Instructors
SENSEI RAY SCHOLL, 4th DAN, KUMU SENSEI, SCHOOL HEAD
Sensei Ray Scholl, is the School Head of Burbank Danzan Dojo. He is certified to instruct across all modules of the dojo curriculum, having completed rigorous instructor training with Professor Kimo. Ray currently holds the rank of Yodan (4d) and is an AJJF certified Senior Instructor in Danzan Ryu Judo & Jujitsu. Ray receives additional training in Silat and Filipino martial arts.
Ray has received additional instruction in Kali and BJJ and was awarded the Alaka'i title of “Kumu Danzan" in 2019.
Ray's dedication to personal growth is reflected in his achievements as a Mod 2 graduate of the Danzan Ryu Seifukujitsu institute, coupled with his Massage Practitioner certification in California. Moreover, Ray is a Leadership Coach, leveraging his multifaceted experiences to empower individuals on their journey to self-improvement.
Beyond his martial arts studies, Ray's commitment to service is evident in his nine-years of tenure with the USMC, for which we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
PROFESSOR KIMO WILLIAMS, 6th DAN, KUPUNA SENSEI
Professor Williams is the founder and headmaster of Burbank Danzan Dojo and a Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu.
Born and raised in Aiea, Hawaii, Kimo draws from his considerable rank and experience in Gendai Nihon Jujitsu (3d), Kali Balangkis, Balintawak Eskrima, Pukulan Bukti Nigara Silat. Kodokan Judo and Qigong.
Kimo is a California Certified Bodywork Therapist and shares his traditional Hawai'ian healing (Ola pono) knowledge with the Danzan community. Kimo is a student of the Tao, Zen and Hawaiian spiritual philosophy.
PROFESSOR MIKE BELZER, 9th DAN, KUPUNA SENSEI
Professor Mike Belzer, Kudan, DZR PMB has been a internationally recognized student of the martial arts for well over 50 years.
Professor Belzer first received his shodan in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu in 1972. He then traveled to Japan for nine months of training at the International Headquarters for Aikido and The Rembukan for Jodo (stick fighting). 1974. He was accepted as a student of Sensei Donn F. Draeger: considered the first western master of classical Japanese martial arts.
In the years since, Mike has also trained and taught:
Filipino Kali and Jun Fan Gung-Fu. Apprentice Instructor under Dan Inosanto for ten years. 1979 - 1989.
Savate - Silver Glove under the French Savate Federation - 1988
Impact Personal Safety - Full Force Self Defense Instructor Trainer - 1992
Close Quarter Combat - Advanced Instructor under Hock Hochheim
Within Arms Reach (W.A.R.) 5th Dan under Master Cliff Stewart and Guro David Feldman
Police Arrest &Control - 120 instructor hours under BobKoga -Police Aikijutsu - Nidan under Sensei Bernie Lau
Serrada Escrima - Advanced Instructor under Guro Khalid Khan
Okazaki Restoration Massage - Module 1 graduate, Seifukujutsu Institute under Professor Bob Hudson
Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu - Rokudan & Gomokuroku license under Steven Bellamy, Menkyo Kaiden
Professor Belzer’s experience and understanding is an invaluable resource for all students of Burbank Danzan.
GURU MANNY FARGAS
Guru Manny is a Saaverdra Eskrima instructor under GM Attillo and Master Cavada and a Balintwawak practitioner under GM Gabuayan. Manny is also a practitioner of Bukti Negara Pukulan Penjatk Silat and trained under Pendeker Paul de Thouars. Manny also trained in American Kenpo under Ed Parker. Manny Served in the US Army for 15 years and 5 with the Department of Defense; we thank him for his service.
SENSEI MINH TRUONG, 3rd DAN, KUMU SENSEI
Minh Sensei holds a Danzan rank of Sandan (3d) in the Danzan Arts and is a certified instructor of the AJJF. He also holds the rank of Shodan in Shotokan Karate and has additional experience in Jeet Kun Do and Escrima. Minh has been training in martial arts for over 18 years and continues to train with Professor Kimo in the Danzan Arts. Minh Sensei was awarded the Alaka'i title of “Kumu Danzan” in 2015.
JEFF STILLION, HAUMANA SENSEI
Jeff began studying Danzan Ryu in 2013, and earned his Dojo Shodan (1d) in 2017. Jeff continues to train towards the rank of Nidan (2d).
Jeff began martial arts training at an early age, advancing in Shaolin Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do. Alongside Danzan Ryu, he studies the Filipino and Indonesian arts. His diverse training and experience allows him to bring a well-rounded approach to teaching.
MATT ERMINO, HAUMANA SENSEI
Matt currently holds Dojo and AJJF certified rank of Shodan (1d) in Danzan Ryu martial & healing arts. Matt continues to train towards his Nidan rank in Danzan Ryu. Matt was awarded the Alaka'i title of "Hauamana Sensei" in 2021
Burbank Danzan Dojo Yudansha
Chelsea Devincent
Igor Kulikov
Landon Toma
Joshua Gillins
Jesse Galicinao
Richard Kaszonyi
