Dr. Stokes as Martial Artist
At the age of 12, Bruce Stokes was introduced to Sport Judo at the YMCA. It was an experience that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Family situation made it impossible for him to continue so he just read books and Black Belt magazine until High School.
In High School he studied a combination system of Ketsugo Jujitsu. The instructor was sloppy and many of the moves didn’t work. He also observed several Karate classes in his neighborhood. He had occasional training and earned a Green Belt in Jujitsu by the end of High School.
During his faith crisis, Bruce worked in security and later in quasi-law enforcement under contract with the Sheriff – Coroner. During that period he continued in handgun training and basic self-defense, but wished for something better.
When he finally got to college he decided to take a self-defense course. As it turned out, the instructor, Sensei Mike Chubb, also taught Jujitsu.
Clothed in a grey gi and with a new white belt, Bruce began again as a student of Jujitsu. He completed his black belt in three years and began teaching while remaining associated with Sensei Chubb through several organizations.
“I am committed to my Sensei. I will always be indebted to him for teaching me the traditional arts so that I understood them both historically and practically” I learned much more than the simple tricks of Jujitsu. I learned the system of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and found a life long friend in Sensei Chubb.”
Presently, Dr. Stokes holds the title of Professor in the Danzan Ryu system and holds a 7th degree Black Belt. He has continued the tradition of his sensei and trained others in the system, founding the GoldenWest Dojo of the Shoshin Ryu Yudanshakai.
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