About Garza-Sensei

About Garza Sensei

Instructor Roberto (Bob) Garza began his Martial Arts training in 1977 while serving in the United States Marine Corps. While in the USMC, he studied Hwa Rang Do, which was at the time the only place to study this art outside of Korea. It was during his years of service when he was introduced to Aikido.

In 1990, he joined the Aikido Association of America and was instructed by Shihan Fumio Toyoda and his various instructors. While a part of the Kenshusei program, several black belts left Soshinkan Dojo. Garza Sensei left the Kenshusei program to take over the kids program at Soshinkan Dojo while he was 2nd Kyu. He has continued teaching children's classes ever since. Many of Sensei's kids have grown up in the dojo and have gone onto college and also into the military. Some have called the Dojo from Afghanistan and Iraq to thank sensei for his leadership, teachings but most of all his friendship.

During his years as an Aikido instructor, he was introduced to Japanese Swordsmanship by Toyoda Shihan. Garza Sensei, along with Aikido, is a practitioner of Iaido and reached the Nidan level in Mugai Ryu Iai Hyodo. Garza Sensei has also practiced some Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, Muso Shinden Ryu, and Aikido Toho Iaido as well as some other forms.

AIKIDO

Soseikan Dojo
Aikido Iaido Club
Charles M. Christensen Terrace Center / Worth Park District

Dojo Cho / Chief Instructor
President of Martial Arts Inc of Oak Lawn
Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt) Certified through Hombu Dojo

Other

Former Dojo Cho / Chief Instructor of Soshinkan Dojo (9 years) , Aikido Association of America
Former member of Midwest Testing Committee, Aikido Association of America
Former member of National Teaching Committee, Aikido Association of America
Past President of Black Belt Hakamakai Organization, Aikido Association of America
Former member Aikido Association of America ( 14 years )

IAIDO

Mugai Ryu Iai Hyodo