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PROFESSOR DARRELL SARJEANT
Professor
Darrell Sarjeant is
the founder and chief instructor of the Kamau Njia System
of Self-Defense. Born in Staten Island, NY, he began
training in the Arts of Tae Kwon Do and Karate at the age
of five.
At
the age of fourteen, Sarjeant began training formally in the
Art of Shotokan Karate Do under the guidance of Nick Bruno, Sensei.
Bruno Sensei was a direct student of Grandmaster George Cofield,
founder of the famous Tong Dojo in Brooklyn, NY. As Bruno decided
to move his family to Florida, he introduced the class to Ralph
Gastiaburo, Shihan. Gastiaburo was a senior instructor
under Grandmaster Pete Siringano, Sr., chief instructor of Goshindo
Kempo Karate and Samurai Ryu Jiu Jitsu. Gastiaburo was one of
the top competitors on the East Coast in fighting competition
during the late 60's and early 70's.
Sarjeant
studied the Arts of Goshindo Kempo and Samurai Ryu Jiu Jitsu
for a period of five years. After this time, he began training
in the Art of Goju Ryu Karate Do under a variety of instructors.
He received his first-degree black belt under Glen Nieves, Sensei.
He then continued his training under Hiram Diaz, Kyoshi of USA
Goju Ryu and Chinese Goju. From Diaz Kyoshi, Professor
received his second through fourth degree black belts. During
this time, the Professor received training in Japanese/Okinawan
Goju Ryu under Rico Guy, Hanshi of the US Budo Kai Kan attaining
the rank of third degree black belt. Sarjeant ultimately received
his fifth degree black belt in Goju Ryu under Grandmaster Ron
Van Clief, Shidoshi, founder of Chinese Goju.
While
training in the Art of Goju Ryu Karate Do, Sarjeant began serious
study in the Art of Ju Jitsu through the Vee Jitsu lineage. He
first began training under the guidance of Grandmaster Lil' John
Davis, Founder of Kumite Ryu Ju Jitsu. He then began learning
Combat Jiu Jitsu under Grandmaster Billy Davis, founder of the
Davis Jiu Jitsu Self-Defense System. He ultimately went on to
train directly under the guidance of Dr. Moses Powell, Grandmaster
of Sanuces Ryu Jiu Jitsu. Sarjeant has also had the opportunity
to learn aspects of Vee Jitsu directly under the late Grand Professor
Florendo Visitacion and Professor David James, Inheritor of Vee
Arnis Jitsu. He was later examined by the US Budo Kai Kan, under
the guidance of Grandmaster Rico Guy, and awarded the rank of
sixth degree black belt Kyoshi (Professor) in Ju Jitsu and Kempo.
Master Sarjeant was also awarded the rank of fifth degree black
belt Renshi Shihan (Asst. Professor) in the Art of Aiki Jitsu
under Grandmaster Ron Van Clief, Shidoshi.
Today
he continues his training in order to broaden his knowledge of
various fighting systems. He is currently training in various
aspects of the Filipino and Indonesian Martial Arts, along with
the study of African Dance and Fighting Arts. He is at present
a student of Ama Guro Rufino Pambuan 5th Generation Inheritor
of the Art of Pambuan Arnis Tulisan Caballero Mano Mano.
Through
his deep commitment to his community, Sarjeant has taught at
several after school programs, nonprofit organizations, and group
homes. He has worked with former criminal offenders, at
risk youth, women's groups and senior citizens. Professor Sarjeant
was featured in the Black Heroes of the Martial Arts book along
with other leading African American masters of the martial arts.
He has been seen in several martial arts publications such as
Karate International, American Karate Magazine and Action Magazine.
Master Sarjeant has taught workshops throughout the country including
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, California.
North Carolina, Louisiana and Oklahoma. He was featured in the
Introduction to Aiki Jitsu tape by Grandmaster Ron Van Clief
and has won several trophies in fighting, forms, and self-defense
competitions. He has also spoken and taught Rape Prevention workshops
in various Colleges, Universities, and Women's Fitness Clubs
including Wagner College, Langston University, and Better Women's
Fitness Gyms.
Master
Sarjeant currently resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He serves
as the President of the Silent Warrior International Martial
Arts Association and is the chief instructor of the Silent Warrior
School of Defensive Tactics. In addition he is the owner of Silent
Warrior Protective Services & Investigations, and often provides
personal security services. Clients have included Craig Hodges
(former NBA player), T'keyah Crystal Keymah (actress) and several
leaders in the business and entertainment world. Professor Darrell
Sarjeant realizes the need for self defense in both the young
and old alike. With over 27 years experience in the Arts, he
has worked diligently to develop techniques that are easy to
learn yet effective for all age groups regardless of size or
sex.
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