Robert Fettinger Jr
at the start of his Goshin Jutsu Karate training in 1987
I was first interested in Martial arts at 8yrs old when my older brother Steve, whom studied Judo, would practice with me, even bringing me to class.. It was not till I was an adult, though that I began to study in earnest. My brothers Steve, Charles and Jim had started training in Goshin Jutsu Karate with (kyoshi)Dale Howell and urged me to try. I did and was hooked, and began learning my fundamentals.
But I worked the off shift he could not attend the regular Goshin Jutsu classes, so I began studying through the North American Tae Kwon Do, Chung Do Kwon association. The local school had classes during the day, three times a week . I patiently, and fervently trained with them for three years.
I competed at Tae Kwon Do Tourneys, at the schools in the Chung Do Kwon association.
Bob breaking three boards with elbow and hooking kick during testing.
I went through Master Travis's Rigorous Testings and Progressed to 3rd Gup(high blue belt). When the local Tae Kwon Do school left the association, I continued my Goshin Jutsu Karate training with Mr. Howell. Pretty much starting over, I studied and practiced four more years until I was able to test for Shodan(first degree black belt)..
Bob had the privilege to work out with Bill(superfoot)Wallace in Lafayette In.
I started teaching friends and found that I enjoyed it. The more I began to understand how Karate could help people with more that just self defense, and also how it could be misused, I began shifting my focus from just learning and teaching Karate to teaching with emphasis on honor, respect and humility.
I began to seek and wanted to help others find "Budo"(warrior's honorable way), by the path of mental and physical discipline.
Teaching is hard work, Bob is often a students first guinea pig, as well as Master Howell's demonstrator.
Bob Fettinger Receiving his promotion to (Sandan)Third degree Black Belt after an exhaustive test.
After I had been teaching for a while, we began a Junior Jutsu Kids class..
Bob makes Krista Johnson work for the body drop throw (he's still the Guinea pig)..
With help from the adult Practitioners, and working with some pretty good kids, we are doing well..
We also like to have guest martial artists and have a field trip to there schools. Above we work out with Ton Somkit's Aki-Te Ryu School.
And Master Boliards Ground Fighting Seminar by Gary Sikorski.
We train on the Mat (take downs) as well as striking.
Training outside when weather permits, with Jim Fettinger, Bruce Maxton, Scott Nicola, and Nick Stetzel(taking picture).
Though our main focus is not the sport aspect, Once a year we like to compete at tourney.
Bob dodging a punch and countering with a spin kicking, and performing the Kata Chinto at the 2003 annual Bushido-Kan Challenge
Bob Performs weapons form "Itto Jo Ryu Nitto Jo Ryu"
Bruce Maxton, Jim Fettinger and I prepare to Test.
Some can say the pinnacle of my (bugei) Martial training so far was when Jim and I passed an arduous over five hour testing.
(Kyoshi) Master Howell. pictured preparing to award the red masters certificate.
I received my (Master) rank of Fifth Degree Black Belt
Jim received his (Chief Instructor) rank of Third Degree Black belt.
Bruce Receives his Brown Belt.
It is with the continued support of my Sensei Master Howell, family, friends and unwavering support from my "little Bro" Jim who helps teach and train with, that I can continue.