SHIDOSHI JD OLSEN

DIRECTOR

QUALIFICATIONS

JD is a master of martial arts having spent his entire life to the study and discipline of so many arts.  Currently, JD is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Machado,  Apprentice Instructor Level 1 in Filipino Martial Arts under Sifu Ron Balicki, and Coach Level 1 in Erik Paulson’s CSW. JD also holds a 3rd Degree black belt in Submission Arts Wrestling and a 1st Degree black belt in Pankration under Sensei Mike Martelle.   JD holds ranking with the MAUA as a 5th Degree in Karate, All-Japan Submission Fighting, TFC JuJitsu, and the Progressive Kali System.  In addition JD also holds a 3rd Degree black belt in Aikido.  Some other arts he is ranked in is a 1st Degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Intermediate Level 3 Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, and Green Prajoud in Thai Boxing.

Besides running the Martial Arts Unlimited Association’s worldwide programs as Director, JD is also a current affiliate member under Sifu Ron Balicki and his Martial Arts Research System, Professor Helio Soneca with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, in addition to Carlos Machado. JD is also a member of the All-Japan Joint Technique Federation.

JD with Professor Carlos Machado
JD with Erik Paulson
JD with Sifu Ron Balicki

BACKGROUND

JD Olsen began his martial arts training at age five. Starting with Tae Kwon Do, he quickly fell in love with all things martial arts. Training kicks, punches and forms became a daily routine and JD quickly rose through the ranks. After earning his first black belt, JD was force to switch styles due to the family moving. Starting over in a form of karate called Wado Ki Karate JD again worked his way up to purple belt before having to switch styles again. With just his mother and himself JD was able to put in the time to earn another Black Belt in Shorei Ryu Karate.

Next was a major shift in JD’s life as he entered the U.S. Air Force and was going wherever the military would take him. His first assignment was to Rapid City, South Dakota and while there JD discovered the art of Ninjitsu. Training under the Bujinkan, JD was able to work his way back up the ranks to green belt. Soon JD’s dream of going to Japan came true as the military assigned him to Yokota Air Base located in Tokyo.

While in Japan, JD tried his hand at traditional Aikido, but not being able to speak fluent Japanese made this extremely difficult. Then a co-worker introduced JD to Progressive Martial Arts Black Belt, and founder of the Martial Arts Unlimited Association, AJ Weimer.  Instantly he was hooked and began regular classes, as well as volunteering to help with any testing or demos possible. Staying dedicated he was able to earn the coveted black belt in multiple martial arts this time.  In 2003, JD opened his first martial arts school on Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan. 

In 2004, the military reassigned JD and his family to Sumter, South Carolina where he began teaching on Shaw AFB, then opening the Keishidojo Martial Arts & Fitness Center.  Keishidojo has hosted seminars to include Martial Arts Unlimited founder A.J. Weimer, Sifu Ron Balicki, Guro Diana Lee Inosanto, Professor Helio Soneca and MMA fighter Derrick Kennington.