Makoto's Martial Arts Lineage

My Martial Arts Instructors:

My Father, Dr. Michiomi Kabayama, was my first formal martial art Instructor in 1974, when he taught Kendo at the famed Takahashi Judo Club in Ottawa, Ontario. I was fourteen years old and I didn't realize it then, but the solid basics I learned from my Father, through the 'Way of the Sword' (self-discipline, timing, sensitivity, balance, explosiveness, control of centerline, and more) continues to influence my martial arts today.

I studied jiu-jitsu at the Hatashita Judo Club in Toronto in the early 80's. The late Sensei ‘Big Frank’ Hatashita was a great inspiration and an old family friend. With the help of another fantastic teacher, Sensei John Kitchen, here is where I first learned to 'play', have fun, laugh with myself and enjoy my martial arts training - a very important lesson. I was already a staunch 'traditionalist' and I avoided the coloured belts and testing procedures as much as possible (they were very patient with me)!

I met Jeet Kune Do Concepts Instructor Paul Vunak during the Summer of 1984. Wow! I can't say enough about the man who introduced me to the art and science of Jeet Kune Do. A gifted Instructor, Paul Vunak taught me one of the most valuable lessons of all: he taught me to share. I apprenticed in Jeet Kune Do Concepts and Filipino Kali under Sifu Vunak. I am proud to represent Sifu Vunak's Progressive Fighting Systems Inc. and I continue to learn from him today.

These Martial Arts Instructors have inspired and influenced me through private classes, seminars, or other less formal training sessions:

My late Grandfather, Rev. Jun Kabayama, was a well known Kendo Sensei. He also taught what he referred to as 'Samurai Judo'. My Grandfather spoke about Bushido and the Kabayama Bukei. He explained the significance of my Japanese name 'Makoto' (translated: 'sincerity', Makoto is the cardinal virtue of the Samurai). These informal lectures with my Grandfather were invaluable to me and helped shape my spirit as a human being and a martial artist.

Guro Dan Inosanto - the quintessential martial artist. This is the man personally chosen by Sigong (Bruce) Lee Jun Fan to perpetuate the art and science of Jeet Kune Do. An inspiration and innovator. The lantern that lights the path ahead. The founder of Maphilindo Silat. My Instructors' Instructor. It is a privilege to be his student.

The late Sifu Larry Hartsell, also an original student of Sigong Bruce Lee, left a deep impression on my personal martial art. Guro Dan Inosanto once called Sifu Hartsell "the premier Jeet Kune Do fighter of our time." I am proud to represent his Jun Fan / Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. What more can I say?

From Pendekar Paul De Thouars (Pukulan Pentjak Silat Bukti Negara) I learned the subtlety of balance.

Professor Salem Assli (Savate) taught me precision and that our feet can be as versatile as our hands.

Sifu Nino Bernardo (Wing Chun Gung Fu) taught me about 'chi sao', centerline and the 'jik chun choi'. Sifu Bernardo and his students, clearly demonstrate how functional Wing Chun can be.

Sensei Stephen Hayes (Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu) has that wonderful ability to help one feel good about oneself. A fine Instructor and a joy to train with, Sensei Hayes helped me better understand the 'Five Elements': Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Void.

Rickson Gracie (Gracie Juijitsu) - patience, subtlety, and the importance of basics.

Guro Nonoy Gallano (Integrated Martial Arts) reinforced the idea of attacking the weapon and the vicious close-quarter combat potential of Tai Chi and Bagua.

Nine time(!) Canadian Judo Champion and family friend, Sensei Philip Takahashi honored my Dojo when he came to train and exchange with us in the mid 1990's. Not just a grappler, Sensei Takahashi continues to research, innovate and explore. More than anything else, Sensei Takahashi reminded me that everything 'old' becomes 'new' again someday.

Sensei J.C. 'Court' Elliot III (Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu) just plain 'walks the talk'. A friend in the martial arts when there weren't always so many around.

Mandala Tuhon Philip 'Sled Dog' Gelinas (Pikita Tersia, Kajukenbo, Inosanto Martial Arts, Dog Brothers Martial Arts, Muay Thai) - don't mess with this guy! Seriously, an outstanding fighter/teacher.

Guro Jun DeLeon (Kali DeLeon) is a fine martial artist, a true gentleman and more importantly, a man of honor.

There are so many other fine individuals who have shared their gifts with me, and to whom I owe my gratitude. Too many to name here. However, this list would not be complete without the mention of my friends, students, and training partners:

To my own Kabayama Bushidokan JKD Family, I have learned far more from you over these years, than I could ever return. Thank-you.




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