(773) 344-2131
Kevin Clay-El
My initial exposure to the Martial Arts at the age of sixteen was brief but impactful. I attended the alternative, Central Y.M.C.A. High School in 1976, where Sensei John Norman was the Martial Arts Instructor. He spoke about the power of the Will to accomplish anything, abdominal breathing, meditation, concentration, center of gravity, proper technique, repitition, muscle memory, Chi/Ki, truth, Self-Awareness, and being in harmony with everything. Sensei Norman brought Instructors of various styles in to teach us such as: Tayari Casel, Baawali, and Nganga Mfundishi Tolo-Naa (Ray Cooper).
After High School, my responsibilities increased and my interests moved in other directions. My interest in the martial arts was rekindled when a friend from my aforementioned high school martial arts class, Sensei Kirk Haygood, asked me about creating a website for the Baker Brothers of Baker's Dojo of Karate, Education and Science.
In January of 2012, Sensei Ted Nurse told me about Shihan Ken Keith and Takeo Ryu Goshin Jitsu.
He mentioned to me that the School was in need of a website. I asked questions and finally met Shihan Keith in June of 2012. Shihan Keith is direct, thorough, encouraging and genuinely committed to his student's Comprehension of the art and its application in the context of real-life, combat situations, spontaneously.
The first class I attended was enough to assure me that I am in the right place. The Takeo Ryu Self-Defense Academy is a family atmosphere, where each one, teaches one and no one gets left behind.
Some life-long, martial arts practitioners are excellent warriors, yet lack the patience and sensitivity to become effective teachers. Shihan Keith is an Excellent Warrior/Master Teacher, whose glory abounds in the welfare of his students.
Currently, as of July 2016, I have been studying consistently for four years now and I am a 3rd Kyu.
My goal is to earn a Black Belt with Master Ken Keith.
Kevin Clay-El,
Web/Graphic Designer
(312) 330-0924
(773) 344-2131
