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home > adult training > staff > charles gelm
As an original student of Kurt Rittenhouse Martial Arts and then the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, Charles began training after his brother-in-law, Dustin Meyer, introduced him to the art. Always having an interest in learning to defend himself and not fearing an altercation, Charles dedicated himself to training. He has trained extensively with Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, Sean Askew, Tony Maddin & Jeff Ochester, along with attending countless seminars and workshops with guest instructors. Because of his skill, Charles was awarded his Shodan (1st Degree Blackbelt) in 1999. In 2001, Charles, now a Nidan (2nd Degree Blackbelt), visited Japan for the first time to train. He trained with Noguchi Shihan, Nagato Shihan, Shiraishi Shihan, and Hatsumi Soke. After seeing Charles’ taijutsu, Nagato Shihan awarded Charles his Sandan (3rd Degree Blackbelt). In 2002, Sean Askew (Bujinkan Shihan) moved to Dayton, Ohio and began teaching at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo his flavor of Kosen Judo, Shodo, and Budo Taijutsu. Charles regularly attended Sean’s classes, and his taijutsu blossomed. It became apparent to most seniors at the dojo that Charles had found his natural movement while studying with Sean. Charles also began training diligently in ne waza (ground movement), and eventually competed in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic and NAGA (North American Grappling Association) tournaments throughout Ohio. Charles’s taijutsu is best known for its solid kihon (foundation). His classes are full of ukemi practice, striking, and kihon happo studies. Charles is one of the preferred instructors to learn proper Bujinkan basics at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. Because of this, Charles earned his Yondan (4th Degree blackbelt) in 2005. In 2007, Charles visited Japan for the second time to continue training under Hatsumi Soke and the senior Bujinkan Shihan. During the trip, he was given the chance to take the Godan test (5th Degree Blackbelt). Charles passed with flying colors on his first try, and is now a licensed Shidoshi – authentic Bujinkan teacher in his own right. He is also part of the Bujinkan Shidoshi Kai, or Bujinkan teaching guild. Charles is a husband and father of two boys who help keep his taijutsu sharp! He is an excellent example to the community and always makes time to work with new students. His character and instruction are great examples for all Bujinkan students to look up to. Charles continues his study of Budo Taijutsu, working to eliminate his weak points and polish the characters that make him an exceptional Bujinkan student. We thank Charles for continuing on his Budo path and sharing his knowledge with those around him.
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Charles Gelm is a licensed teacher (Shidoshi) of Budo Taijutsu under Hatsumi Soke of the Bujinkan Honbu in Noda-shi, Japan. He has pursued martial arts training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu since 1994.