Keizan Murray embarked on his martial arts journey at the tender age of 6, delving deeply into Ying Jow Pai. His exploration traversed the realms of Wing Chun, Bagua Zhang, and Xingyi Quan, enriching his understanding of internal practice and martial philosophy, such as Taoism and Zen. A pivotal moment occurred during his tenure with the United States Marine Corps in 1997, when he encountered the art of Aikido in Japan.
Throughout the nascent stages of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, he continued to deepen his commitment to martial arts, remaining dedicated to his training while stationed in Japan. Returning to Chicago in 2005, he commenced training under the esteemed Meido Moore Shihan. Years of unwavering dedication followed, marked by a fusion of Aikido, Zen, and Iaido, steeped in the revered traditions of Fumio Toyoda Shihan.
In 2022, he unveiled Mushinkan Kokyo, a sanctuary devoted to nurturing personal metamorphosis through the practices of Aikido, Iaido, and internal training. Here, traditional Japanese martial arts are revered, while Aikido's evolution is embraced. Keizan's journey has earned him the esteemed rank of yondan (4th degree) in Aikido and shodan (1st degree) in Meishi-ha Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo.
Keizan Murray
Director, Dojo-Cho,
Mushinkan Kokyo
Brian Pettett, Chief Instructor of Iaido, has spearheaded the Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo program since 2005. Under the guidance of Niina Toyoaki-sensei, the headmaster of Meishi-ha Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo, and Tony Alvarez-sensei, leader of the United States Federation of Mugai Ryu, he has flourished. Holding the prestigious rank of nanadan (7th degree) within the Meishi-ha lineage, Brian is one of Niina-gosoke's four jikimon-deshi (direct students) in the United States.
He has been granted okuiri-sho, a traditional license enabling the practice of Mugai Ryu's inner, advanced-level techniques. In recognition of his expertise, he was awarded the title of renshi, signifying his formal instructor's license in 2013.