Who We Learn From
Ajarn Nelson Siyavong
Ajarn s(Grand master) Nelson Siyavong started training with his Grand Father in Muay Thai at the age of 12. He was born and trained in the Isan region of Thailand. Ajarn Nelson Siyavong was a professional Muay Thai fighter, Nak Muay in Thailand with over 300 fights and even though he is over 60 is still in great physical condition. For videos of him teaching and more information visit His page at L.A. Budo.
Kenji Osugi
Kenji Osugi Sensei 6 degree blackbelt and head instructor of Sawtelle Judo Club the 2nd oldest Judo School in Southern California and goes back to 1927
Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964. Osugi Sensei can be directly lined to the founder of Judo,
Jigoro Kano(1860- 1938) via his teacher’s teacher. He teaches at L.A. Budo 2x per month and several of our instructors, including, Master Dow train under him. For more information visit his dojo Sawtelle Judo Club.
Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
Soke Masaaki (Formally Yoshiaki) Hatsumi was born on December 2, 1931. He is the founder of the Bujinkan Dojo and current Head master of the 9 Ryu-ha. He began his martial art studies under Takamatsu Sensei at the age of 27. He synthesized these 9 classical traditions into an art he now calls Budo Taijutsu. Previous to this studied judo, karate, boxing, and various Koryu Bujutsu. Master Dow trained in Japan under and was interpreter for Hatsumi Sensei. For more information visit His page at L.A. Budo.
Master Toshiro Nagato
Toshiro Nagato was born on November 15, 1947 in Akita Prefecture, Japan. Before Studying under Soke Masaaki Hatsumi he was middleweight kickboxing champion of Japan and Judo champion of Akita Prefecture. He also taught Judo in the US.
He is currently ranked Jûdan Fûgyo Happo Biken (10th Dan Void License). Master Dow directly trained in Japan under and was interpreter for Hatsumi SenseiFor more information visit His page at L.A. Budo.
