Hanshi Jerry Delane Partain
On May 5, 1960, Jerry Partain became active in the Martial Arts. Beginning with Judo and progressing into Karate classes in San Diego, California, at the Pacific Beach Judo & Karate Club. This Martial Arts club still operates today and is one of the oldest in the nation.
On August 23, 1968 Jerry Partain revceived his First Degree Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate do and on July 15, 1971 received his Second Degree Black Belt. Mr. Partain became a certified/accredited instructor in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate do and Kobudo in accordance with the policies of the Okinawan Ancient Fighting Arts Association on December 17, 1973.
Mr. Partain was the owner/instructor of the La Mesa, California branch of the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Martial Arts School from 1974 to August 1980. During this time he held the position of Vice President of the Martial Arts Institutes Association - California Branch, which is headquartered in New Jersey. He also helped in forming the San Diego County Martial Arts Alliance, as well as organizing a martial arts program with the Boy Scouts of America. He gave demonstrations at the yearly Scout Fair in Del Mar, California. Mr. Partain was also the California state representative in 1980 for All Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Ken Shin Kan Karate Do and Kobudo Association headed by Supreme Master Fusei Kise, until his move to Fort Smith, Arkansas in May 1981.
Mr. Partain travled through Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri for eleven years training martial artists in traditional Okinawan Karate techniques, as well as bringing Master Kise to visit and conduct seminars and clinics during these years. Mr. Partain now has over 5 schools in Arkansas where he continues to conduct classes and seminars.
Mr. Partain now lives in Lakewood, Colorado where his is conducting classes on a private basis to new students as well as giving clinics to other instructors throughout the area who are interested in increasing thier knowledge of traditional martial arts.
On October 10, 1982, Mr. Partain was promoted by Grand Master Fusei Kise and given rank of Renshi, which means Cheif Instructor. Mr. Partain currently has achieved Black Belt status in a number of styles related to the Shuri Te system.