Taiho-Ryu Dojos

Taiho-Ryu has several dojos (schools) in Arkansas and Texas. All instructors, besides being black belts with many years of martial arts experience, are required to continue their training under Sensei Hardy and are certified on an annual basis.

Many of the instructors are active in teaching self defense and weapon neutralization tactics to law enforcement and US military organizations. In addition, all instructors are versed in the concepts developed by Sensei Hardy in his book "Defensive Living". Taiho-Ryu instructors are among the leading self defense experts in the country.

For More Information and Class Schedules

Dumas, AR

Instructor: Lloyd Downen, 3rd degree black belt
Contact Sensei Downen at (870) 382-1218

Fayetteville, AR

Instructor: Bo Hardy, 9th degree black belt
Contact Sensei Hardy at 501-582-4111

Sensei Hardy taught in Fayetteville during the 1967-1971 time period, captained and chartered the 1st University of Arkansas Karate Club during that period, and trained with several local martial artists including Wayne Davis, Sarge West, and Robert Neralich. They hosted the first Regional Karate tournament ever held in Arkansas at the University of Arkansas' old "Men's Gym". During this period, around 1970, Sensei Hardy began training with Professor Sacharnoski. Sensei Hardy became the regional director for the Jujitsu Black Belt Federation of America under Professor Sacharnoski around 1972-1973. More about Sensei Hardy's history.

Little Rock, AR

Instructors:

Andy Rinchuso, 4th degree black belt

Sensei Rinchuso has been training in Taiho-Ryu since 1973 and became a member of the Taiho-Ryu Hall Of Fame in 1993. He was promoted to Shodan in 1982, Nidan in 1989, Sandan in 1994, and Yodan in 2004.

Steve Dixon, 3rd degree black belt

Sensei Dixon received his Sandan in 2006. He joined Taiho-Ryu in December, 1993. He was awarded Shodan in 2000 and Nidan in 2002. He began instruction in 1997 implementing a beginner's class and continues today instructing students in both beginner's and advanced classes.

The Little Rock dojo is located at 1307 Barrow Rd in the rear of the strip shopping center on the lower level. The phone number is 501-224-9790.

Monticello, AR

Instructor: John Carson, 7th degree black belt
Contact Sensei Carson at 870-367-9350

Sensei Carson has over twenty-five years experience in martial arts and established the Monticello dojo in 1981. Besides teaching his regular classes, he has taught self-defense & jujitsu seminars to law enforcement, self-defense for women and classes designed just for children. He is a member of the Taiho-Ryu Hall Of Fame and serves on the Taiho-Ryu Board of Directors.

Pine Bluff, AR

Instructors:

James Stewart, 3rd degree black belt
Michael South, 2nd degree black belt

The Pine Bluff dojo is located at 207 N Catalpa St. and the phone number is 870-534-8900.

Sheridan, AR

Instructor: Terry Clark, 2nd degree black belt
Contact Mr. Clark at 870-942-4879

Terry Clark has been training in Taiho-Ryu since February, 1993. He took over the reins of the Sheridan dojo in the summer of 1997. For the past three years, he has worked with the Girl Scouts of Southeast Arkansas teaching them self-defense techniques so they can avoid becoming victims. Besides teaching his regular karate classes and working with the Girl Scouts, he also has taught self-defense to women and children. He has also been a Justice of the Peace in Grant County since 1987. The Sheridan dojo moved to its present location in May, 1999.

The Sheridan dojo is located at 102 West Center Street (directly in front of the Grant County Courthouse).

Ages 7 to 12	6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday nights
Ages 13 and above	7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday nights

 

Arlington, TX

Instructors:

Nelson Hodges, 6th degree black belt
Contact Sensei Nelson Hodges at 817-307-3800

Sensei Hodges continuously studies and has taught Taiho-Ryu since 1976. Prior to being introduced to Taiho-Ryu, he was involved in sports, boxing and other martial systems. Nelson began teaching interested students in 1989 and officially opened the DFW area dojo in 1991. He has instructed hundreds of students including personnel from the military, law enforcement, Dept. of Corrections, and government agencies, as well as many civilians. He has also taught self defense and assault prevention classes to women's groups, children's organizations, and to corporate groups. Nelson was a guest lecturer at the University of Texas - Arlington, College of Social Work, on assault prevention issues for several years. He has also taught Taiho-Ryu / Self Defense classes, as a visitor, in several other countries including Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Trinidad.

Sensei John Hodges, 3rd degree black belt
Mr. William Harper, 1st degree black belt

 

The Cost

There are no contracts.
There is an annual membership fee of $25.
Fees for classes are $30 to $35 per month.

Private sessions are available. The head instructor at the dojo should be contacted for times and rates.

Rank testings are done when the student is ready for a higher belt and this is determined by the instructor. Given the comprehensiveness and intensity level of training in Taiho-Ryu, students usually test only two times a year. Test fees are $25, paid only once per rank testing, regardless of whether the student needs to retest.

Uniforms are not required for beginning students but are encouraged after a brief trial period of training. Protective equipment such as mouth guards and cups should be purchased by each student and additional equipment can be purchased at a later date.

Some sparring gear and weapons are available for use in the dojo and students are encouraged to purchase their own protective gear and weapons over time as it is needed.

For more information, contact one of the instructors or send email to