Mark Spear
Dojo Cho - Shorin-Ryu Reihokan
Mark E. Spear, Sensei has been practicing Okinawan Traditional Martial Arts and Classical Japanese Arts for over 49 years. He is a direct student of Nanoubu Ahagon, Hanshi Judan of the Reihokan Association, Okinawa, Japan as well as a student of Robert Herten, Hanshi, Little Falls, New Jersey. Spear Sensei is currently a member of the following organizations:
*Okinawan Shorin Ryu Reihokan Association
*All Japanese Budo Federation Nippon Seibukan Dojo/USA Branch
*Dai Nippon Butoku Kai/International Division/New England Branch
Spear Sensei has studied the following disciplines during his extensive martial arts career:
*Japanese Judo during the mid 70’s,
*Pai Lum Kung Fu during the late 70’s & early 80’s,
*ITF Tae Kwon Do during the late 80's,
*Goju Ryu, as well as many sub systems of Shorin Ryu.
After holding teaching positions in the various dojo in which he trained, Spear Sensei started writing and planning the current curriculum for a dojo with a focus on being a traditional Okinawan training hall. In the spring of 2008 a suitable location was found and Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts
Center was opened. Drawing from 49 years of experience, having been exposed to the world’s finest Shorin Ryu seniors and instructors, and 30 years of teaching experience, Spear Sensei is currently sought after to teach seminars, private lessons and create self-defense programs for public and private entities.
Spear Sensei is one of the most senior instructors in the Reihokan Association and has been given the authority to advance and promote students under the name of Ahagon Hanshi. He serves as the lead representative in the State of Connecticut for the DNBK, Japan’s oldest and most prestigious martial arts organization under Japan’s Ministry of Education. Spear Sensei has instructed for such agencies as The United States Navy, State of Connecticut, State of Rhode Island, and numerous private agencies. He is currently certified as a instructor with the following associations:
*American Red Cross
*American Women’s Self Defense Association
*National Rifle Association
*Rape Aggression Defense
*The Town of Westerly, RI
Spear Sensei travels to Okinawa annually to train with his teacher as well as attending numerous high-level instructor seminars with other Okinawan instructors. He has one amazing daughter, who is actively involved and teaching in the dojo every day making Black Bear a true family business.
Spear Sensei holds the following grades and titles:
Nanadan (7th Dan), Shihan, Kyoshi - Shorin-Ryu Reihokan Karate-do
Nanadan (7th Dan), Shihan, Kyoshi - Karate-do (Dai Nippon Butoku Kai)
Nanadan (7th Dan), Kyoshi - Shorin-Ryu Kodokan Karate-do
Rokudan (6th Dan), Shihan, Renshi - Shorin-Ryu Reihokan Kobudo
Godan (5th Dan), Renshi - Karate-do, Zen Nippon Bugei Renmei
Yondan (4th Dan) - Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate-do
Yondan (4th Dan) - Shorin-Ryu Shidokan Karate-do
130 Granite Street Westerly, RI 02891
(860) 574 4788
blackbearkarate@gmail.com
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All Instructor Photos by Larry St. Pierre of St. Pierre Photography - Mystic, CT
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