Josh Ross

Founder of Sato Bu Kan Dojo

Josh started his martial arts career in Kendo in the pacific northwest in 2004. He spent three years practicing kendo in Bellevue before moving to Japan. Over the course of two years living in Japan, Josh Sensei earned his Ni-dan rank in Kendo (2nd degree black belt).

Josh found Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho in 2009 when he was looking for an art which truly resembled the samurai’s skill set. Josh Sensei returned to Japan in 2010 and studied under Kuroda Tetsuzan Sensei at the Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo. He continues to train directly under Williams Sensei and continues to be a student of Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo.

 Josh speaks Japanese and has a great understanding of the Japanese culture. He continues to travel to Japan for study and pleasure. His language is supplemented by the practice Shodo or Japanese calligraphy where he is Godan and had artwork in the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Nami Ryu attracted me because it maintains martial skill first and foremost. The sharp sword and tanto teach best and keep me on my toes. From the sword world I have learned to operate differently and approach my career in a unique way.”

Japanese Martial Arts

•Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho - James Williams Sensei (15+ years)

•Shinbukan Kuroda Ryu-gi - Kuroda Tetsuzan Sensei (14+ years)

•Kendo, 3 years PNKF and 2 years in Japan, 2nd Degree Black Belt

•Aikido, 1 year at Emerald City Aikido

Wilderness classes

•Tom Brown Jr's Tracking Nature and Wilderness Tracking School - Standard Class

•Earthwalk Northwest - Arrow making

•Wilderness Awareness School - Walkabout Survival Expedition

Firearms & Medical

•Magpul Dynamics Precision Rifle course - Caylen Wojcik

•Defensive Training International Defensive Carbine - John Farnam

•LMS Defense Pistol 1 - Okanogan Sheriff Deputies

•Alias Training & Security Services Pistol - Ken Hackathorn

•System of Strategy Pistol and Low Light Tactics - James Williams/Garron Billick

•MDS Precision Rifle -Shooting Movers - Caylen Wojcik

•Tactical Casualty Care - Crisis Med Hive Module, M Shertz M.D. 18D

Professional

•Professional Engineer

•Commercial and Aerobatic Pilot, SES, SEL, IFR

•Women's Self Defense and Protection

Josh learning from Kuroda Sensei. Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo was founded by Yahei Masayoshi Kuroda in 1848. Kuroda Sensei is the fifteenth Soke of his family's system. With the passing of O’Sensei, Josh continues to learn from his son, the sixteenth Soke, Kuroda Yasumasa, and only teacher of his system in the world.

Josh “helping” Williams Sensei demonstrate using jujutsu technique in a kenjutsu application. Williams sensei founded Nami Ryu with Soke Angier of Yanagi Ryu. Williams Sensei is a world renowned martial expert and has spent decade instructing police and military special forces around the world.

Assistant Instructors

Sam Chapman became a student of Ross Sensei in 2017, and assistant instructor in 2022. He now leads a study group at Sato Bu Kan after Josh moved to Eastern Washington. Sam spent seven years in hospital security at the University of Washington Medica Center, and currently work as an investigator for the State of Washington.

He studied several martial arts until he stumbled upon Nami Ryu by chance. In Nami Ryu he found the synergy between kenjutsu and my Zen training. Sam realized through much hardship that the only obstacle is himself, and that the way to mastery, whether of the self or martial arts, rests in the saying “the way is in training.” This is the most important concept he hopes to share with his students: the cycle of improvement is lifelong, and the possibilities for growth are limitless.