Member Profile

Soke Calkins has been in the Martial Arts for over 39 years. Soke began his training in 1968 with Sifu Lei Tai Soong of the Toledo Kung-Fu Academy in Toledo, Ohio. Soke stayed with Sifu Soong until 1970 and reached the rank of Red Sash in Shaolin Kung-Fu and the 5 animal styles. Soke's favorites were the Crane, Snake, Monkey, Mantis and Monkey. This training was full time and even at the young age, Soke was dedicated to his training. With the support of his parents, Soke trained sometimes 5-6 days a week with Sifu Soong.

Later Soke did other training in Kung-Fu adding to this training In his early teens he began training in Qi-Gong. With Soke's feelings about hurting people he began training in Iron Shirt Qi-Gung. A mystical style that leaves the body able to receive the hardest blows with little or no effect.

In 1976 Soke was in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. And trained under Master instructor Tamio Kimura at the "Way of Life" Dojo. This Dojo Trained in Aikido. Soke Trained here until 1978 when he was awarded his 1st degree black in this style.

In November of 1978 Soke found himself in Garland Tx. Here he met Master David Frost of the Black Star Ninjitsu Academy. This was a live in academy and Soke lived and trained at the academy for until August of 1979.

Soke Calkins trained on his own for a few years passing on his training to all who were interested. In 1980 Soke formed the style of Golden Dragon Karate. A Blend of his training over the years. Soke taught with several other schools during this time. Learning their styles and systems and adding this training to his own.
In 1995 Soke met and taught with Sensei Robert Koch & Sensei Mark Acquard of Warrior Self-Defense. Warrior Self-Defense was a blend of Kenpo Karate & Bruce Lee's Jeet-Kune-Do. Sensei Koch & Sensei Acquard were impressed with Soke's ability to work with people specially children. In all of my years of training I would have to say that... "My time spent with Sensei Robert Koch & Sensei Mark Acquard was the best Martial Arts Experience of my life." "Sensei Koch & Sensei Acquard are two of the best trained Martial Artists I have ever had the honor of training with and I feel their training increased my ability and speed 100%."

In the spring of 2001 Soke had a slip and fall that broke his back at L5-S1. This put Soke out of training for a short while. Soke tried to get back to training in the spring of 2003. During this time he studied the manuals of all the other systems he had trained in working on creating his own system. Blending all of his training and ideas Soke finally found what he was looking for.

In the summer of 2004 Soke after all of the years found the name for what he was going to teach and formed. "Fusho-Satori-Ryu" "The Art Of Unborn Enlightenment". Looking back on the teachings of Master Bankei (a Zen Monk). Showing the "Action without Action" ideals. Soke has been teaching the ways of Mushin (no Thought) for over 25 years and this is just what he had been talking about. On August 18th 2004 master Instructor Bruce D. Calkins was honored by the Sokeship council of the "Eagle Federation" as "Shodai Soke" Founder of Fusho-Satori-Ryu.

Soke Calkins has continued his training to include rankings in Takada Jikoboei Do Kempo from Renshi Paul Corrigan of the UK, Okinawan Kuma-Ryu Karate Jutsu With Renshi Robert Sterling of St. Petersburg , Fl. USA, Street Fucus ( Full Contact Unarmed System ) / LAKAN/MuaySagravvate, a Filipino innovated, simplified practical martial arts from the Asian Brotherhood of Lethal Defense Intl under the direction of Renshi Nelson Vargas of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, and Combat Kenpo from Renshi Joel White, of Manchester, CT. More about these affiliates can be found on out instructor’s page found on our Web Site.

Soke Calkins has been published several times in the Magazine “Martial Arts Professional and Martial Arts Success” With the latest released in July’s 2004 issue. For over 39 years Soke Bruce Calkins has worked to bring the best of the Martial Arts World to you. And He Will Never Stop ! !