MORE THAN JUST A DOJO

Increase your strength 85%

teach self defense skills 75%

better yourself as a person 90%

BE A WITNESS & MODEL THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS 100%

"Everyone must choose one of two pains: The pain of discipline or the pain of regret."

— JIM ROHN.

I began martial arts training in 1990 while living in Kentucky. I trained with my cousin Soke Robert Stines Jr.; who, at that time, taught Shorin-Ryu Shorin-kan Karate.

It was during this time that I developed a deep respect and affection for the Okinawan martial arts. However, after 6 months of training in Williamsburg Kentucky, I relocated to Michigan for employment/financial reasons. There I found Southfield Martial Arts; which was the dojo of Grand Master Willie Adams, and I was introduced to Isshin-ryu Karate. The Southfield dojo was a well-established training facility, with a deep stable of talented Black Belt level practitioners on the floor. Many of those Black Belts are tournament champions in Kata, Kobudo, and Kumite; this was a fertile environment for a young hungry mind, with a desire for martial arts knowledge. I flourished in this dedicated and disciplined martial arts environment, and also continued to train with my cousin through the years during vacations and meeting at tournaments and seminars throughout the south and east coast of the U.S.

Sensei Vincent Ellis

Crusaders martial arts

In 1999 my career progressed and I left Michigan and again relocated to Kentucky for work. There I continued my training with Soke Robert Stines, who had developed the progressive style of Sanshin-Ryu Jujitsu; which is an eclectic system that blends Okinawan Karate, Judo, and Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu. I also continued training in Isshin-ryu Karate, through travel back to Michigan and meeting local practitioners in Kentucky and Tennessee as a part of that continuation I spent some time training at the Wheeler Academy with Sensei Chuck Reynolds and was fortunate to be a part of the final class held at the old dojo location in Powell, I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with some well-known and proficient Isshinryu practitioners along the way. I am currently continuing my Isshinryu journey under the guidance of Master Doyle Seiber and have been for the last few years.

Throughout my martial arts training, I have competed in many local, Regional, and National level Karate Tournaments in the U.S. and Canada, as well as competing in local, Regional, and National level Sport Jujitsu tournaments. I have won many awards for Kumite, Kata, and Kobudo in notable tournaments such as:

The North American Karate Championships
1st place Kata
AOKA Grand Nationals
Placing top 3 in BB Kata & Kumite
KIAI Grand Nationals
Placing top 3 in BB Weapons, Kata & Kumite
The Isshinryu Hall of Fame
Placing top 3 in BB Kata & Kumite
1999 Blue Grass Brawl Full Contact Sport Jujitsu event
Winner 1st round submission by strikes
A.S.J.L. National Jujitsu Championships.
Placing top 3 in BB Kata & Kumite
2019 WCJJO World championships
Silver Medal SJJ free fighting
2019 Arnold Classic
Gold Kata
Silver Weapons

Other notable accomplishments:

2015 Opened Crusaders martial arts in Corbin Ky.
2018 ASJL Sport Jujitsu Hall of Fame Instructor of the Year
2018 ASJL BB National Kata National Champion
2019 Doyle Seiber’s IKSD Dojo of the year
2019 ASJL BB National Kata National Champion
2019 ASJL Team USA Sport Jujitsu Team member
2018-2019 Hosted the ASJL Sanctioned Tournament: The Blue Grass Bash doubling competitors in year 2
2020 Doyle Seiber’s IKSD Instructor Of the Year
2020 Co-Host Zen Minded Men PodCast
2020 Member of Masters Advisory Council for South Easter Martial Arts Federation

In 1999 Sensei Ellis’ career progressed and he left Michigan and again relocated to Kentucky. He continued training with his cousin, who had developed the progressive style of Sanshin-Ryu Jujitsu; which is an eclectic system that blends Okinawan Karate, Judo, and Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu. Sensei Ellis also continued training in Isshin-Ryu Karate, through traveling back to Michigan and meeting local practitioners in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Throughout his Martial Arts training, Sensei Ellis has competed in many local, regional, and national level Karate tournaments in the U.S. and Canada, as well as competing in local, regional, and national level Jujitsu Tournaments such as the North American Karate Championships; Aoka Grand Nationals; Kiai Grand Nationals; The Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame; and the A.J.L National Jujitsu Championships.

In 2013 Soke Stines moved to Florida but Sensei Ellis continues to train with him at training camps and seminars, and trains with other practitioners of the art in various Dojos in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Michigan.

Soke Stines recommended that Sensei Ellis begin teaching and sharing his knowledge, and in 2015 Sensei Ellis began teaching members of the youth group from his church, and that small group grew and is the foundation of Crusaders Martial Arts today.

In 2017 Sensei Ellis began the study of Tokushin-Ryu Kobudo, and Okinawan Weapons System; to continue his Martial Arts Education, all the while, sharing his Martial Arts knowledge and helping others through the Martial Arts Traditions.

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Testimonials

 5/5

“My son has improved and achieved things through this program that I know he would not have attained otherwise. The gentle but positive pressure towards the goals of the program and the sincere want for the children to better protect themselves and others is felt with every session. It may not be akin to paramilitary training like some apparently expect in the reviews here but it is what we have needed for both self discipline and health improvements. I will always recommend this institution to others.”

“Crusaders martial arts is a phenomenal place to learn karate! Sensei Ellis is an excellent instructor who takes genuinely cares about the art form. He is not only well versed in defense but teaches you the history of the Isshin-ryu and where it comes from. Highly recommend this dojo. Great instructors who tailor learning for the student and work one on one to make sure you understand.“

“We are very pleased with Crusaders - wonderful instruction for our 5-year-old!“

“ I’ve trained here for three years and love my continued learning of Isshinryu karate as well as learning some techniques in Jujitsu. The dojo is always welcoming, clean and open for almost anytime I want to train. A safe place of learning and building good character. My Sensei’s are always helping me becoming a better Martial Artist and I’m so grateful!”

“ The best Dojo. My kids love it.”

OUR TRAINERS

more than just a team of trainers

Vincent Ellis

Cadets (Teens & Adults 18+)

I have truly been blessed to be able to both train and witness so many wonderful students. God bless you, and if our paths should cross soon, I hope we both are better for it.