Shoto Tanemura Soke
Shoto Tanemura Soke (Grandmaster) is truly a unique individual. He possesses unparalleled physical capabilities even to this very day. His Legendary Martial Art skills are truly phenomenal. His organizations, the Genbukan World Ninpo Federation and the Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei, are the foundations upon which his teachings begin.
Seeing Tanemura Soke perform his techniques and even feeling them will not give you the complete picture.
Although everyone can enjoy a picture by a great artist; only another great artist can truly begin to describe what sets the great master’s apart from the rest of us. And only another Master will fully understand what is being explained.
The more I learn, the more I am truly in awe of Tanemura Soke.
He has been blessed with a way of knowing things that is extremely rare. Not only does he receive wisdom directly from Heaven; he can also see through the veils of illusion here on earth. He can tap into knowledge and powers not available to most of us.
Listening to Tanemura Soke speak of everyday life is as exciting and illuminating as watching him perform his martial arts. He has the ability to put things into their true and proper prospective.
Unlike some martial arts instructors, Tanemura Soke treats his personal students as part of his extended family and is constantly nurturing us.
Although Tanemura Sensei is truly a World Class Grandmaster of Ninpo, Jujutsu, Kenjutsu (Japanese Sword Fighting), Bojutsu (Japanese Staff Fighting) and Baguazhang, his first and greatest love is Ninpo Taijutsu.
To learn more about my teacher, Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura, and his teachers, his Martial Arts, Ninpo, Jujutsu, and Chugoku Kenpo & Amatsu Tatara please go to: Genbukan.org
Seen in the picture to the left is Grandmaster Tanemura working with his son, Shihan (Master) Kohtaroh. Kohtaroh Hanshi is one of the youngest true Hanshis in the world of Martial Arts. He holds the rank of Hachi Dan (8th Degree Blackbelt) in both the Genbukan and the KJJR, as well as Menkyo Kaiden (full transmission) in several Ryuha (Traditional School).
Kohtaroh Hanshi’s natural talents, martial knowledge, willingness to teach and good heart make him an excellent instructor. He teaches regularly at the Genbukan Honbu Dojo. He also assists the Grandmaster on his Taikai (International Gatherings) throughout the world.
Gary Giamboi Shihan
I am one of Tanemura Soke’s personal students. I started my Martial path in 1969. In 1988, I met and began to study Ninpo, Jujutsu and Qigong with Shoto Tanemura Soke. From 1992 to 1995, with Soke’s direct permission, I studied under Ron Tosen Shihan (Master) and Shibu-cho (Regional Director) of the Genbukan Tokyo Shibu Dojo until my Sandan (3rd degree Blackbelt) in Ninpo Taijutsu. And just as Soke intended, Ron Shihan was extremely influential in my development.
My years with Tanemura Soke have been filled with wonder, learning and growth. Without his guidance, I would not be the person I am today. He has trained my heart and mind, as well as, my body. He has shown me how to be a better human being, as well as, a much better Martial Artist.
I have received the following titles and certificates from Tanemura Soke:
- Shihan (Master)
- Shibu-cho (Regional Director)
- Nanadan (7th Degree Black Belt) GWNBF Ninpo Taijutsu
- Nanadan (7th Degree Black Belt) KJJR Jujutsu
- Asayama Ichiden Ryu Taijutsu Menkyo Waza (equivalent to 9th Dan)
- Gyokko Ryu Kosshi Jutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Gikan Ryu Koppo Jutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Shinden Fudo Ryu Ju-Taijutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Shinden Tatara Ryu Daken Taijutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Koto Ryu Koppo Jutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Kijin Chosui Ryu Daken Taijutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Daito Ryu Jujutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Naginata Jutsu Shoden Menkyo
- 2nd Kyu (Teaching Certificate) Chugoku Kenpo
- Biken-jutsu (Secret Sword Fighting Techniques) Okuden Menkyo
- Bo-jutsu (6ft & 3ft Staff Techniques) Okuden Menkyo level
You can read about my experiences as Tanemura Soke’s personal student in my book Riding the Tiger’s Tail which is available on Amazon.
Qigong & Chinese Martial Arts
In 1991, I was extremely fortunate to have received permission from Tanemura Sensei to Study Chinese Martial Arts. I was accepted as a student by the late Master Chen Wei Gun in Qigong and the Chinese Internal Martial Art of Taijiquan.
I am Master Chen’s most senior student and second highest ranked in his organization with the title of full Sifu in Qigong and Taijiquan. Master Chen was as close and dear to me as a father.
Due to the influence of Master Chen, I came to realize that Everything we do is, or should be, a form of Qigong. After all, what would we possibly want to do without the conscious control of our energy? Who truly wants to unconsciously spend a portion of their finite Life-Force?
Even though my Qigong and Taijiquan credentials are from Master Chen Wei Gun, because of Master Chen’s and Grandmaster Tanemura’s close friendship, I teach them as part of Tanemura Soke’s Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei’s Chinese Martial Arts.
In 2007, I was certified as a Level 4 (Master Level) Qigong Instructor by the National Qigong Association.
In order to enhance my knowledge of Anatomy, Traditional Chinese Medical Theory and Medical Qigong, I studied Shiatsu with Ohashi Sensei; and, in 1997, I successfully completed The Advanced Program of Ohashiatsu.
Yoga
After studying parts of Yoga for 25 years, in 1998 I was again blessed to find Yogiraj Swami Bua, Maharaj of Hatha Yoga. After 3 months, I asked Swami Ji if he would teach me all of Yoga. He said yes; and more surprisingly, he said I was the first student to ever ask him that question.
Swami Bua Ji has been an inspiration to me in all matters. He has shown me I need to have the courage of a lion, the fierceness of a tiger and the heart of a saint.
He has given me permission to teach:
- Hatha Yoga
- Rope Yoga
- Kriyas
- Bandas
- Pranayama
- Hindu Wrestling Exercises
Thai Yoga
In 2004, I received certification in Thai Yoga Levels I & II from Jonas Westring. Thai Yoga is a powerful ancient modality which incorporates proper bio-mechanical alignment principles and various yoga applications to enhance and balance your Internal Energy, Well-Being and increase your flexibility.
Personal Training
In 2004, I also received my Personal Training Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Their Optimum Performance Training is an Integrated Training Program designed to enable the trainee to utilize his/her Kinetic Chain (the Kinetic Chain is composed of your Skeletal System, Nervous System and Muscular System) to its fullest potential.
This is accomplished through Integrated Training; and includes Integrated Flexibility Training, Integrated Cardiorespiratory Training, Neuromuscular Stabilization (balance), Core Stabilization, Integrated Strength Training and Reactive Neuromuscular (power) Training.
I am also certified by the NASM as a Senior Fitness Specialist.
Pilates
Having trained in and having personally used for over 30 years the principles which Joseph Pilates based his system on, I find that adding many of his exercises and equipment (especially the reformer) to my training routines is a natural expansion of my training routines. I was certified by June Kahn in Pilates Mat and Reformer.
Kettlebells
In 2004, I started to train with Kettlebells and discovered they offered training exercises that were unique to Kettlebells. I especially like their emphasis on one arm variations of the explosive Olympic lifts and on absorbing force by using the Taijiquan concept of coiling. I am a certified Kettlebell instructor by Kettlebell Concepts.
Most importantly, all of my personal instructors believe in the Goodness that is the True Nature of a man’s heart.
However, they also believe it takes hard work to hone ourselves into the instrument for goodness we were born on this Earth to be.
I intend to keep their traditions alive by giving my students the knowledge they deserve, the discipline they need and the help they require. My mission and the objectives of my instructors is to give my students the tools necessary to accomplish their goals.
Very Sincerely Yours,
Gary Giamboi, Shihan, Shibu-Cho, Sifu, E-500 RYT, CPT
Sean Frye Renshi
Sean Frye sensei began training in the martial arts briefly at first as a youth in the local karate gym, but as children often do, he did not continue for long. After graduating high school, Sean Sensei began studying in earnest in 2000 when he was introduced to and began training in traditional Japanese martial arts with local unaffiliated instructors. The local experience developed a desire for a true connection to the masters, and in 2005 Sean joined the Genbukan.
In 2017, with Tanemura Soke’s permission, Sean Renshi became a direct student of Giamboi Shihan. Giamboi Shihan has led Sean to various countries and the Genbukan headquarters dojo in Japan to continue into journeyman levels of training with Tanemura Soke. Currently, he holds 5th dan in the GWNBF & 5th dan in the KJJR. Tanemura Soke has also awarded him Shoden Menkyo in:
- Gyokko Ryu
- Koto Ryu
- Kukishinden Ryu
- Shinden Fudo Ryu
- Daito Ryu
- Mugen Shinto Ryu
- Asayama Ichiden Ryu
- Bikenjutsu
- Bojutsu
The Genbukan Hisho Dojo has great respect for and maintains close relationships with the Genbukan Buke Dojo of York, PA and the Genbukan Bushido Dojo of Baltimore County. We share regular group training sessions, as well as regular seminars with our teacher, Gary Giamboi Shihan. We are one family and are all extensions of Gary Giamboi Kyoshi’s Genbukan Harukaze Dojo.
The Genbukan Hisho dojo is not a commercial or competitive gym, but a small dedicated group of peers who meet to form interpersonal relationships and receive personal transmission in the same way that these traditions have come down to us today. Hisho dojo requires all potential recruits to observe two sessions before seeking admission to the group. To start the recruitment process, please contact us for our current location and to schedule a personal introduction and first observation session.
Philip Bramucci Sensei
Philip Bramucci Sensei began his journey on the Martial Path at the age of 5. He dedicated his early years to the study of Tae Kwon Do which culminated in his obtaining a black belt when he was 14. Upon entering high school years, he discovered the sport of wrestling and committed his efforts to the mastery of this form of martial art. He wrestled year round throughout his high school years and is sanctioned by the MPSSAA and is currently a Baltimore county board of education high school wrestling coach.
Philip Sensei discovered traditional Japanese martial arts in 2001, and trained under an unaffiliated organization for 4 years. After his teacher moved away, he spent several years searching for something his could feel his spirit was driven towards. In 2007, he was introduced to the Genbukan. He knew immediately that his search had ended, and that his journey had begun. Philip has been an active member of the GWNBF and KJJR since that day, and had the honor of becoming a direct student of Gary Giamboi Shihan’s Hazukaze Dojo in 2017. Philip has traveled with the world with Gary Giamboi Shihan and his fellow students to train directly with Shoto Tanemura Soke.
Currently 3rd Dan in both the GWNBF and KJJR, Tanemura Soke has awarded him Shoden Menkyo certificates in:
- Asayama Ichiden Ryu Shoden Menkyo
- Shinden Fudo Ryu Shoden Menkyo
- Tenshin Hyoyo Kukishin Ryu Shoden Menkyo
- Kijin Chosui Ryu Shoden Menkyo
- Kukishinden Happo Bikenjutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Daito Ryu Jujutsu Shoden Menkyo
- Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijustu Shoden Menkyo
- Koto Ryu Kirigami & Yagyu Shingan Ryu Kirigami
Philip Sensei conducts regularly scheduled classes in Baltimore county and the surrounding areas in GWNBF Taijutsu, KJJR Jujutsu and traditional Japanese weapons. Philip Sensei also utilizes his unique background to offer distinctive strength & conditioning workout sessions on Sunday morning for his students. Private workouts and training sessions can be available if requested.
The Genbukan Bushido Dojo has great respect for and maintains close relationships with the Genbukan Buke Dojo of York, PA and the Genbukan Hisho Dojo of Baltimore City. We share regular group training sessions, as well as regular seminars with our teacher, Gary Giamboi Shihan. We are one family and are all extensions of Gary Giamboi Kyoshi Genbukan Harukaze Dojo.
The Genbukan Bushido dojo is not a commercial or competitive gym, but a small dedicated group of peers who meet to form interpersonal relationships and receive personal transmission in the same way that these traditions have come down to us today. Bushido dojo requires all potential recruits to observe two sessions before seeking admission to the group. To start the recruitment process, please contact us for our current location and to schedule a personal introduction and first observation session.
Master Herbalist and Holistic Health Practitioner
Philip Bramucci Sensei has dedicated 25 years to the study, preparation, and application of herbs and herbal remedies. After graduating Grantham University with a degree in Electronics engineering, he returned to academia and obtained a Master Herbalist and Holistic Health Practitioner certification from the Global College of Natural Wellness. He holds the certifications of Master Herbalist and Holistic Health Practitioner. Philip is a registered member of the American Herbalist Guild and insured by the American Chiropractic Association. Philip has been the owner and sole operator of Burning Tree Wellness LLC since 2014.
Maryland Wrestling
As the assistant varsity wrestling coach for the last 4 years, Philip has helped revamp his high school wrestling program. The team is now in the top 10 of their county and has produced a state championship runner-up, a regional champion and 4 regional runner-ups. They have also coached Maryland’s first female national champion who has won the award twice along with two Maryland state championships.
Philip is also a registered Wrestling Official in the state of Maryland with the MWOA, Maryland Wrestling Officials Association. He is qualified by the state board of education to officiate wrestling matches and tournaments for grade school through high school athletics.
William Wallingford Sr. Sensei
William Wallingford Sr. Sensei began training in the Genbukan in 1993. William became a personal student of Giamboi Shihan in 2010. William Sensei is the only Dojocho and the highest-ranking member of the Genbukan in New England.
William has attended many Taikais with Tanemura Soke since 1994. He has trained privately with Giamboi Shihan more than any of his other students.
For this reason, William believes that private lessons are the most effective and beneficial way to learn this art and make a personal connection.
Genbukan Wakaba Dojo offers private and semi-private classes.
Michael Malloy Sensei
Michael Malloy Sensei began training in 1992 under an unaffiliated Dojo in traditional Japanese martial arts. At the age of 17 Michael Sensei started teaching martial arts at that same unaffiliated dojo he also taught self-defense at a local community center. With a burning desire to find a true martial arts Master and after many years of searching, he found an official Genbukan dojo. Michael Sensei is now a direct student under Kyoshi Gary Giamboi and currently holds the ranks of 2nd dan in GWNBF and 2nd dan in KJJR.