Master James R. Garrison, 9th Dan began his training in Washington State in 1955 in Jujitsu and Judo. During those years, in addition to playing high school sports and working on his family’s farm, he spent every spare moment practicing martial arts. He moved to Portland when he was accepted as a student of Oregon’s first Caucasian Jujitsu Black Belt, Mr. Robert Dewer.

The relationship, with Mr. Dewer, was the catalyst that shaped his martial arts training. At Mr. Dewer’s small school, while training in Jujitsu, he was introduced to many other arts. The Vietnam War interrupted his training but his practice continued while overseas. During his one year in Texas he trained in Judo with Andy Cane, the then 3rd ranked Judoka in the United States, with Jhoon Rhee and Allen Steen in Korean Martial Arts as well as Lindy Kunashma in Aikido. During his two and a half years overseas (2 tours of duty in Vietnam), he trained with some of the world’s best instructors in Judo, Hapkido, Jujitsu, TaeKwonDo, Aikido, Japanese Karate and weapons. He competed in Judo as a Navy Representative.

While in Hong Kong he became involved in deep meditation and various massage and healing techniques. During his training in the Orient, he developed a profound philosophical outlook toward the martial arts. This prompted his more philosophical approach to the arts. Upon leaving the military in 1969, Mr. Garrison was able to meet and practice with Professors Wally Jay and Walter Todd as well as Tohei Sensei, who regularly visited Professor Todd’s dojo. Mr. Garrison moved back to Portland in 1970 and with Robert Dewer’s approval began Pacific Rim Martial Arts Academy. His relationship with Mr. Dewer continued until Mr. Dewer’s death in 1980. While continuing his graduate studies at Portland State University and teaching martial arts, he met Grandmaster S.C. Kim and became Mr. Kim’s original U.S. student. Since that time, Grandmaster Kim and Master Garrison have developed a close friendship and student/teacher bond. Grandmaster Garrison has made many trips to Korea and Japan to train with the best Hapkido, TaeKwonDo, Aikido, Jujitsu and Judo instructors.

Master Garrison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. Because of his expertise in mental health and martial arts, he is often asked by a variety of groups and organizations to lecture on the psychological aspects of the martial arts. He is actively involved in local community organizations and has been the recipient of numerous awards for his contributions in local and national community development.

He has received many martial arts awards during his 45 years of training. Among these are some very unique awards. The Korean Hapkido Association honored him with their Letter of Appointment certificate recognizing him as a master or Hapkido and The World TaeKwonDo Federation gave him their highly guarded Certificate of Qualification which recognizes Master level instructors. Both of these certificates are very rarely given to non-Koreans. During a trip to Korea in 1986, the World TaeKwonDo Federation presented him with a prestigious award for his outstanding contribution as an official at the TaeKwonDo World Games. At the Jujitsu America National Convention in Sept. 1985, he was awarded the Kodenkan Spirit Award presented personally by Professor Wally Jay.

At 59, Master Garrison continues to teach classes and provide seminars. He is Vice President of the World Oriental Martial Arts Federation and is responsible for technical direction in the United Stares. Grandmaster Garrison continues his forty-year relationship with O’Sensei Philip Porter and actively supports the United States Martial Arts Association of which O’Sensei Porter is president.

Master Garrison holds a 9th Degree Black Belt in Jul Sool Kwon Hapkido, 8th Degree Black Belt in SSJK Jujitsu, 7th Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan TaeKwonDo, 7th Degree Black Belt in Kodokan Judo, and 6th Degree Black Belt in Aikido. He has written extensively and has contributed to every martial arts magazine as well as to various martial arts books. One example is Martial Arts Teachers on Teaching by Carol Wiley. He also has a series of instructional tapes on Hapkido and a Knife Certification course.

Throughout his experience and practice, the following can sum up his philosophical position:

“Begin with patience to understand that training is to enhance not only the body, but also the mind. With continuous body/mind training, knowledge of self will become more supple, clear and meaningful.” - Master James R. Garrison