Jimmy Mora - Biographical Note

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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Jimmy Mora was Onaga Sensei's first foreign student who trained from White to Black Belt at the Shinjinbukan Honbu Dōjō, as well as the first to open an official branch in the United States. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps on active duty from 1990 to 1995 and as a Reservist from 1996 to 2005, including a deployment to Iraq in 2003.

During his first active duty tour, he traveled and lived throughout Asia for four years, searching for traditional martial arts. In 1992 and 1993, he won scholarships in Asian studies from University of Maryland Asian Division in Japan. In 1992, while stationed in Okinawa, he met Onaga Sensei and was accepted as his Uchi Deshi.

In less than 18 months, he obtained his Sho Dan / 1st Dan / 1st Degree Black Belt. By 1994, he was the Assistant Instructor to Michiko Onaga Sensei, teaching children and teenagers. In that year, he also participated in the official demonstration of the Zenokikuren, All Okinawa Karate Dō Federation, held every two or three years.

In 1995, he obtained his Ni Dan / 2nd Dan, in less than three years under Onaga Sensei.

Upon his return to the United States in 1996, he started teaching at the International House, in New York City. In 1997, Sensei Mora received the Shinjinbukan New York Kanchō Certificate from Onaga Yoshimitsu Kaichō for establishing the Shinjinbukan New York as an official Shibu Dōjō (Branch). In 2001, he received his San Dan / 3rd Dan. In 2005, during Onaga Sensei's first European tour, Jimmy received his Yon Dan / 4th Dan.

For reference, see Credentials (Certificates)