High Desert Martial Arts was founded in 2004 by Sensei Milton (Mike) Bern in an effort to continue the traditions of his sensei and the American Jujitsu Institute (AJI). Sensei Bern is ranked through the American Jujitsu Institute, founded in 1939 and the oldest U.S. Martial arts organization.
San-dan (3rd degree black belt) in Kosho Ryu Kenpo Jiu jitsu and Nidan (second degree black belt) in Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu. His current sensei is Professor Ken Eddy - Hachidan and founder of Mizu Shin Tao.
In 2006 we welcomed Sierra Dojo to the club!
Sierra Dojo Martial Arts was begun in 1999 in Minden, NV by Diane Ortenzio-Cooling. At the time, high ranking female black belts were rare, and a female chief instructor even more of a novelty. Her goal was to offer a traditional training center that emphasized understanding of the fighting arts and acquiring the skill and expertise to handle any situation.
Sensei Ortenzio-Cooling is the instructor for the Karate Kids and Isshin-Ryu Karate courses. In addition, she serves on the board of directors of the Order of Isshin-Ryu, and is a guest instructor at various schools around the United States and recently, Australia.
She was awarded the rank of roku-dan (6th degree black belt) in June 2003, and has been training continuously in the fighting arts since 1979.