Steven J. Kaplan Sensei began his martial arts training in 1966, with a basic course in self-defense taught by Larry Lent, Shihan.  Mr. Lent was a product of the S.A.C. martial arts program in Japan.  Following the basic self-defense course, Mr. Kaplan was trained in Taiho-Jutsu, first in the short course, and then the complete system.  He continued training with Lent Shihan in Nippon Goshindo Kenpo JuJutsu, and the style's founder, Naraki Hara.  Prior to Lent's passing and Hara's retiring, Kaplan earned a Nidan in Taiho Jutsu and a Nidan in Nippon Goshindo Kenpo JuJutsu.  He then studied Goshin-do Kempo Karate with the late Pete Siringano, Sr., and Nippon Goshindo Kempo under Joseph Riccobono, Kyoshi.  Steve has studied and teaches JoJutsu, and knife fighting.

Kaplan Sensei has taught martial arts at colleges, student centers, in dojos open to the public, police and military personnel, and privately.  Additionally, he was Assistant Instructor in JuJutsu under Lent Shihan at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in NY.  Kaplan Sensei holds Sandan from the USTJF, and Sandan from the Nippon Goshindo Kempo Federation.  Mr. Kaplan is the Florida State Director and the International Training Coordinator for the USTJF.

Alvin G. Linzy Sensei has trained in martial arts since 1969.  He has a background in Goju Ryu Karate, Shotokan Karate, Tai Chi Chuan and Taiho Jutsu.  He began his formal training at the Chicago Judo and Karate Association in Chicago. He has trained under Lionel Jones, Patrick Goddard, Bernard Gilbert, Dennis Perdue and Charles Plaines, Sr.

Mr. Linzy has a Shodan in Shotokan, a Nidan in Goju Ryu and a Samdan in Hosinsol (Tai Chi Chuan). He was awarded a Shichidan in Taiho Jutsu from Bernard Gilbert (ITJF) in 2006.  He ran his own studio, Asian Ways, for five years and is on the board of directors for the International Taiho Jutsu Federation.  He is a member in good standing with the United States of America Karate Federation (USAKF), Hwa Rang Do Martial Arts Federation, United Martial Arts Association and Japan Ways.  Mr. Linzy is a licensed regional and state referee and a licensed national judge under the USAKF, and is a certified leader level coach with the American Coaching Effectiveness Program.  He is also a member of the United States of America Federation of Pankration Athlima.  Mr. Linzy was awarded a Judan in Taiho Jutsu (ITJF) and is the President of the USTJF.

Charles Ropiequet Sensei has studied martial arts since childhood.  His experience includes boxing, judo, Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, Isshinryu Karate, Shorei Ryu Karate, Shotokan Karate and Taiho Jutsu.  He received a Shodan in Shotokan Karate and a Nidan in Taiho Jutsu from Charles Plaines Shihan.  He also holds a Sandan in Goju Ryu Karate from Shihan Caicedo in Cali, Colombia.  Mr. Ropiequet collaborated with Shihan Caicedo in conducting two Taiho Jutsu seminars in Cali.  He currently runs a private language service, specializing in Spanish/English translations and instruction in a variety of foreign languages.

David O. Shipley Sensei has studied martial arts since 1977. Trained under Shojiro Sugiyama, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Charles L. Plaines, Sr., his martial arts experience includes: Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Mantis Kung Fu, and Taiho Jutsu. He received his Yondan in Shotokan and a Sandan in Taiho Jutsu from Plaines Shihan. Mr. Shipley holds an MBA in Public Non-profit Management and Human Resource Management.  He is an ASEP Certified Leader Level Coach, a USAKF Certified Referee and the Illinois State Representative for the Gospel Martial Arts Union. He was awarded a Kudan in Taiho Jutsu (ITJF) and is the General Secretary of the USTJF.

James Tansey Sensei began his study of the martial arts in 1983 with Ji Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do.  He acquired the rank of Chodan in 1989 and Yidan in 1991. His study of Taiho Jutsu began in 1991 at the Far Eastern Arts Dojo under the instruction of Charles Plaines, Sr. In 1995 Plaines Shihan promoted Mr. Tansey to the rank of Shodan in Taiho Jutsu. Jim received his Nidan from Mr. Plaines in 1999 and his Sandan in 2006. He is the Treasurer for the USTJF.