Complete List of Black Belts:
WORLD DOUBLE DRAGON INSTITUTE GOJU-RYU KARATE ORGANIZATION
Official Double Dragon Karate-doh Black Belts
Grandmaster Arthur A. DeBuc 10th Dan, Seiko-Sheehan
Chief Grandmaster of the Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Karate Organization
Click here: Grandmaster Arthur DeBuc 10th Dan demonstrating a shin brake
Above: July 4th, 2015 Hanshi Arthur DeBuc 9th Dan.
Above: August 2000 Renshi Arthur DeBuc 5th Dan.
Students of Hanshi DeBuc 10th Dan
Click here: Grandmaster DeBuc explains the way a master should break in front of students.
Black Belt Listing
&
Official Certifications:
The below information is an official document and can be used in the absence of any certificates.
***
Grandmaster Frederick Yarid 10th Dan.
{001} Grandmaster Frederick Yarid, MD, 10th Dan.
Promoted to 10th Dan Grandmaster on May 1st, 2024, at the age of 65.
Medical consultant of the Double Dragon Institute
&
Assistant Regional Director
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 1974
Assistant Director – Double Dragon Institute 1996-2000
Seat on the Board of Directors, Double Dragon Institute
6th Dan, Shihan DDI-WSGKO
Black Belt in JuToKa
&
Green Belt with One Brown Stripe in Cuong-Nhu
This Master is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | No Expiration | ||
| Tournament | Yes | No Expiration | ||
| Instructor | Yes | Senior | Can give traditional tests | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | can test black belt levels | No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Assistant | Student on management leave | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Grandmaster Nigel Andrew DeBuc 9th Dan.
~~
Promoted to 9th Dan in April 2024
Former Regional Director
of The Double Dragon Karate Institute until January 2024
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 1978
Director
of
Double Dragon Karate Institute
2001 – Present
Former Regional Director of
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Spain
6th Dan Very High-Level Master, Shihan, DDI-WSGKO
&
Green Belt in Cuong-Nhu
Resides in Naples Florida
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami
This Master is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
Certification |
Yes / No |
Level |
Note |
Expiration |
| School | Yes | Senior | can open new schools | No Expiration |
| Tournament | Yes | Senior | can sanction tournaments | No Expiration |
| Instructor | Yes | Senior | can instruct master levels | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Senior | can issue master ranks | No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | This student speaks for Kyoshi DeBuc |
|
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after this date |
***
Kyoshi Milton DeBuc
{002}Kyoshi Milton DeBuc, 8th Dan
Assistant Director
APPOINTED FEBRUARY 2010
Charged to maintain the testing standards and all related areas
of the
Double Dragon Karate Institute
along with financial and administrative duties
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August
4th Dan, Low-Level Master DDI
&
Green Belt in Cuong-Nhu
Resides in Florida
This Master is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
***
Kyoshi Michel Powell
{004} Kyoshi Michel Powell, 8th dan
Promoted in April 2024
Sat on the Board of Directors, Double Dragon Institute
6th Dan, Shihan DDI-WSGKO
&
Founder of JuToKa.
Resides in Naples Florida
This Master is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | No Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | No Expiration | |
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | Trainee | No Expiration |
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | Advanced Sparing | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Trainee | No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Assistant | Must contact Kyoshi DeBuc | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Renshi Marco Herzog
~Former Assistant Regional Director
of The Double Dragon Karate Institute~
Shihan Marco Herzog at 6th Dan.
Marco Designed this Gui as a gift to Hanshi.
The patch on his right shoulder is
The Official Fist of The Double Dragon Institute.
Marco was not just a student but a very special friend to Hanshi DeBuc.
Hanshi still wears this guy on occasion to honor the great times he spent with Marco.
{009}Renshi Marco Herzog, 6th dan
Promoted 6th Dan 08-01-2014
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 2001
Former assistant Regional Director
Charged to maintain the testing standards and all related areas
of the
Double Dragon Karate Institute
along with financial and administrative duties
6th Dan, Renshi DDIWGKO
&
1st Dan Black Belt, World Taekwondo Association
Resides in Maryland
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing July 2004 – Senior Examiner
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/03 in Miami
Preformed school testing and evaluation at the Barnstable MA school: 01/05/2003
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Senior Examiner
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2000 – Examiner
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2001 – Tested
This Master is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | No Expiration |
| School | Yes | Senior | Can open schools | No Expiration |
| Tournament | Yes | Senior | Can sanction tournaments | No Expiration |
| Instructor | Yes | Senior | Can instruct all Master levels to 5th dan | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Senior | Can sanction and give traditional testing at will only once a year. |
No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | This student has direct access to the Grandmaster | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after this date |
***
Shihan Michael Miller
{019} Shihan Michael Miller, 6th Dan
Promoted to 6th Dan Shihan in April 2024
Regional Directors of Massachusetts
The Assistant Director for MA.
Head Instructor of
Double Dragon Nantucket Martial Arts Academy
5th Dan, High-Level Master Renshi, DDI-WSGKO
4th Dan, Low-Level Master Renshi, DDI-WSGKO
&
4th dan Master in Tae Kwon Do,
Hapkido and Jujitsu
Owner of the:
Nantucket Martial Arts Academy
This Master is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Senior | can open schools owner of Nantucket Martial Arts Academy |
No Expiration |
| Tournament | Yes | Senior | can sanction tournaments | No Expiration |
| Instructor | Yes | Senior | can teach all ranks in Goju-Ryu | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | |||
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | This student has access to The Grandmaster | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Lali Jochmann
The Assistant Director for Dojos
outside the continental USA
{021} Renshi Lali Jochmann, Yodan
4th Degree Master
Promoted in April 2024 to 4th Dan Renshi
Director of Dojos outside the United States of America
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 2002
3rd Dan, Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
&
1st dan, Shukokai
Resides in Singapore
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing July 2004 – Examiner
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2003 – Senior Examiner
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Tested
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | No Expiration |
| School | Yes | Senior | Allowed to open schools | No Expiration |
| Tournament | Yes | No Expiration | ||
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | Allowed to Instruct | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Allowed to give Traditional Testing | No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Assistant | This student has special authority given by Hanshi | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Josep Abel Forment Lliso
Black Belts of Lali
{027 students of 22} Sensei Josep Abel Forment Lliso, Shodan
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
June 2003 in Spain
1st. Dan, DDI-WSGKO
Student of Lali Jochmann, Sandan – Spain, Black Belt #22
&
Belts in Judo
Resides in Spain
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Assistant | Allowed to run school in the absence of Lali – the authorization is given by Kyoshi |
|
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | Special waver given by Kyoshi | |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Allowed to Assist in Traditional Testing-cannot test personal students |
|
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | ||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Christopher Chapman
Director of New Hampshire
{015}Sensei Christopher Chapman, Nidan
2nd Dan
Assistant Director, New Hampshire
2nd Dan, Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
Resides in New Hampshire
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Senior | Allowed to open schools | No Expiration |
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | 12/31/2018 | |
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | Allowed to instruct to Black Belt | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | To Black Belt | No Expiration | |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | Students are allowed to request any waiver. | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after this date |
***
Shihan Tatiana (Laura) Moran
{007} Shihan Tatiana (Laura) Moran, 6th Dan
Promoted 6th Dan 8-01-2013
promoted to 5th Dan as of 2-27-2010
=
Head Instructor
of the
California Double Dragon Karate School.
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 2000 &
2001 with Highest Honors
5th Dan, High-Level Master DDI
Nunchaku Weapon Instructor
&
Goju-kai, training under Grandmaster Gosei Yamaguchi
Blue Belt, US Hwarangkwan
Blue Belt, Cuong Fu
Resides in Virginia & California
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Photographer
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2001 – Tested Nidan
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2000 – Tested Shodan
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | Can instruct private students | N/A |
| Tournament | Yes | Certified | Can judge Tournament | No Expiration |
| Instructor | Yes | Senior | Can instruct Karate to 3rd Dan level. Can Instruct Nunchaku to the highest level. |
No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Can test all ranks to 5th Dan Level. | No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | Very active and Trusted Student | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after this date |
***
Renshi Jose Fernandez
The Assistant Director for VA. DC. and MD
{018} Renshi Jose Fernandez, 5th dan
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 2001
Assistant Director of Virginia
Former Head Instructor of
Double Dragon First Fight School
3rd Dan Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
&
Brown Belt, Gojukan
Resides in Washington D.C.
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing July 2004 – Examiner
Recipient of the Bodyguard and Security Certification DDKI-WSGKO -May 2004
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/03 in Miami.
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Assistant Examiner
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2001 – Tested
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | Authorized to open a school | 12/31/2022 |
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | 12/31/2022 | |
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | Allowed to test Shodan Allowed to assist in Traditional Testing |
12/31/2022 |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Able to test to Shodan-Cannot test his students | 12/31/2022 |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | This student can request any waver | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sansei Tashauna Ashmeade
Head Instructor
of the Barnstable Athletic Club School in MA.
{023} Renshi Tashauna Ashmeade, Yodan
4th Dan
Promoted on 4th Dan in Aprile 2024
Promoted to 3rd Dan in February 2010
This student is remarkably outstanding
Due to no instructor available, she ran all instruction at the Barnstable Athletic Club
under the watchful eye of the club owner for two year
special thanks to the owner of the club and Sansei Ashmead for outstanding service
to the Double Dragon Institute.
(Junior rank specification waved)
(Reason: Because no exception was made for her age on the traditional test)
Head Instructor at only 13 years old of the
Double Dragon Barnstable Athletic Club School: 01/06/2003 to 2005
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 2002 with Highest Honors & Distinction
Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
&
Yellow Belt in Another Karate System
Resides in Massachusetts
Successfully passed evaluation and her students tested, with 100% passing results to several different ‘Q’ ranks on 01/05/2003
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Tested
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | No Expiration |
| School | Yes | No Expiration | ||
| Tournament | Yes | Certified | Allowed to judge at tournaments | No Expiration |
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | Allowed to instruct up to Neidan-ho | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Allowed to test to Black Belt-Can test her students | No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | YES | Senior | Head instructor status granted. February 2010 | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Renshi Katherine DeBuc Hayes
{025} Renshi Katherine DeBuc Hayes, Godan
5th Dan
Promoted in April 2024
4th Dan October 2017
3rd Dan, Black Belt, DDI
Resides in North Carolina
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
July 2004
This Black Belt is honored for enduring one year of training for each of her ranks
just because she is Kyoshi’s Daughter
Her rank was issued in secret for her safety
August 2002
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing July 2004 – Tested
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Senior | No Expiration | |
| Tournament | Yes | Senior | No Expiration | |
| Instructor | Yes | Senior | No Expiration | |
| Testing | Yes | Senior | All ranks | No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | This Student was weapon trained | ||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensai Lisa Rojas
Special Black Belt authorization
{026} Sensai Lisa Rojas, Neidan
2nd Dan
Promoted in April 2024
Assistant Instructor
Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School-MA
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | Allowed to open a school | No Expiration |
| Tournament | N/A | |||
| Instructor | No Expiration | |||
| Testing | No Expiration | |||
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Assistant | Only ‘Q’ rank with black belt authorizations | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Barbara McClure
{020} Sensei Barbara McClure, Sandan
3rd Dan
Assistant Instructor of
Double Dragon Nantucket Martial Arts Academy
2nd Dan Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
&
Resides on Nantucket in Massachusetts
Promoted to Nidan 2nd Dan in February 2010
by order of Kyoshi DeBuc 8th Dan because of her commitment to Goju-Ryu
knowledge of advanced techniques.
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | Allowed to take personal student | No Expiration |
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | 12/31/2022 | |
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | No Expiration | |
| Testing | No | 2nd Dan | ||
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Assistant | ||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Estella Atalay
Estela Atalay wity Van Nhan Huong Can
of Cuong-Nhu
{005} Sensei Estella Atalay, Sandan
3rd Dan, Black Belt DDI-WSGKO
Promoted to 3rd Dan in April 2024
&
Black Belt in Cuong-Nyu
Resides in Miami Florida
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | Can open a school | N/A |
| Tournament | Yes | Certified | Can judge in tournaments | N/A |
| Instructor | Yes | Senior | Can instruct ‘Q’ ranks to Shodan | N/A |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Can test ‘Q’ ranks to Shodan | N/A |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | Trusted Student | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Mike Arcebuche
{012} Sensei Mike Arcebuche, 3rd Dan
Resides in Massachusetts
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | No | |||
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | ||
| Instructor | Yes | Assistant | Can instruct ‘Q’ ranks to Shodan-ho | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Can test ‘Black Belt – Can test his students |
No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Assistant | ||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Katarzyna DeBuc
{024} Sensei Katarzyna DeBuc, Black Belt
Sat on the Board of Directors, Double Dragon Institute 1996-2002
Honorary, Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
Resides in Virginia
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Organizer
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2001 – Organizer
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2000 – Organizer
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | ||||
| Tournament | ||||
| Instructor | ||||
| Testing | ||||
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Andrew Lowe
{006} Sensei Andrew Lowe, Shodan
1st Dan, Honorary Black Belt DDI
&
Black Belt, Nippon Karate-Do
Resides in Maryland
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | ||||
| Tournament | ||||
| Instructor | ||||
| Testing | ||||
| This person is in good standing: | Assistant | Have not heard from the student for many years. |
||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Damian Kujawa
{016} Sensei Damian Kujawa, Shodan
1st Dan, Honorary Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | ||||
| Tournament | ||||
| Instructor | ||||
| Testing | ||||
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | Honorary Student and Friend | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei John Ashton
{008} Sensei John Ashton, Sandan
3rd Dan in Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Karate
Promoted to 3rd Dan April 2024
1st Dan, Black Belt, WSGKO
&
Purple Belt, Shotokan
Resides in Massachusetts
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | No Expiration | |
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | No Expiration | |
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | No Expiration | |
| Testing | Yes | Black Belt | No Expiration | |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Certified | ||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Michael Creato
{013} Sensei Michael Creato, Nidan 2nd Dan
Promoted to 2nd Dan in April 2024
1st Dan
1st Dan, Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
Resides in Massachusetts
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | Can open fixed base school | No Expiration |
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | 12/31/2022 | |
| Instructor | Yes | Assistant | Can instruct ‘Q’ ranks to Shodan-ho | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Allowed to Black Belt – Can test his students |
No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Certified | ||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Sarah Tolles
{011} Sensei Sarah Tolles, Nidan 2nd Dan
Promoted to 2nd Dan in April 2024
1st Dan
1st Dan Black Belt, DDI
Resides in the USA
Honored for her level of preparation to take The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 2002
But was transferred to another part of the country
Kyoshi DeBuc has made it clear that she was so ready it would have been impossible for her to fail.
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | No Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | Allowed to open a school | No Expiration |
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | 12/31/2022 | |
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | Allowed to instruct Shodan-ho | No Expiration |
| Testing | Yes | Black Belts | Allowed to test Black Belt | No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Senior | Students ready for Traditional Black Belt Test. | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Lena Okun
{014} Sensei Lena Okun, Nidan 2nd Dan
Promoted in April 2024
Shodan, Black Belt, DDI
Resides in Massachusetts
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Certified | ||
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | ||
| Testing | Yes | Black Belt | ||
| This person is in good standing: | Yes | Assistant | ||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Master Edward Koschmider’s
Shihan Edward Koschmider’s 6th Dan.
Sensei Koschmider still holds the position of head of security for the
Double Dragon Institute.
and
Grandmaster Arthur DeBuc 10th Dan.
{017}Edward Koschmider,
Latest information:
as of February 23, 2010
Former Senior Bodyguard to Kyoshi DeBuc
Koschmider used to be charged
with the security of the Double Dragon Karate Institute; students and teachers worldwide
Appointed Director of Standards for
Bodyguard and Security Appointments of DDKI-WSGKO July 2004
Sat on the Board of Directors, Double Dragon Institute
Assistant Regional Director, January 2002 to January 2003
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Spain
Head Instructor of
Double Dragon Little Dojo Virginia
Since Jan. 2002
5th Dan, Renshi: DDI-WSGKO
&
Shodan in Shotokan
Resides in Naples Florida
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing July 2004 – Assistant Senior Examiner
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/03 in Miami
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Examiner
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2001 – Assistant Examiner
This Master is authorized to act in the following capacities:
All
Master Koschmider is now teaching his system
and a variation of
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Karate
***
Renshi Randi Schildknecht
{028} Renshi Randi Schildknecht, 5th Dan
Promoted in April 2024
Instructor of the Double Dragon Goju-Ryu School in Puerto Rico
Randi also holds another Black Belt in Goju-Ryu from another Master
and
Is an Airline Transport Pilot for Cape Air / Nantucket Airlines
Randi’s Father is also recognized by
The Double Dragon Institute
and holds a
3rd Dan for another Master
Randi is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | No Expiration |
| School | Yes | Head Instructor | ||
| Tournament | yes | Certified | No Expiration | |
| Instructor | yes | Certified | No Expiration | |
| Testing | yes | Certified | To test and issue certificates to all ranks including 3rd dan Black Belt. |
No Expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Renshi Luis Michael Rodriguez
{029} Renshi Luis Michael Rodriguez 5th Dan.
Promoted in April 2024 to 5th Dan
Was Promoted 4th Dan in October 2021
Assistant Head of Logistics to Hanshi DeBuc
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
Luis is authorized to act in the following capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | yes | Certified | Cannot test his own Q ranks | N/A |
| Tournament | Yes | Judging | No expiration | |
| Instructor | Yes | Assistant | No expiration | |
| Testing | Yes | Black Belt | Can test a student for Black Belt | |
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Yulmar Rosa Adams
{030} Sensei Yulmar Rosa Adams 1st Dan
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Puerto Rico
Yulmar also holds Shodan ranks in Kyokunshin and another style
from other Masters.
Yulmar is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | No Expiration |
| School | Yes | Instructor | ||
| Tournament | Yes | Judging | ||
| Instructor | Yes | Assistant | No Expiration | |
| Testing | No | Can test his students | ||
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Gilberto Vazquez Marquiez
{031} Sensei Gilberto Vazquez Marquiez Sandan 3rd Dan
Promoted in April 2024
Head of the Double Dragon Tournament Team Puerto Rico
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Puerto Rico
Gilberto also holds a green belt and is studying judo with another master.
Gilberto is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | |||
| Tournament | Yes | no expiration | ||
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | 12/20/2022 | |
| Testing | Yes | Black Belt | Can test his students | no expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Idamas Davila Del Valle
{031} Sensei Idamas Davila Del Valle Sandan 3rd Dan
Sensei Idamas is wearing the yellow belt in this picture
Sensei Idamas Davila Del Valle
Promoted to Sandan 3rd Danon in April 2024
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Puerto Rico
Idamys also holds other ranks and is studying with another master.
Idamas is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | |||
| Tournament | Yes | no expiration | ||
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | ||
| Testing | Yes | Black Belt | Can test his students | no expiration |
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Carlos Omar Flores Vazquez
{032} Sensei Carlos Omar Flores Vazquez Nidan 2nd Dan
Promoted in April 2024
1st Dan
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Puerto Rico
Carlos is authorized to act in the following capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | No | |||
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | Yes | Assistant | 12/20/2018 | |
| Testing | No | |||
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Christan Rivero
{033} Sensei Christan Rivero Nidan 2nd Dan
Promoted in April 2024
Assistant Head of Home Page Design and Control for Hanshi DeBuc
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
Christan also holds a blue belt in Taekwondo.
Christan is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | Provisional Satellite School | One allowed – all dues applicable. | |
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | Yes | Provisional Instructor | Q ranks – audited supervision every month. | |
| Testing | Yes | Black Belt | Cannot test his students | |
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Winifer Francisca Hernandez
{034} Sensei Winifer Francisca Hernandez Nidan 2nd Dan
Promoted in April 2024
2nd Dan Assistant Instructor
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
Winifer also holds a yellow belt from another Goju-Ryu organization.
Winifer is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | |||
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | ||
| Testing | Yes | Black Belt | Cannot test his students | |
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Renshi Schildknecht
{035} Renshi Dale Schildknecht, 4th Dan
Assistant Instructor
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
Renshi Schildknecht also holds a 3rd-degree black belt from another Goju-Ryu organization.
Renshi Schildknecht is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | |||
| Tournament | Yes | |||
| Instructor | Yes | |||
| Testing | Yes | |||
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Renshi David Bavaresco
*****Olympic Third Place Winner 2018*****
*****Olympic Third Place Winner 2018*****
{036} Renshi David Bavaresco, 5th Dan
Promoted in April 2024 to 5th Dan
4th Dan Renshi through May 1st, 2024
Head of the Double Dragon Tournament team
USA/Florida/Venezuela.
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
*****Olympic third place winner 2018*****
***Sensei Bavaresco also won the US Open in California beating 21 other Countries and will be Representing the USA and Venezuela ***
In November 2017 as a student of the Double Dragon Institute – Sensei David on his own requested to be allowed to
wear his school Kanji at the tournament, we never ask our students to do this, it must be a request generated slowly by you.
We are extremely proud of David and I will be making every attempt to be there for him I fully expect a number of you to attend with me.
As soon as
I have the details about the tournament.
I will post them.
Sensei Bavaresco also holds a 1st-degree black belt from Venezuela in Shotokan.
He has competed successfully in many tournaments and under my private instruction
achieved 1st place in Kata while representing Venezuela in his last tournament.
I fully expect him to excel in the future.
Sensei Bavaresco is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | No | |||
| Tournament | Yes | Assistant | Assistant Head Florida/Venezuela | |
| Instructor | Yes | Tournament Assistant | ||
| Testing | Yes | Assistant | cannot test his students | |
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Delia DeBuc
{036} Sensei Delia DeBuc, Shodan-ho
Assistant Instructor
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | No | |||
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | No | |||
| Testing | No | |||
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Beatriz Andarcio
{037} Sensei Beatriz Andarcio, Shodan-ho
Assistant Instructor
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
Her assigned insturctor is
Winifer Hernandez /Shodan (1st dan)
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | No | |||
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | Yes | |||
| Testing | No | |||
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sensei Cody Kirlin 2nd Dan.
First Puerto Rico Class – missing a few people ******Cody is the second from the left.******
{038} Sensei Cody Kirlin, Nidan 2nd Dan
Promoted in April 2024
Assistant Instructor
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | No | |||
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | Yes | |||
| Testing | Yes | Q ranks | Personal Students only | |
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
***
Sansei Joycelyn Lowers
Assistant Head Instructor
of the Barnstable Athletic Club School in MA.
{040} Sansei Joycelyn Lowers, Sandan 3rd Dan
Promoted in April 2024
A glitch in the home page caused her removal from the black belt list which was corrected on 8/20/2018
This student is remarkably outstanding
Due to no instructor available, she assisted her daughter Trudy Ashmeade and ran the Barnstable Athletic Club
under the watchful eye of the club owner for two year
special thanks to the owner of the club and Sansei Lowers for outstanding service
to the Double Dragon Institute.
Assistant Head Instructor in Hyannis MA
Double Dragon Barnstable Athletic Club School: 01/06/2003 to 2005
Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
&
Resides in Massachusetts
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Tested
This Black Belt is authorized to act in the below capacities with the full support of the organization:
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | Yes | N/A | ||
| Tournament | No | Certified | Allowed to judge at tournaments | N/A |
| Instructor | Yes | Certified | Allowed to Assist instruct up to Shodan-ho | N/A |
| Testing | Yes | Certified | Allowed to test to Black Belt-Can test her students | N/A |
| This person is in good standing: | YES | Senior | Assistant instructor status granted. February 2003 | |
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | Is not sanctioned after this date |
***
Sensei Arthur Anthony DeBuc Esq. Shodan
Today:
{041} Sensei Arthur Anthony DeBuc esq., Junior Shodan-ho
Assistant Instructor
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu Florida
This student started training in Goju-Ruy at age '3'
He was breaking boards at age '5'
Bladk Besl Juniou Shoday-Ho on April 2019 after 5 years of hard work.
Now plays tripel A baseball for the PLO Bulldogs under Coach Bobby
and has two private coaches: His bastting coach - Coach Marcell
and his overall coach: Coach Pedreque
| Certification | Yes / No | Level | Note | Expiration |
| School | No | |||
| Tournament | No | |||
| Instructor | Yes | |||
| Testing | Yes | |||
| This person is in good standing: | yes | |||
| Explanation of Certification | applicable or not | 5 levels(Provisional, Assistant, Certified, Senior) | additional information or limitations | not sanctioned after the above date |
Other Black Belts Accepted
as part of the
Double Dragon Institute~
***
Sensei Shannon Trantham
{010} Sensei Shannon Trantham, Nidan 2nd Dan
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 2000
2nd Dan, DDI-WSGKO
Student of Renshi Duncan 4th Dan at the time test was taken- Matoday School / N.Carolina
&
Belts in Judo
Resides in North Carolina
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Assistant Examiner
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2000 – Tested Shodan
***
Sensei Jesse Ortiz, Sandan
{22} Jesse Ortiz, Sandan 3rd Dan
Honored for Passing The Double Dragon
Optional Traditional Black Belt Test
in Honor of Master Tony Chisolm
August 20002
Black Belt, DDI-WSGKO
Student of Renshi Duncan 4th Dan at the time test was taken- Matoday School / N.Carolina
&
Belts in Other Systems
Resides in North Carolina
Attended the International Black Belt Conference on 07/19/02 in Miami.
Assisted in Traditional Black Belt Testing August 2002 – Tested
**
Very important
note below to Black Belts
DO IT NOW!
To maintain your DDIGKO status all students especially black belts must send
your membership application and optional fees with a picture of Hanshi annually at:
Double Dragon Institute
9511 SW 6 Court
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33025
attn: Sensei DeBuc
or register on the web page and pay your optional fees in the web page shop.
These fees pay
for this web page and other operational costs, Hanshi covers everyone whether you help with your fees or not
so do not worry if you cannot afford it.
Annual membership donations to operate are set at $60.00 annually.
Hanshi DeBuc has {42} Black Belts to date that have been tested by the Double Dragon Institute
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu has:
Two (2) Hanshi 10th Dan Grandmasters,
One (1) 9th Dan Grandmaster,
Two (2) Kyoshi 8th Dan Masters,
No (0) Kyoshi 7th Dan Masters,
Four (4) Shihan 6th Dan Master,
Four (4) Renshi 5th Dan Master,
Three (3) Renshi 4th Dan Masters,
Seven (7) 3rd Dan Black Belts,
Five (5) 2nd Dan Black Belts,
Ten (10) 1st Dan Black Belts.
Three (3) Black Belts.
One (1) Junior Black Belt.
and
Several Black Belts in Jamaica.
Number in {x}indicates who is my first black belt and so on that were tested using the
Double Dragon Black Belt Test.
***
Words from
Hanshi
on the Traditional
Black Belt test standards:
Tests by Hanshi DeBuc or appointee, are given to meet two standards.
First is the standard set for any Goju-Ryu Organization
the second standard for all Martial arts, Karate, and beyond.
This test is known as:
The Double Dragon Karate Institute,
Optional Black Belt Test.
This test is given only once a year in August, to any student at 1st, 2nd, or 3rd dan.
This test is so difficult that all Martial Artists and Goju-Ryu Organizations worldwide
on the evaluation of its requirements cannot dispute that the test standards meet and exceed all Black Belt tests at 1st to 3rd dan anywhere in the Martial Arts World Today.
The results of this test will be accepted by any valid organization that respects the capabilities of a true martial artist.
This test is physical, intellectual, and psychological.
You can only take this test if you sign a full waiver (Legal Release) before you are accepted for testing.
This test takes two hours on the first day and 6 hours on the second day a total of 8 hours to administer,
the test contains all the levels of difficulty and knowledge from the time of
Miyagi Sensei and before to the nearest of my research.
The test contained all the aspects of all my teacher’s tests and many more.
In this world today there are questions as to the abilities of the present-day martial artist.
I dare anyone to question the capabilities of those who pass this test after taking the test themselves.
Doctors Physical Release Required by Two Qualified Physicians before taking this test
The test is open on request to any Martial Arts student of Karate worldwide.
‘Enter The Double Dragon’
Hanshi Arthur A. DeBuc 9th Dan
***DDI / belts – These are ranks issued by Hanshi Arthur DeBuc, and on his word will never be changed or allowed to be disputed by any individual, no matter what politics are attached to the individual.
Once Hanshi has issued a belt it is issued for life.
However, instructor, teaching, and other initial certifications are not!
Instructors of Double Dragon Karate Institute are private contractors and are issued certifications
to allow them to function under the license and support of DDIWGRKO.
No instructor is allowed to exceed their authority without expressed authorization or said institute.
HOWEVER:
If Hanshi is ever to remove a Black Belt rank from a Black Belt or above, this is equivalent to the student existence ending, as far as Hanshi is concerned
and no further contact will ever be made with that student again,
even though that student’s belt will be honored forever.
***WSGKO-Are ranks issued by the World Sansei Goju-Ryu Karate Organization and Sanctioned by Grandmaster Saavedra, these ranks are maintained by the individual paying his membership fees to that organization!
***
A note to the wise:
In the Double Dragon Institute, all lower rank students from Master to White Belt will show respect for the higher-ranked individual, or they will answer to Hanshi for this mistake. In addition, the Black Belt Ranks issued by other organizations will also fall into this system of respect. However, all must understand, your rank will be respected for Hanshi has issued this proclamation, but as a person, you have to strive to earn the respect of other individuals.
This is not the case through the whole Martial Arts Worldwide so anyone who disagrees with this
IS NOT WELCOME HERE!
Official Brown Belts of Double Dragon Sansei GOJU-USA
An Explanation to Other Esteemed Masters
of what I am trying to do in
Double Dragon Goju-Ryu USA.
Thanks to Grandmaster Manny Saavedra and his inspiration, I have found a way to blend my several styles and my research into one system. The surprising result of my research is that as I make the additions and adjustments, I find that many of my changes were spoken of in the time before Miyagi, by Masters before him and other masters of his generation who he knew, many of whom trained with him. These techniques show up in various styles of Martial Arts as if they originally belonged there. Many of these movements and attitudes may have been lost or separated from the original art through time by students of Okinawan Masters. I trust my work will enhance the future of Martial Arts without affecting the essence of Goju-Ryu. I believe that all karate is one system that has been split apart by various masters to emphasize different aspects of the art-making these aspects better than they originally were. This division into different styles has enhanced the art and can be seen when I re-combine the techniques. Karate is more than a movement it is the most efficient operating system of the human aspect in the universal.
I choose to, as a Master of Karate, spend my life re-organizing, to the best of my ability the art of Goju-Ryu to honor the work of Masters gone before me and ask for any help you as other masters may choose to give me in this honorable Quest for the truth it will be greatly appreciated.
Hanshi Arthur DeBuc.
Message to students and Black Belts:
Double Dragon Institute has over 300 students worldwide of varying ranks.
Kyoshi DeBuc has instructed his students in several styles as his knowledge increased.
All students of Hanshi DeBuc are slowly being stream-lined to Double Dragon Goju-Ryu USA, which is now, the foundation of the Double Dragon Goju-Ryu USA System. This system comprises ten fighting styles using Goju-Ryu as its foundation. It does not matter if your belts were issued in HaSo-Ryu, Jutoka, Goju-Ryu, and so on, all my styles will now fall under Double Dragon Sansei Goju-Ryu USA, and your belts will remain the same. The new formula will be shown to you to enhance the development of our system.
Administrator note:
Page last updated 04/20/2024
David is the head of the Double Dragon Tournament Team and his wife 2024