Sensei_Gowdy

Mr. Bert Samuel Gowdy

Sensei -- Master

Sandan - 3rd Degree Black Belt

-Hikari Ryuza Ryu®-Danzan Ryu Jujutsu-

Hikari Ryuza Ryu Do Kan®

Council Member Hikari Ryuza Ryu Yudansha Kai®

Consigliere for the Crimi and Hikari Ryuza Ryu Familia

Sensei Gowdy

I was first introduced to "Defensive Tactics" while in the Army, attached to "special ops group". I was assigned to the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps and worked as a special agent in counter intelligence' thus the reason for my "specialized" training. The training was utilized in several theaters and I survived as I am writing this now.

Many years later (in Nevada City Ca.) I was faced with a situation that required a measured response which I was incapable of providing. It was then that I realized I needed to find a "teacher". Knowing how many charlatans there are in the business of Martial Arts I eventually arrived at Grandmaster Crimi's home, I showed up riding a Harley with a lot of attitude. Grandmaster, taught me rather quickly and with a great deal of patience, that I had a lot to learn and he was the teacher to teach me.

I have been a student of Grandmaster Crimi's for 21 years receiving my Shodan (first degree black belt) at the age of 55 my Nidan (second degree black belt) at age 60 and my Sandan (third degree black belt) at age 64. My rank of Sandan and title of Master is internationally recognized. Many years ago I was honored by what the Grandmaster called wisdom and life experiences to be appointed to the position of Consigliere for Grandmaster Crimi's family, including all matters of Grandmaster Crimi's Dojo and his martial arts system Hikari Ryuza Ryu®.

The mental or the Spirit if you will is equally important if not more so than the physical. I remember one of my classes some 18 years ago the Grandmaster had me do (in one stretch with no breaks) 150 - 200??? throws I was exhausted but definitely enlightened ----- Oh, and by the way the Grandmaster took those 200 falls himself as though he was just going to have tea! (one tough cookie)

So --- here I am, very humbled to be included in this true martial art as a Black belt and not feeling very deserving other than I treasure what Grandmaster taught and continue to teach an "old SCOTSMAN'.

I am retired as President and C.E.O. of the Graphic Label Group Inc., an international company with offices and manufacturing facilities world wide. My wife Robin and I now live on the Oregon coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We spend much of our time enjoying each others company, traveling around the country in Lula Belle (our R.V.). I am the proud father of 5, and even prouder grandfather of 13.

Some of my past community activities include: Associate board member, Nevada County Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Council Associate board member, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital supporter principal donor for the Grass Valley out patient clinic and the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Heart Wing. Nevada County Food Bank past president Forest Knolls Community Association past associate board member, Truckee River Bank.

My more recent activities include: Still working for the Oregon State Police as a volunteer, making our parks and waysides safe for the tourists. Training in disaster relief with the Red Cross soon to be a team member to travel anywhere disaster relief is required and supporter of the local food bank.

I continue to study as a private student of Grandmaster Crimi's traveling from my home in Oregon to the Dojo in Penn Valley. The Grandmaster and I are currently working on putting together a Defensive Tactics course for Oregon State Police Volunteers which I will Instruct.