|
STEPHEN F. KAUFMAN
Founding Father of American Karate
“Habu” Hanshi Kaufman has enjoyed an extensive career in the martial arts world since the middle 1950’s. An acknowledged Founding Father of American Karate, he is, along with his rank and title Hanshi 10th dan, Shodai soke, 1st generation founder of Dojo no Hebi-School of the Snake (Hebi-Ryu Budo) considered by many masters to be one of the most formidable and realistic martialist methods in the world. He began serious study of Ishinryu karate in Naha, Okinawa while serving in the United States Air Force and was one of the first USAF karate instructors as part of the American Karate Federation (Accredited by the Japan Karate Assn: Messrs. Shuji Masutani, Masotomo Takagi, Hidetaka Nishiyama, Charles R. Collinsworth.)
Continually striving to learn more of the bushi arts, Hanshi practices daily: karate, weaponry, and iaido with a select group of “shosei” students. He also teaches self-defense for many national security agencies, senior citizen groups, community centers, corporations, and private clients. He travels the world as a Good Will Ambassador.
Recognized as a master speaker and seminarist, he conducts business management and motivation seminars and is widely sought out by major institutions and global groups. He is considered one of the more functional and productive strategy facilitators on the contemporary circuit.
He is the author of 37 books including the world famous Martial Artist’s Book of Five Rings, Sun Tzu’s Art of War, Shogun Scrolls, The Living Tao, Sword in the Boardroom, Self-Revealization Acceptance, Life-Force Energy Healing, Zen and the Art of Stickfighting, and the coveted novel, The Hanshi of Central Park.
Awards and Honors
2006 - North American Federation of Martial Artists - Distinguished Grandmaster
2005 - Intl. Assn. Of Martial Artists- Distinguished Grandmaster and Educator
2005 – Action Martial Arts Magazine – Good Will Ambassador
2005 – Aaron Bank’s World Professional Martial Arts Org. – Great All Time Writer
2004 – Intl. Org. of Russian Kempo – Honorable Recognition
2004 – World Agni Kempo Org. Ukraine – Honorable Recognition
2004 – World Martial Arts Alliance – Recognition of Hebi-Ryu Budo
2004 – WHFSC – Martial Arts Writer’s Award and Seminar Leader
2004 - WUMA - World Martial Arts Alliance - Exemplary Life Contribution
2004 - Lenchus Legend Society of Grandmasters - Lifetime Achievement
2003 - Hanshi's books reach sales of over 2,000,000 copies worldwide
2003 - World Head of Family Sokeship Council - Hebi-Ryu Karate Budo
2003 - Intl. Assn. Martial Artists - Board of Directors
2002 - Action Martial Arts Magazine Award for Lifetime Achievement
2002 - IAMA Platinum Award for 50 Years in the Martial Arts
2000 - NYC Boys Club Award for Service to New York City children
1999 - Martial Arts "Legend" Medal of Honor for life achievement
1995 - Board of directors, Grey Belt Society of Martial Arts Elders
1993 - World black belt Hall of fame
1993 - Board of directors, North American Black Belt Federation
1991 - Hanshi certification - Okinawan Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu Assn.
1991 - Hanshi certification - United States Karate Assn.
1991 - Hanshi certification - North American Black Belt Federation
|
