This art form was developed by tibetan monks approximately 4000 years ago as buddhism spread throughout Asia. Atemi Jitsu made its to Japan ,where it was preserved. Today, we are very lucky to have this ancient art form in America due in part to the efforts of Grandmaster Irving Soto, 10th degree black belt and world champion and 8-time world kumite champion, and the highest authority in atemi jujitsu Soto-Ryu.
WHO IS GRANDMASTER SOTO
small bio of Grandmaster Soto
among his accomplishments:
President and founder of the New GGMAHF International martial Arts Hall of Fame
8-time Wrold Kumite Champion
4-time World kickboxing Champion
4-time Grappling Champion
3-time World Jujitsu Champion
13-time Hall of Fame inducted
Hall of Fame World Soke Council, Fl; Int'l Martial Arts hall of Fame; Canadian Int'l hall of Fame
Winner of 3000 trophies
U.S. Dept. of Justice, Federal Correction tactical defense instructor, SRT and correctional officers
New york City Sheriff's Office, Sr. Tactical Defense Instructor and Director in Charge for deputy sheriffs, under former NYC mayor Dinkins administration and former Sheriff Phil Crimaldi
NYC Health and hospital tactical defense instructor for police officers
Honored by the former mayor of San Diego, Mayor Susan Golding
honored by the mayor of hollywood, mayor Johnny Grant
Author of 5 books
holder of 39 high ranking black belts and 8 masteries martial arts science
Department of Defense, U.S. police officer, U.S. army tactical defense instructor and police officer, currently