About Us
HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Shihan
Mike Holmes
Shihan
Holmes began his discipleship of the martial arts in a small
dojo (practice hall) on 2nd and Dock Streets in Wilmington, NC
in 1969. He still remembers how very small his first dojo was
compared to the training facilities today. At that time, only
two instructors existed in Wilmington, Sensei Jerry Hobbs and
Sensei Roy Creasy
Master Jerry Hobbs, whom Shihan Holmes studied under and is a
Judan-Hanshi (Grand Master) 10th degree black belt, was teaching
a traditional Japanese system of Tetsu Ken Ryu Karate. Hobbs
also offered training in Chinese and Okinawan systems.
Shihan Holmes earned his first black belt in this Japanese
system after three hard years of full contact, bare knuckle and
bare footed Kumite (fighting). One year later, after cross
training in a Chinese system, he received a black belt in Hong
Chung Kung-Fu or Gung Fu as some call it.
Holmes continued to study and train under Master Hobbs'
influence in Kempo, Ju-jitsu, Kobodo, and Okinawan Karate. In
1980, while on a return visit to Japan, Hobbs once again tested
and cross graded Holmes to a black belt in Okinawan Seidokan
Karate. Years later he would receive a black belt in Dentokan
Ju-Jitsu and a Kyoshi title in Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do.
Shihan Holmes has had the privilege and opportunity to train
with and under such Masters, as Keith James Master Sergent USMC,
US Navy Seal Jody Paul, Bruce Heilman, Ricardo Emerson (Puerto
Rico), Boulahfa Mimoun Abdel-Lah (Spain), Joe Dilberto (NY), and
Allen Tacket 9th degree Hachi-dan (CA). Tacket is presently the
head representative of Seidokan Karate, USA. Shihan Holmes has
also had the privilege and opportunity to train under Col. Jerry
Hobbs USAF, founder and President of Kokusai
Dentokan Bugei Renmei, Senior student Shigemitsu Tamaei, and
Head Master Soke Shian Toma owner/founder of Seidokan Karate in
Okinawa Japan.
Holmes presently holds a Shihan (Master Grade) Shichidan-Kyoshi
7th degree black belt and a (menko) teaching certificate from
Japan. He is authorized to teach, test and grade traditional
arts.
Shihan Holmes also believes in being involved in his community.
He is a member of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce,
supports local sports, and participates in the Annual Leland
Christmas Parade and Founders Day Festival. Seidokan Karate
also proudly works together with the PTO and PTA at the local
schools.
Holmes is a member of First Baptist Church of Leland, has taught
Sunday School and been involved in outreach ministry. He served
as an environmental chairman for BellSouth Pioneers. He has
also chaired other committees such as CWA-BellSouth Quality Work
Life, First Chairman and charter Member of the Leland JC Chapter
and was appointed by the Brunswick County Commissioners on the
Cape Fear River Advisory Board at UNCW Marine Science
Department.
Sensei
Ruby Holmes
Nidan (2nd degree) Blackbelt
 |
Sensei
Brandon White
Yondan (4th degree) Blackbelt
 |
|
|