President Dixon
Nidai Kaicho Richard Dixon
Appointed on November 2, 2024 by Shodai Kaicho Steven Johnson
Hanshi Richard Dixon began in his Martial arts training in 1985 in the art of Goshin Jutsu. Over the years his training would take him to study several arts both traditional and non traditional origins. In 1995 Richard found a home at Sembach Martial Arts where he would earn Black Belt ranks in Goshin Budo Jujutsu and Motobu Ha Shito Ryu Karate. This was also the time when he would become a full time martial artist training six days per week often including morning and evening classes. During this time he would expand his training to include Aiki Jutsu and American Kenpo.
In 2000 Richard was passed joint ownership of Sembach Martial Arts from Sensei Gavin Southworth.
In 2004 Richard opened his second Martial arts school location followed by a third location in 2006.
In 2008 Richard Dixon was awarded his 5th Dan and permission to found the Unified Fighting Arts Association and Unified Fighting Arts Federation. At this point Master Dixon was running 4 dojos and teaching a martial art PE program at Rock Solid Academy to grades K-12. Master Dixon also taught martial arts program at Miseracordia University and guest lectured at Colorado technical University at the PHD level twice.
Master Dixon has continually taught a broad spectrum of martial arts seminars and lectures relating to various aspects of the arts.
Master Dixon has promoted a Distinguished and talented group of black belt students who have all developed as excellent competitors and instructors.
-In 2015 Master Dixon stepped away from brick and morter dojos to pursue a profession in welding. He has maintained his Martial arts passion and continues to train students privately and conduct seminars.
- Master Dixon is now the Head of Welding for Morgan corperation. He heads welding for 14 manufacturing plants and several service centers across the United States and Canada.
Master Dixon has written a welding training program taught across Morgan and even taught to several highschools in a -for credit paid internship. Master Dixon is an AWS Certified Welder, Certified Welding Educator and Certified Welding Inspector.
Since joining the NJKF Master Dixon has been an Ambassador for the organization in his travels across the United States and Canada and been the only person in the history of the NJKF to hold the position regional director for 2 regions simultaneously.
A proud member of the
National Karate Jujutsu Federation -
National Karate Organization,
Gansters Martial Arts,
Tong Leong - Pennsylvania and Delaware head
Zen Budo Kai
Master Dixon has received martial arts ranks and mentorship from -
Hanshi Steven Johonson- NJKF
Hanshi Steven Newman -Zen Budo Kai Karate and Aiki Jutsu
Hanshi Bart Ganster - United States Karate Organization Ishin Jutsu and Ishin Ryu karate
Grand Master Manuel Agrella - Jook Lum Tong Leong Kuo Shu Kwan
Grand Master James Martin Sr - Shotokan Karate
Grand Master George Elmer -Kenpo
Sensei Gavin Southworth - Nobushi Jutsu (Kumade No'Bushi Kyokai)
And several other instructors.
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
4th Degree Black Belt American Chinese Kenpo
President of International Affairs
- Mike Andrus, Sho-Dai Soke
- FIRST President of International Affairs in the 50 Year history of the organization
- 9th Dan Hon Hab Do
- 9th Dan Wado Shinzen-Kai Kokusai
- Founder/GM Instructor, Safe Day Studio (20 years)
- Systems of Combative Arts
- Reality-based Combatives
- Info@ustaysafe.com
Chief Administrator
- Lena Salgado, Renshi 4th Dan
- Owner of Martial Science Academy in Aurora, Colorado
- 4th Dan Motobu-ha Shito-Ryu Karate
- 1st Dan Tae Kwon Do
- Currently studying Matayoshi Kobudo and Isshin-Ryu Karate
- Air Force Veteran
- First woman on the board in the history of the NKJF
- Contact: salgadonkjf@gmail.com
Regional Directors
Region 1
Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island
Ray Balut-Newman, Shihan rbalut@hotmail.com
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 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. Ramon holds advanced ranks in Zen Budo Kai Chung Lung Gwo Shu Guan, Unified Fighting Arts Federation, 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 learning, empowering students with understanding and purpose. He remains dedicated to honoring the past and shaping the future with integrity.
Region 2
Region 3
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia
Kurt Amann, Renshi TheEastonDojo@gmail.com
Region 4
Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
Steve Newman, SIJO
Hanshi: Zen Budo Kai Chung Lung Gwo Shu Guan
Soke: Zen Budo Ryu Nihon Karate Do
Renshi: 10th Dan Shito Ryu
Taipan: Zen Budo Tzee Wai Keun
Hanshi: Zen Budo Aiki Jitsu Kai
Sijo: White Dragon Martial Arts
Hanshi: United Fighting Arts Federation
Sijo: NKJF
Region 5
Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota
Mike Jones, Hanshi cmjones@yushikan.org
Region 6
New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana
Andrew Snyder, Hanshi snyderphoto@gmail.com
Currently teaching Okinawan JuJitsu at Tatsu Kai Dojo and Cordero’s Martial Arts Academy in Refugio, TX, Hanshi was promoted to Shodan by Jon Bonner in 1993. A former PA State Trooper Firearms and Safety Instructor (1998–2006), he’s certified in Dignitary Protection (2000). On June 6, 2023, he was promoted to 8th Dan and awarded the title of Hanshi by Shodai Kaicho Steven Johnson and the NKJF. He was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2023) and serves on the board of the South Texas Karate Black Belt Association. He will enter the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2025.
Region 7
Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri
Gregg “Shogun” Brown, Soke shogunma@gmail.com
Region 8
Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California
RavenHawk Cain, Soke-Dai ravencain73@gmail.com
Grandmaster Raven Cain is a renowned martial artist, warrior-philosopher, and founder of Way of the RAVEN – Cain Family Martial Science, a system blending ancient warrior traditions with modern tactics. With nearly 50 years of experience and multiple black belts, he’s trained in Jujutsu, Kempo, Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Ninjutsu, and Krav Maga. A former Guardian Angel, Cain’s real-world experience informs his approach to combat, strategy, and self-mastery. Through his non-profit, Homeland Heroes, he empowers veterans, law enforcement, and abuse survivors. He embodies the warrior spirit — skilled, disciplined, and dedicated to service, growth, and the protection of others
Region 9
California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii
Professor Zahalea Anderson
Professor Zahalea, an 8th Dan in Sanuces Ryu Ju-Jitsu, is a warrior, widow, mother, and leader. 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. 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, empowering all people through martial arts, self-defense, healing, and purpose. She is, unapologetically, Zahalea .
Region 10
Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho
Jeremy Selch, Sabumnim jds_hiyah@yahoo.com
Senior Master Sabumnim Jeremy Selch began training in Traditional Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo and Hapkido in 1983 at age three under his stepfather, Grandmaster H.T. Caraway. He holds a 7th Dan from the World Song Moo Kwan Federation and a 6th Dan from the World Song Moo Kwan Association. His lineage traces directly to Song Moo Kwan founder Byung Jik Ro. A former national competitor, Sabumnim Selch has over 40 years of experience and is dedicated to preserving traditional Taekwondo for self-defense. He has taught hundreds of students and founded schools in both Washington and Utah
Regional Directors Roles and Responsibilities
Purpose: The purpose of this document is to outline the crucial roles and responsibilities of NKJF Regional Directors, highlighting their essential role in guiding and supporting NKJF State Directors. Regional Directors are pivotal to ensuring State Directors succeed in all aspects of their roles, fostering an environment in which each State Director feels welcomed, accepted, and has ample opportunities for recognition and advancement within the NKJF.
- Regional Directors will actively cultivate strong relationships and familiarity with all member dojos and solo members within their jurisdiction, serving as a resource to State Directors.
- Regional Directors will work closely and collaboratively with their assigned State Directors to maintain up-to-date and accurate contact lists for member dojos and solo members, promptly communicating any updates or changes to the NKJF President.
- Regional Directors will actively support their State Directors in efforts related to member recruitment, event planning, scheduling, promotion, marketing, and communication, ensuring each State Director has the resources needed to excel.
- Regional Directors will conduct individual check-ins with each State Director monthly, as well as facilitate monthly group conference calls. These consistent communications will foster camaraderie, ensure alignment with NKJF goals, and reinforce a supportive network.
- Regional Directors will provide oversight of social media content created by State Directors, ensuring professionalism, dignity, integrity, and accuracy. Posts should reflect NKJF's values, remain politically and religiously neutral, and exclude any profanity.
- Regional Directors will serve as mentors to State Directors, actively assisting them in adhering to NKJF's policies, moral code, and honor code, and offering guidance in managing interactions with their respective state memberships.
- Regional Directors will encourage State Directors to extend their expertise by providing seminars or arranging qualified instructors to conduct educational events, promoting knowledge sharing and member growth.
- Regional Directors will plan and oversee sanctioned NKJF seminars within their region, rotating seminar locations across different states within their jurisdiction to ensure equitable opportunities and increased engagement.
- Regional Directors will diligently monitor and support all financial matters to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting to the NKJF President.
- Regional Directors will proactively encourage and facilitate rank assessments, recognition ceremonies, and promotional opportunities for State Directors, ensuring all activities align with NKJF policies and procedures. State Directors will be supported in their efforts to achieve personal growth and organizational recognition.
- Regional Directors will actively participate in monthly Regional Director Conference Calls led by the NKJF President, providing updates and insights and advocating for the needs and achievements of their State Directors.
- Regional Directors will ensure the timely forwarding of all relevant reports from State Directors directly to the NKJF President, highlighting achievements, activities, and progress in their respective regions.
NKJF State Director Roles & Responsibilities
Purpose: State Directors are essential to the growth and success of the National Karate Jujitsu Federation (NKJF). Their leadership, initiative, and dedication to recruitment and engagement directly impact the Federation's ability to flourish locally and nationally. As the primary representatives of NKJF in their states, they play a crucial role in welcoming, accepting, and recognizing new instructors, dojos, and solo members, thereby fostering a strong sense of belonging and unity.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Actively engage with and maintain strong relationships with all member dojos and solo practitioners within their assigned state, ensuring each member feels welcomed, valued, and supported.
- Work closely with the Regional Director to maintain updated and accurate contact lists of all NKJF members and promptly communicate any changes or updates.
- Actively recruit new dojos and instructors by developing outreach strategies and creating a welcoming environment that emphasizes acceptance, recognition, and community.
- Provide ongoing support to NKJF member dojos and solo members, assisting them in recruiting efforts, event planning and scheduling, promotion, marketing, and communication initiatives.
- Regularly communicate with NKJF members, updating them on upcoming events, Federation news, and opportunities for involvement and advancement. Serve as a knowledgeable resource for NKJF policies, procedures, and practices.
- Organize and facilitate local events, seminars, and workshops to strengthen the community, increase member engagement, and attract potential new members. Maintain a visible and active presence within state events to enhance community spirit.
- Develop and maintain contact information for potential member dojos and practitioners who are not currently affiliated with NKJF, proactively inviting them to explore membership opportunities.
- Participate consistently in monthly individual calls with their Regional Director and contribute actively to monthly group calls to stay informed and aligned with Federation goals and updates.
- Provide detailed monthly progress reports to their Regional Director, summarizing activities, achievements, challenges, and any recommendations for future initiatives.
- Ensure professionalism, dignity, integrity, and accuracy in all NKJF-related social media communications by providing oversight and guidance to members within their jurisdiction. Address any infractions promptly and professionally, documenting and reporting these instances to the Regional Director.
- Mentor and guide NKJF members, helping them adhere to Federation policies, moral code, and honor code, and assisting with behavioral adjustments or improvements as needed.
- Actively participate in NKJF-sanctioned events, particularly within their state and region, including key events such as Winter Camp, demonstrating commitment and leadership by example.
- Clearly communicate NKJF financial policies related to events and ensure members understand how event revenues should be managed and reported to the Federation.
- Encourage and facilitate rank assessments, recognitions, and promotions in alignment with NKJF standards, procedures, and certifications, while keeping the Regional Director informed of all relevant developments.
- Maintain and enforce the established NKJF chain of command, ensuring clear lines of communication and escalation for resolving questions, issues, or concerns efficiently and respectfully.
- Through proactive leadership and dedicated outreach, State Directors embody the mission and values of NKJF, fostering an inclusive, supportive community where every instructor, dojo, and practitioner feels recognized, accepted, and motivated to excel.
