Martial Arts Biography - Daniel Verkerke

GRAND MASTER DANIEL VERKERKE
Seicho Jutsu

My Life, my art, my love. When I was a young boy I realized the Martial Arts were in my blood. I was never the best, but I never stopped training and studying. As a child I trained with my older brother who was then a champion in his Judo division. In 1973 I joined my brothers judo club. Throughout 1974 - 1975 we were members of the Ontario Judo Black Belt Association. I felt there was something still missing, so I began studying Tae Kwon Do and Karate during the mid 70's to 1980. This provided a greater foundation which I could expand upon. I joined the Armed Forces in 1980 in hopes to find a greater source of Martial Arts. To my dismay the military martial arts were only basics. This became an inspiration for me. It was like a stroke of enlightenment. I realized that I knew what I wanted to do all along and was just looking for someone or place where I could fit in. I stopped looking in vein and began creating. I began teaching my own style at the military base and was soon noticed for my expertise. Our Battalion formed a temporary Hand to Hand Combat team to perform at the Pacific National Exhibition in 1981. This was a spectacular event in which we demonstrated close quarter combat, sentry take downs repelling from the rafters as well as bayonet and firearms. The military also provided a great means of travel. Where ever we went I always made the opportunity to train in diverse martial arts from Base to Base. It was also at this time I began my studies of Ninjutsu.
I carried on teaching my own style in 1983 after my release and opened the Hombu Dojo at 91 Water St. (s) Cambridge, Ontario, Canada in 1984.
I have never stopped learning, studying and developing. Even though I teach Seicho Jutsu, I continued studying Ninjutsu with many of the great Masters throughout the 1980's and 90's. I have had the honor to train with Shihan Stephen Hayes and received Warriors Quest Level I and II 85 - 86. I also attended classes with Daron Navon from Israel during his stay in Canada 87 - 88 and attended the Tai Kai 1989 with Grandmaster Hatsumi. During the 1990's I was introduced to Grandmaster Dr. Dan McEaddy where I began my studies of Angelic Ninjutsu which stems from the Koga systems of Grandmaster Ronald Duncan. In 1994 I fulfilled the requirements for 9th degree Black belt and was promoted by Grandmaster McEaddy.

My belief, is to continue growing learning and developing. Every year I see things a bit differently. In the beginning it was mostly physical, then the knowledge spread to the mental philosophical aspects, and at last I emerged myself in the spiritual understanding of life.
The Martial Arts provides a path, it has become a vehicle that has taken me through various realms of life.

• Certified 9th Dan Ninjutsu with Grandmaster Dr. Dan McEaddy 1994
• Certified 10th Dan Ninjutsu with Grandmaster Dr. Dan McEaddy 2001
• Membership certification from the World Head of Family Sokeship Council.
• Recognition Hanshi certification from the Mukashi Kai International
  Ryu Nippon Bugei & Budo / Academe Self Defense.
• Recognition Hanshi certificate from the Sekai JuJutsu Kumai-World JuJutsu Union.
• Founders certificate from World Jug-Tai Head Society

• Rogers Cable 1992
• C.K.C.O. TV 1993
• Shaw Cable 2000

• Grandmaster Magazine
• Manual - Jieitai Ryu Seicho Jutsu
• Arnis Kali Escrima Newsletter
• Spiritual Development Enlightenment of Life Book
• Who's Who in the Martial Arts Elite Book 1987
• Freestyle Martial Arts Magazine and numerous newspapers.
• The World's Martial Arts Elite Book 2000

• The Emblem Theory (Taijutsu Taihenjutsu)
• Learn The Nunchaku (Single & Double)
• Master the Double Sticks
• Advanced Knife Techniques
• Amazing Arm Locks
• Hanbo (Basic - Advanced)
• Personal Protection - EXECUTIVE PROTECTION AGENCY
• Interview with the Grandmaster / 1st. Dan. Black Belt Requirements
• Philosophy (The Mountain and it's Obstacles)

• American Kenpo Bu-Jutsu Karate Association
• Barrhead Judo Club (Senior membership)
• Circle of Masters / Canadian Director
• Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers & Legends Hall Of Fame Council International
• Master Martial Artist International
• Scientific Martial Arts International Association
• World Head of Family Sokeship Council
• World Jug-Tai Head Society
• Who's Who in the Martial Arts Elite

• 1993, - World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, - "Outstanding Contribution of the Year"
• 1996, - W.H.F.S.C. International Hall of Fame, - "Grandmaster of the Year"
• 1997, - I.S.C.M.A. Hall of Fame, - "Man of the Year"
• 1997, - Master Martial Artists International Association, - "Grandmaster of the Year"
• 1997, - International Circle of Masters Hall of Fame, - "Philosopher of the Year"
• 1998, -Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers & Legends Hall Of Fame,-"Grandmaster of the Year"
• 1998,-W.H.F.S.C. International Hall of Fame,-"Grandmaster Instructor of the Year"
• 1999,-Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers & Legends Hall of Fame,- "Humanitarian of the Year"
• 1999 World Head of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall of Fame, "Grandmaster Instructor of the Year"
  as well as "Outstanding Contribution"
• 2000 World Head of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall of Fame, "Millennium Leadership Award