencies and women’s organizations (YWCA, NOW, and various universities), providing women’s self-defense initiatives. At present, I hold the following degrees in Black Belt ranks: Karate 3rd°, Judo 4th°, Aikido 8th°. For more detailed background information and a list of references, please review hard copy material on file at the Vision Program office. Other experience involves 20 years as an Arizona Certified Caregiver. I specialized in the care of physically and mentally handicapped youth and adults. I also have certification and experience in the care of Alzheimer patients. Over the years, my wife and I have been actively involved in animal welfare and rescue, grantwriting, and fundraising for animal causes. I love life and feel that every day is a miracle.
Below is a lnk to an article printed in the DCI about Saul Smithson
http://www.deltacountyindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16993:paonia-man-teaches-beauty-of-martial-arts&catid=142:paonia-high-school&Itemid=341
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