Hugh Cassidy
Martial Arts Page
Introduction
In the early 1970s, I began training in the Japanese Martial Arts
in Cleveland, OH, where in 1985, I earned the rank of
Ni-Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt), in Jiu Jitsu from Sensei Harvey Torok..
Over the years I gained experience in other arts such as
Goshin Jutsu Karate (5th Dan), Aiki Jutsu (3rd Dan), Shuri Kempo, and Traditional Japanese
Shotokan Karate.
While in Chicago, I studied Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate for four years
with Sensei Jim O'Hara, Chief Coach of the USA National Karate Team,
at the Focus Martial Arts Dojo Honbu in Lake In The Hills, Illinois,
where I was a founding member..
In 1999, I returned to study once again with Sensei Harvey Torok
and the Midwest Jiu-Jitsu Association
in Willoughby, OH.
After Sensei Torok's death in 2006, his son Mike Torok and John Ruppert
continue the class at the Kajukenpo Dojo in Mentor, OH.
In 2013, I was promoted to 6th Dan in Jiu-Jitsu by Soke Ronald Balas, head of the
International Tai Shin Doh organization. On the recommedation of Soke Balas and Sensei Dennis Janes,
I
was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame along with friends
Michael Torok and John Ruppert in June of 2013. We have also been fortunate enough to
attend and give seminars at the International Circle of Masters in Beachwood, Ohio, where we have met
many fine Martial Artists.
In 2019, I was promoted to 8th Dan in Goshin Jutsu, and Director of Aiki Jutsu in the
United Self Defense Federation
by Soke Bob Fields.
Currently, I train with the MJJA, and I enjoy taking lessons in Kung Fu, Tai Chi.
I also attended several Aiki-Jujutsu / Kenjutsu / Daito-Ryu in seminars with Certa Shihan.
In 2020, I was promoted to 2nd-Dan, Shidoin, in Daito-Ryu Aikibudo and awarded the
Fudoshin Dojo of Cleveland by
Antonino Certa Shihan.
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