Shihan Jeff Hyder

American Okinawan Karate Academy

Fort Huachuca, Arizona

MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE

     Although Shihan Hyder studied several styles of martial arts (including Isshinryu) as a young man, he started his serious martial arts training in the late 1970s and early-1980s. On active duty in the U.S. Army for nearly 25 years, he moved from one duty assignment to another and therefore one martial arts school to another. During this time, he studied several different styles under several different instructors. After a period of continuous study and training under Master Choi, Jom Sok, Jee Do Kwan, Tae Kwon Do, Master Hyder attained his first black belt in August 1986 in Seoul, Korea at Kukkiwon. He continued studying under Master Choi until late 1989 and was promoted to Second Degree Black Belt (2^nd Dan) in August of 1988 at Kukkiwon, the Headquarters of the World TKD Association.

     Upon leaving Korea Shihan Hyder continued his training in Tae Kwon Do while assigned to duty in Arizona, Texas, and later Hawaii. While assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii from 1993 to 1996, he studied several different styles at various dojos with a variety of instructors. Master Hyders final assignment prior to his retirement from active duty was back to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. It was there in 1996, Shihan Hyder met and was subsequently accepted as a student of Grand Master Joseph Barnes at the American Okinawan Karate Academy in Sierra Vista, Arizona. While studying under Grand Master Barnes, Shihan Hyder was introduced to and diligently studied Isshinryu Karate, Isshin-Shorin-Go Ryu, and Tai Shin Ki Do (The Way of the Body, Mind, and Spirit). Shihan Hyder continues to study, teach, and practice under the tutelage of Grand Master Barnes today. Grand Master Barnes recently awarded him the title of Shihan in Tai Shin Ki Do.

     Shihan Hyder is currently the President of the International Black Belt Association (IBBA) and is a member of the governing boards for both the American Okinawan Karate Academies and the National Isshin-Shorin-Go Ryu Karate Association (NIKA).

CURRENT BLACK BELT CERTIFICATES

• 8^th Dan Certificate, Tai Shin Ki Do, June 2004
• 4^th Dan Certificate, Isshin-Shorin-Go Ryu, NIKA, July 2000
• 3^rd Dan Certificate, Isshinryu Karate, IIKA, July 1999
• 2^nd Dan Certificate, Tae Kwon Do, Jee Do Kwan, August 1988
• 1^st Dan Certificate, Tae Kwon Do, Kukkiwon, World TKD Federation, August 1986
• Master Instructor Certificate, National Isshin-Shorin-Go Ryu Karate Assoc, May 1999