Hanshi Richard Dixon, President
Appointed on November 2, 2024, by Shodai Kaicho Steven Johnson, Hanshi Richard Dixon began his martial arts training in 1985 in the art of Goshin Jutsu. Over the years, his martial arts training would lead him to study various arts from both traditional and non-traditional origins. In 1995, Richard found a home at Sembach Martial Arts, where he would achieve significant black belt achievements in Goshin Budo Jujutsu and Motobu Ha Shito Ryu Karate. This was also the period when he became a full-time martial artist, training six days a week with morning and evening classes. During this time, he expanded his training to include Aiki Jutsu and American Kenpo.
In 2000, Richard was granted joint ownership of Sembach Martial Arts from Sensei Gavin Southworth. By 2004, he opened a second martial arts school location, followed by a third location in 2006.
In 2008, Richard Dixon was awarded his 5th Dan and received permission to establish the Unified Fighting Arts Association and Unified Fighting Arts Federation. At this point, Master Dixon was managing four dojos and teaching self-defense programs at Rock Solid Academy for grades K-12. Additionally, he taught martial arts programs at Misericordia University and guest lectured at Colorado Technical University at the PhD level twice.
Master Dixon has consistently taught a wide array of martial arts seminars and lectures, focusing on various aspects of martial arts leadership. He has promoted a distinguished and talented group of black belt students who have excelled as competitors and instructors.
In 2015, Master Dixon transitioned away from brick-and-mortar dojos to pursue a career in welding while maintaining his passion for martial arts. He continues to train students privately and conduct seminars.
Currently, Master Dixon serves as the Head of Welding for Morgan Corporation, overseeing welding operations for 14 manufacturing plants and several service centers across the United States and Canada. He has developed a welding training program that is taught across Morgan and even offered to several high schools as part of a for-credit paid internship. Master Dixon is an AWS Certified Welder, Certified Welding Educator, and Certified Welding Inspector.
Since joining the NJKF (National Karate Jujutsu Federation), Master Dixon has acted as an ambassador for the organization during his travels across the United States and Canada. Notably, he is the only person in the history of the NJKF to hold the position of regional director for two regions simultaneously.
He is a proud member of the National Karate Jujutsu Federation, the National Karate Organization, Gansters Martial Arts, Tong Leong - Pennsylvania and Delaware head, and Zen Budo Kai.
Master Dixon has received martial arts ranks and mentorship from various esteemed instructors, including Hanshi Steven Johnson from the NJKF, Hanshi Steven Newman from Zen Budo Kai Karate and Aiki Jutsu, Hanshi Bart Ganster from the United States Karate Organization, Grand Master Manuel Agrella from Jook Lum Tong Leong Kuo Shu Kwan, Grand Master James Martin Sr from Shotokan Karate, Grand Master George Elmer from Kenpo, and Sensei Gavin Southworth from Nobushi Jutsu (Kumade No'Bushi Kyokai).
His current ranks include Menkyo Kaiden No' Bushi Jutsu, 8th Dan Zen Budo Ryu Nihon Karate Do, 8th Dan Ishin Ryu, 7th Dan Aiki Jutsu, 5th Dan Jook Lum Tong Leong, and 4th Degree Black Belt in American Chinese Kenpo.
International President - Mike Andrus
Sho-Dai Soke Mike Andrus
President, International Affairs NKJF
9th Degree Black Belt, Hon Hab Do “Reality-based Combatives”
9th Degree Black Belt, Wado Shinzen-Kai Kokusai
4th Degree Black Belt, Shorin Ryu
3rd Degree Black Belt, Universal Kenpo
Sho-Dai Soke Andrus, known for his extensive black belt achievements, is responsible for the creation of all programs at Safe Day Studio. These self-defense programs include Reality-based self-defense, Systems of Combative Arts, De-escalation training, Hon Hab Do, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), traditional martial arts, Women’s Self-defense, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also developed and teaches several crucial programs such as “Active Shooter Training,” “Staying in the Moment,”
Executive Admin USA/International - May Goebel
A proud member of the National Karate Jujitsu Federation and the Unified Fighting Arts Federation, May Goebel holds impressive black belt achievements in various disciplines. As a 3rd Dan in San Dan No'Bushi Jutsu, San Dan UFAA Karate, and San Dan Kobujutsu, along with Ni Dan Kenjutsu, she exemplifies martial arts leadership. May began her martial arts training after attending a Women Self Defense class with Hanshi Richard Dixon, dedicating 4-5 hours a week, six days a week, to her practice. She had the privilege of learning sword techniques from Great Grandmaster Agrella and has contributed by teaching a broad spectrum of martial arts classes, seminars, and self-defense programs that relate to various aspects of the arts.
Contact: mgoebel97@gmail.com
Sijo Steve Newman
Hanshi: Zen Budo Kai Chung Lung Gwo Shu Guan, a key figure in martial arts leadership, has achieved remarkable black belt achievements over the years. Soke: Zen Budo Ryu Nihon Karate Do exemplifies the pinnacle of karate federation standards. Renshi: 10th Dan Shito Ryu highlights the dedication to martial arts training. Taipan: Zen Budo Tzee Wai Keun emphasizes the importance of self-defense programs in modern practice. Hanshi: Zen Budo Aiki Jitsu Kai continues to inspire through various martial arts disciplines. Sijo: White Dragon Martial Arts represents excellence in the community, while Hanshi: United Fighting Arts Federation and Sijo: NKJF work collaboratively to promote growth and skill in martial arts. For inquiries, contact: sgnewman1066@gmail.com.
Ray Balut-Newman, Shihan
Hachi-Dan – Zen Budo Kai Chung Lung Gwo Shu Guan Hachi-Dan – United Fighting Arts Federation Bai Hei Daidz – Zen Budo Kai-Tsee Wai Kuen San-Dan – Zen Budo Aiki Jutsu Kai. Ramon Balut-Newman has been a part of Zen Budo Kai since its early days, growing alongside the system and deeply influenced by its people and principles. His journey evolved from personal training to a lifelong commitment to teaching and community, showcasing his black belt achievements. Ramon holds advanced ranks in Zen Budo Kai Chung Lung Gwo Shu Guan, Unified Fighting Arts Federation, and Zen Budo Aiki Jutsu Kai, and is a recognized Bai Hei Daidz in Zen Budo Kai-Tsee Wai Kuen. As a senior instructor, he emphasizes principle-based martial arts training, empowering students with understanding and purpose. Additionally, he plays a vital role in martial arts leadership, remaining dedicated to honoring the past while shaping the future with integrity through self-defense programs. Contact info: rbalut@hotmail.com
Gregg “Shogun” Brown, Soke shogunma@gmail.com
A long-time student of legendary GM James Debrow, “Shogun” Brown is the Senior Executive Grandmaster Chief Examiner of the Fighting Tigers School of Champions, overseeing all operations and rank advancement within the karate federation. He also manages one of the largest karate schools in Kansas, the Shogun Martial Arts Center International. With impressive black belt achievements, he holds a 9th Dan in Shin-Do-Ryu, an 8th Dan in Okinawan Kenpo Karate, and 7th Dan rankings in Okinawan Kubudo and Aiki-Bu-Jitsu, along with a Black Sash in Chi’na 18 Postures Kung Fu. “Shogun” Brown has also provided martial arts training to military and law enforcement security details globally, emphasizing the importance of martial arts leadership and effective self-defense programs.
Professor Zahalea Anderson
Professor Zahalea, an 8th Dan in Sanuces Ryu Ju-Jitsu, is a warrior, widow, mother, and leader with significant black belt achievements. Born in Brooklyn in 1980, with deep ancestral roots from St. Vincent, Georgia, and the Gullah Geechee people, she grew up in Long Beach, CA. As a professional dancer, top track athlete, and the only female warrior in her dojo, she rose to prominence through dedication, resilience, and divine feminine energy. A four-time Hall of Famer and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, she leads RA Life Defense LLC, where she empowers all people through martial arts training, self-defense programs, and leadership in the martial arts community. She is, unapologetically, Zahalea.
Professor Grandmaster Christopher G. Francis Soke MaD.Sc. HBM, Vice-President, International Affairs
Professor Grandmaster Christopher G. Francis Soke MaD.Sc. HBM NKJF is the Vice-President of International Affairs and a distinguished martial arts leader with impressive black belt achievements, holding a 10th Dan Black Belt Hanshi Judan and eight additional black belts across various martial arts disciplines. With over 61 years of experience in martial arts training, competing, and teaching worldwide, he serves as a worldwide ambassador of goodwill.
As the Caribbean Governor for the Christian Martial Arts Federation, Professor Francis is also a motivational speaker and educator, specializing in self-defense programs, family life, anger management, and self-esteem. He has dedicated many years as a senior lecturer and has researched techniques on managing anger globally.
He is the Senior Head Coach for the Trinidad & Tobago Unified Martial Arts Federation Team and the founder of the Black Hawks Martial Arts Management Network Association established in 1979. Professor Francis pioneered the National Inter-School Martial Arts Youth Training Programme, collaborating with stakeholders such as the Office of the Prime Minister and various ministries to integrate martial arts training into the educational system. Since 2002, martial arts has been an accepted part of the curriculum under Physical Education for the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC), thanks to his efforts in drafting the initial curriculum.
Additionally, he founded the Pan Caribbean International Martial Arts Championship Games in 2005, the Caribbean Martial Arts Alliance in 2007, and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Martial Arts Federation (TTUMAF) in 2010, as well as the Caribbean Tang Soo Do Federation in 2014. As a Caribbean Ambassador for the Institute of Urban Hapkido Systems and the International Combat Organisation (ICO), he also represents the Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame and other prestigious organizations.
Professor Francis is the Vice President of the US International Grand-Master’s World Council USA and has served on the Executive Board of the World Legends Martial Arts Grandmasters Council in the USA. He represents the National Karate & Ju-Jitsu Federation and serves as President for Trinidad and Tobago in the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation in Seoul, Korea, while also being the President/Director for the Caribbean Islands representing the World Tang Soo Do General Federation Moo Duk Kwan.
As a top Caribbean martial arts expert, champion, educator, and motivational speaker, he has conducted extensive research on human behavior and specialized in self-defense programs. His accolades include two citation awards from South Korea and the prestigious Humming Bird Silver Medal, one of Trinidad & Tobago's highest national awards. A former fourteen-time world and international martial arts champion, he continues to be the Senior National Head Coach of the Trinidad & Tobago Unified Martial Arts Federation Team. Professor Christopher Francis has trained over 20,000 individuals in Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean, and globally, showcasing the scientific method of his martial arts system, Kana Jui-Jitsu Ryu. His dedication to martial arts has made him a dominant figure both locally and regionally, achieving international success as a 14-time world champion.
Justin Boylan, Hanshi
Justin Boylan, Hanshi
Freestyle Martial Arts 8th Dan Black Belt
FMA Muay Thai 8th Degree Trainer
Kombatan Arnis 1st Degree Black Belt
FMA Arnis 5th Dan Black Belt
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3rd Dan Black Belt – under Gene Le Bell Black Belt John Donehue
Seitei Iaido Sho Dan in 2016
Shin Sei Kan Kenjutsu Sho Dan in 2021
Sho Dan GoJu Ryu Karate 2024
ShootWrestling 4th Degree Black Belt
Progressive Krav Maga 5th Degree Black Belt
As a coach with significant black belt achievements, I was the World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion Coach in 2005, where I coached Grayson West, and also won the World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion title in 2007 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
My competitive background includes being a National Wrestling Championship 1990 Bronze Medallist in Sydney, Australia, and a State Wrestling Champion in 1989 in Perth, Western Australia.
I held various roles in martial arts leadership, serving as the Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu WA Director from 2006 to 2015, and as an ADCC Western Australia Promoter from 2016 to Present.
In recognition of my contributions, I was inducted into the Australian Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2011 as Martial Artist of the Year and into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2011 and 2013 for Martial Artist and Master of the Year, respectively.
I was appointed as Director of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame from 2016 to 2017 and as a Board Member of the Freestyle Martial Arts Association from 2017 to present. Recently, I became the WMF Western Australian President in 2022 and the Team Manager for Team Australia at the 2024 and 2025 WMF World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.
Looking ahead, I will serve as the Australian Director of NKJF in 2025.
I make a living teaching martial arts at my Academy in Perth, Western Australia, where I focus on martial arts training, self-defense programs, and work as a defensive tactics trainer for local companies and Government Authorities, while also promoting Combat Sports events in Muay Thai and Submission Grappling.
Kim Blake
22 YEARS IN THE MARTIAL ARTS
MARTIAL ARTS’ STYLES & RANKS:
• Ranked 7 Degreed Black Belt under Grand Master Dan Roberts
• 5th Degree Black Belt in Karate, Kickboxing, and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu under Multi–World Champion Dale “Apollo" Cook
• 2nd Degree Black Belt in Ketsugo (under the late Herald Brosious)
• 2nd Degree Black Belt in BJJ under Grand Master Carlos Machado
• Yellow Belt Judo
ACHIEVEMENTS
• First Female BJJ Black Belt in the State of Oklahoma
• First African American Female BJJ Black Belt under Carlos Machado Affiliation
• 2018 Tulsa, Oklahoma, Impact Woman of Color of the Year
• 3x World Champion BJJ Master 7
• Ranked #1 Internationally for BJJ Female Black Belt Master 7 by IBJJF
• 22 Oklahoma State Championships in Karate, with numerous victories reflecting my commitment to martial arts training
• Multiple National Championships in Karate
• 40+ Karate Grand Championships in Karate
• Lifetime Achievement Award by the L.K. Wells Whirlwind Classic
• 2017 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2021 AAMA Inductee
• 2021 Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2021 Sport Karate Museum Honoree/History General
• 2021 Girls in Gis Black Belt Co-Instructor, promoting martial arts leadership
• 2023 International Best-Selling Co-Author in the Elite Martial Artists in America Compilation Book: Secrets to LIFE, Leadership, and Business, Volume I
• 2023 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2023 International Martial Arts Hall of Fame & World Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do Alliance
• 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2023 Karate Rank of 5th Degree, recognized by the International Martial Arts Council of America
• 2023 International Best-Selling Co-Author in Who’s Who in The Martial Arts Honoring Cynthia Rothrock
• 2023 CMJJ Ambassador
• 2024 IBJJF Europeans Champion (Black) Master 7
• 2024 IBJJF PAN AM Champion (Black) Master 7
• 2024 WHAM Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2025 Masters of Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2025 G.O.A.T. Awards Inductee
• 2025 AFKA Hall of Fame inductee
• Girls in Gis Ambassador
• Grappling Getaways Brand Ambassador
• Sponsored by "The Athletes' Sports Bag."
• Sponsored by "Elite Sports Company."
• Retired from BP Pipelines NA 12/31/20
• Became a grandmother for the first time on 2/3/2021, instilling the values of self-defense programs into the next generation.