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Steven Hatfield
President & Founder Steven Hatfield began his Judo training in 2000 under Richard Rodgers, already having over 12 years of experience in other martial arts. He first met Jack Stern in 2002 and began studying with him as well. In 2008, Steven broke away from Rodgers to study Judo/Yudo with Stern exclusively, and would remain under his tutelage until his passing in 2012 having earned the rank of 5th Dan in Yudo under him. In 2017, Steven became an official member of the Kodokan Judo Institute in Japan. Three years later, he became a lifetime member of the US Traditional Kodokan Judo Association and was recognized with the rank of 4th Dan. He originally named his club Kontei Kodokan Judo to illustrate his desire to preserve the roots of Kodokan Judo as a complete martial art instead of just a sport, and started the Seikan Judo & Jujutsu Association in 2021 to help foster the spread of Kontei Judo. It's important to note that Kontei Judo is not a separate or unique system, but a rejuvenation of the old ways the art was taught. Outside of Judo, Steven also has experience in Vale Tudo under Chris Benavides and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Carlos Machado and Paul Rehbergar. |
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Bret Gordon
Director of Operations Bret Gordon first began his journey in the grappling arts in 2007 in Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Gregg Thompson. After a year, he moved on to study under Arnaldo Lugo until 2010. It was then that he had his first exposure to Judo and studied briefly under Laurence Kingston before training with and earning rank in Kojido (a Judo offshoot) under headmaster Dell Sharpe. In 2017, he began formally studying with Hatfield sensei in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, although both had been part of what they'd worked since the beginning of their relationship in 2012. He earned his shodan in Judo a year later, and his 2nd Dan in 2020. His rank was recognized by the US Traditional Kodokan Judo Association, and he remains an active member of the USATKJ to this day. Continuing his training in the grappling arts, Bret also holds a blue belt in BJJ from Steven Hatfield, under the authority of Paul Rehbergar. Bret currently operates Trio Martial Arts Academy in Central Florida, teaching Kontei Judo among other arts. |
