About Us

Having been involved in the Martial Arts since 1976 I have spent many hours training and observing the concepts of human nature, physical movement and the spiritual lessons of Zen. This constant searching although very beneficial for self discipline and physical progression at times raised more questions than answers. I often found myself overwhelmed with theories that potentially clogged the mind and directly interfered with the natural movement of both mind and body. After moving through just about every mental and physical approach that I could I finally arrived at a place of simplicity. I started to reduce the movements in my techniques and I worked on basic training concepts. For example; complete physical training to strengthen the entire body. As the great Vince Lombardi stated that “fatigue makes cowards out of the strongest of men”. I recognized the need to be properly trained so that I could push myself and still maintain a strong and clear state of mind.

In the summer of 2008 I was spending a week training in Montana with my wonderful teacher named Sensei Walter Von Krenner. Sensei Von Krenner, among other arts, is a Zen and Aikido Master. While there he suggested that I come up with a name for the system that I teach. After 29 years of running my own Dojo, Sensei felt that I had settled into a style that was uniquely my own. While lying in bed one night at Sensei and Mrs. Von Krenners beautiful home, where the Rocky Mountains stand tall and powerful, the thought of being with nature rolled into my mind and I was deeply touched by this feeling and felt a direct connection to my soul.

The next morning at breakfast, I explained my emotions to Sensei and we researched the Japanese name for being with nature and Shizen-do was born. Never would I take credit for inventing a “new” way to perform a Martial Art. What I truly feel though is that this way was developed from countless hours in and out of the Dojo, I am proud that I organized an approach that frees me from cumbersome over thinking. For me the situation transcends through and becomes the moment.

 I still teach a very organized system that has traditional as well as modern techniques but the main emphasis is on freedom of thought and movement. The Japanese call this “Mushin” or “mind of no mind”. As a professional drummer/percussionist we use the freeing powers of rhythm as a discovery tool and improvisation is highly encouraged in our Dojo. The goal is to allow Shizen-do to become a way of living and not just represent a style in the Dojo. To me this is the true message of the Martial Arts, to find your way, not just learn to fight but learn how to live. As the Zen saying states, “know the laws of mankind, but follow the laws of nature”. A natural approach is a healthy and progressive way to live. This is proven but we all must still find a way to practice this concept, for me it is Shizen-do.