Background

Black Belt Diploma

Awarded the rank of Black Belt from Master Terry Kane, East-West Karate Schools
1977

AAU Full Contact Karate Lightweight National Champion

1980

Scroll Presented by Grandmaster Bing Fai Lau

Grandmaster Bing Fai Lau
1999
The well-known Grandmaster Bing Fai Lau had a scroll presented to me after his passing, instructing me to continue his studies in the martial arts tradition, thus naming me as his successor. The Martial Arts Collective Society had awarded this scroll to Bing Fai Lau in 1996, to acknowledge his role in pioneering the martial arts in the United States.

Grandmaster Title

Chinese Athletic Arts Academy
February 2007
Awarded the title of Grandmaster “for outstanding dedication and excellence in the perpetuation and preservation of the traditions of martial arts” by Chinese Athletic Arts Academy. The certificate was signed by Professor Randal T Choy, Dean of the Chinese Athletic Arts Academy, and Master Bertram B.N. Chock, Assistant Dean of the Chinese Athletic Arts Academy.

Renshi Ryoku (6th) Dan

Paul Yamaguchi, Hanshi
February 2010
I was awarded the rank of Renshi Ryoku (6th) Dan at Lihue, Hawaii, by Hanshi Paul Yamaguchi, the head of Kosho Shorei Shin-Shing Ryu. This certificate includes his personal seal (chalk/stamp).

Acknowledgment of the Spirit & Philosophy of Practice

Professor Imi Okazaki-Mullins
Professor Imi Okazaki-Mullins passed on to me a plaque containing the philosophies of practice of her father, Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki. This was to acknowledge that my traditional spirit of practice was similar to that of her father’s. The plaque was originally presented to her oldest sister at the 8th Annual Shoshinryu Udanshakai Annual Banquet weekend June 28-30, 1991.

Master Level 1 Rank in Latosa Escrima

Grandmaster Rene Latosa
2016
Have a Master Level 1 rank in Latosa Escrima. All my training in this art was through private lessons from Grandmaster Rene Latosa.

In 800 BC, scholar monk masters from Ceylon brought gifts of Ceylon pine and Cypress trees to the holy mountain of Tai Shan in China, as a symbol of their joint Indo-China cultural studies.

James Mitose’s Kosho Shorei Ryu traces back to 1235 AD, it was founded by a monk who, according to legend, meditated under an old pine tree and discovered the meaning of true self-defense. Utilizing proper strategies, the monk could make an attacker undo his own attack in such a way that allowed for both the attacker and defender to remain uninjured. The monk chose a name for this art to reflect its spirit and origins. Hence, Kosho Shorei Ryu, which means “Old Pine Tree School of Encouragement,” was developed.

The 21st descendant of Kosho Shorei Ryu, James (Masayoshi) Mitose, moved to Hawaii in 1936 and taught his art from 1942 until 1946. It is from these early teachings that much of what’s known today as Kempo has developed.

Below is a Kosho Ryu lineage chart

Grand Master Bing Fai Lau (1906-1999)

 

 

Instrumental influence to Robert Ito, Renshi’s direction in the study of Tai Chi Chaun.

Thomas Young, Hanshi

I had the honor of meeting Thomas Young, Hanshi at Bruce Juchnik, Hanshi’s Gathering in 1994. Given the opportunity to sponsor his attendance, I jumped at the opportunity and was tasked with picking him up at the San Francisco Airport and transporting him to the event in Sacramento. The long drive allowed for more than just idle conversation and gave me my first insights into what a gracious and thoughtful man Hanshi Young was. Over the ensuing years, Hanshi Young not only enlightened me on various aspects of the martial arts but passed on his deep appreciation of family and education. I will always be thankful for the special attention he afforded my wife and children.

Grand Master Al Novak (1924-2011)

Robert Ito, Renshi’s technical teacher on the study of the human body’s physics of motion in the martial arts.

Professor Louise Imiko Okazaki-Mullins (1938-2008)

Esoteric Principles

Professor Imi Okazaki Mullins and the Okazaki family presented the Esoteric Principles (wooden carved plaque) to Robert Ito, that originally was presented to her sister. Professor Mullins was Robert Ito, Renshi’s guide to ethics, respect, goodwill and passion in the Martial Arts. She was the youngest daughter of Professor Henry Okazaki and motivation for White Tiger Esoteric Principals.

Grandmaster Ming Lum (1926-2011)

Robert Ito, Renshi’s chief mentor in helping to navigate the culture, personalities and history of the West Coast and Hawaiian martial arts communities.

Grand Master Clarence Lee (1927-2016)

Grandmaster Clarence Tai Gu Lee was born in 1927 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the eldest of five brothers. He has taught martial arts in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1953. From 1968 until 1993, Mr. Lee traveled frequently to Okinawa, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China and Indonesia to seek knowledge and train.

As a young man, he was privileged to study Shorin Ryu under the legendary Chosin Chibana Sensei. Later, he studied Shorin Ryu and Kobudo under Fumio Nagaishi Sensei, Eisuke Akamine Sensei, Katsuya Miyahira Sensei, and Shuguro Nakazato Sensei. He also trained diligently in the Chinese Martial Arts and studied Tong Long Tai Chi in Hong Kong with Sifu Kung Quan Wai, Wu Tai Chi in San Francisco with Mr. Wai, Yui Sing; Northern Style Kung Fu with Sifu Bob Louie; and Southern Style Kung Fu with Sifu Y.C. Wong and Sifu Norman Jew. In 2001, he became a student of Sifu John Chang, from Indonesia.

As a resident of San Francisco, Mr. Lee could be found each morning in Golden Gate Park, rising early, meditating, working out daily and teaching the serious devotees that sought him out. He retained a vigorous training schedule until the ripe age of 86. He enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Florida to visit students, friends, and family.

Above are pictures of Mr. Lee and Ann sharing their time at White Tiger activities. We will miss him. The stories Mr. Lee shared with me about these masters, gave me insight into their traditional philosophies and spirit of intent. Mr. Lee emphasized the tradition of earning your way in life.

Grandmaster Michael Young (1931-2013)

Confidential adviser to Robert Ito, Renshi across a myriad of topics, situations and events within the realm of martial arts.

Paul I. Yamaguchi, Hanshi (1925-2021)

Kosho Shorei Shin-Shing Ryu

Influential in developing Robert Ito, Renshi’s understanding of Great Grandmaster James Mitose’s unique teachings of Kosho energy collection. Paul Yamaguchi, Hanshi’s extensive training started with the Grandmaster of Kosho, James Mitose. He is the last of the 1st generation of Mitose’s black belts living. He continued his studies with various esteemed masters including Thomas Young, Hanshi (Kosho Shorei Ryu), O’Shiru Sensei (Shorei Ryu), Kobayashi Sensei (Gojo Ryu), and Fugita Sensei’s specialized breathing techniques. Paul Yamaguchi, Hanshi’s study called Kosho Shorei Shin-Shing Ryu is an integration of the concepts handed down from these masters that greatly influenced Robert Ito’s Inner-Self studies.

Grandmaster Rene Latosa (1951-2022)

Rene Latosa has been studying and teaching the Filipino martial arts of weapons and empty hand for over 30 years all over the world. He is, in fact, the first to bring the Filipino Martial Arts to England and Europe. He began his training at the Stockton Escrima Academy in Stockton, CA, in 1968, with Dentoy Revilar (Serrada), Maximo Sarmiento (Kadena de Mano ), Leo Giron (Largo Mano ) and Grandmaster Angel Cabales (Serrada and Father of Escrima in America). However, the most influential Escrimador in his life was his father, Juan Latosa. Rene’s initial exposure to the Filipino martial arts came through his ethnic and cultural environment in Stockton, a small farming town in central California, which at one time had the largest Filipino community apart from Manila.

In 1984, my good friend Master Herb Cody introduced me to Grandmaster Rene Latosa. His specialized ability in weapons and empty hand was very refreshing.

Over the years, I’ve sought the advice of 2 people, Ron Lee and Rene Latosa. To this day, I still use input and advice I received from Grandmaster Latosa.

We are fortunate to have Grandmaster Latosa come to White Tiger for seminars and share his style of the arts with us.

Bruce Juchnik, Hanshi

In 1992, former student Master Terry Webb paid a visit to my dojo and mentioned that he was continuing his studies under the tutelage of Bruce Juchnik, Hanshi, founder of Sei Kosho Shorei Kai International. Terry further explained that Bruce Juchnik Hanshi produced an annual event, the “Gathering”, which hosts masters from a myriad of martial arts styles to promote education and unity within the martial arts community. This concept intrigued me as I have long believed that the various disciplines and styles of martial arts share a universal set of concepts dictated by the natural laws of physics. That the group might share a common set of values and kinship peaked my interest as well.

Later in 1992, Terry Webb introduced me to Bruce Juchnik Hanshi who subsequently invited me to attend the 1993 Gathering. In 1994, Bruce Juchnik Hanshi offered me the opportunity to sponsor Grandmaster Thomas Young’s participation in that year’s Gathering. This sponsorship proved to be a seminal moment in the direction my martial arts study took over the next two decades.

Through my participation in the Gathering and Grandmaster Thomas Young’s introductions, I have had the honor of meeting and receiving wisdom, guidance and friendship from many esteemed masters (many of whom are listed on this website) and I am eternally grateful to Bruce Juchnik and the Gathering for that opportunity.

Robert Ito, Renshi (aka Mr. Ito) and his wife Mrs. Donna Ito

Robert and Donna Ito have been married for over 40 years and have worked side by side since 1975. They raised their 3 children at the Dojo, and are now enjoying their 5 grandchildren. You will find Mrs. Ito behind the desk at the Dojo working the books and schedule. It has been a wonderful experience watching at least 3 generations of students come through White Tiger. We love when our White Tiger students come back and visit with their families.

Robert Genzo Ito (Mr. Genzo)

I have over 25 years of practice and 15 years of Instructing young kids to mature adults. I use the arts as a life skill tool to better myself and create a positive experience with my influence. I enjoy working with students through their progress to learn about and better themselves through mind, body, and spirit. I find joy in using my experience to relate, understand and communicate to find solutions to struggles in their progress and help them to achieve progressive goals to expand their abilities.

Ronda Gotti (Mrs. Gotti)

I began studying White Tiger Kempo and Tai Chi in 2002 and received my Black Belt in 2010. I have learned that there is so much more to these studies than learning a Kata or advancing to another belt level. White Tiger Universal Studies is a lifetime study of the self (mind, body, spirit), of motion, and of self-defense. Our Dojo is like a family. I enjoy working Kempo, Tai Chi and weapons classes with students (5-80 years) and coordinating our quarterly tournaments.

Cory VanCraeynest (Mr. Cory)

I began studying at Ito’s White Tiger in 2001 with my older sister. Over time I found this environment very inspiring because regardless of a new student’s age, athletic ability, level of fitness, or self-confidence, with time and practice I would see the students improve if they listened and paid attention in classes. The mindset and spirit of White Tiger has helped me maintain good physical conditioning and remain oriented on self-progress and improvement in my life’s endeavors. Being able to watch the progress of upcoming generations of students and being part of passing on the White Tiger Curriculum is personally very rewarding to me.

 

Patrick Farley (Mr. Farley)

Pat Farley joined the Ito’s White Tiger Dojo in 2004 and was promoted to the rank of Black Belt in 2021.

Pat came to us with an extensive background in other athletic pursuits including college football and a 25-year rugby career. Pat founded the Marin Highlanders youth rugby club and is still active as a coach and board member.

“After my playing days were over, I was searching for an activity that would maintain my fitness level and help to fill the void left by my departure from competitive athletics. I had dabbled in Karate as a kid and Aikido as a young adult and was always intrigued by the martial arts. Returning to the martial arts, in a more focused way, seemed a natural next step for me.

I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to be training under Mr. Ito and his Black Belts. Mr. Ito is an accomplished, traditional martial artist and this journey has proven to be more challenging and rewarding than I had anticipated. Our studies address the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) and have become a lifelong pursuit for me.

Assisting with student training allows me to continue with my passion for guiding children, teens, and adults in the direction of becoming healthier and more confident individuals. I look forward to working with you.”

Pat is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager with RBC Wealth Management and lives in Novato, CA with his wife Susan. Pat and Susan’s adult children, twins Rachael and Ryan, were also White Tiger students.

Ten plus year students

Kaitlyn Thomson (Miss Kait)

I began practicing in 2004 and received my Brown Belt in 2019. Having started as a child and grown up through the dojo, I’ve found different applications and uses of my martial arts practices at different points in my life. The skills I have learned and practiced at the dojo, especially practice and patience, help me not only in martial arts, but in all facets of my life. I am a teacher and those skills, along with self-discipline, commitment, responsibility, and accountability, are integral in my work outside of the dojo. I was fortunate enough to have years of practice with those skills as a child and young adult before starting my career.

I have enjoyed working with students of all ages and helping them to improve, as well as using those opportunities to improve my own studies. One of these ways is through participating in tournaments. This is one of my favorite parts of being in the White Tiger family because I get to see the students show all of their hard work and compete with their friends and classmates. I get to see students grow and improve each tournament, which is what the tournaments are all about.

James Smith (Mr. James)

James Smith joined the Ito’s White Tiger Dojo in 2007 and now holds the rank of 3rd Degree Brown Belt. After years of playing various team sports including rugby, soccer, hockey and cricket, James came to the dojo with the aim of pursuing an individual athletic path with internal personal growth.

“I came to Ito’s White Tiger to embark on a journey that would serve my Spirit, Mind and Body, and learning from Mr. Ito and Mr. Genzo has been a highly rewarding and ever-evolving path. Their knowledge of the Arts and traditional approach to practice enables a student to progress through the belt levels with the necessary growth; learning and understanding the requirements and connections between each rank while building the individual’s mental, physical and spiritual elements. Assisting younger students with the White Tiger Curriculum has been an important personal learning experience on my path and the family community will welcome any new student entering White Tiger.”

Originally from the UK, James is a Travel Consultant with the American Council for International Studies, a job that takes him annually across the Globe. James lives in Sonoma County with his wife and daughter.