Master Ismael Franco

     Ren Ma means to practice, train, cultivate and polish. It refers to the practice of self-development through shugyo, meaning rigorous and regular training.
     For Ismael Franco, Sensei this concept is the underlying premise of both his training and the deshi (students) of Tora Dojo. This isn't just applicable to martial arts but to life in general.
     Franco, Sensei brings over 17 years of experience to Tora Dojo. He began his martial arts training in 1987 under Nick DiNapoli, founder of the Gen Lee Martial Arts Federation. After intensive study of the arts of jujutsu, karate, judo, aikido and savate, he was awarded instructor certification in 1996. He is now Kaicho (head) of the Shinriryu Goshinjutsu Seikikai, an organization for the promotion of the martial arts system founded by Nick DiNapoli, Ryuso.
     Franco, Sensei continues to advance his training through the study of Daitoryu Aikijujutsu under Tim Tung, Suseki Shihan of the Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Bokuyokan, and Muso Shindenryu Iaido under Roger Wehrhahn, Shihan, Chief Instructor of the North American San Shin Kai.
     In 2003, Franco, Sensei was awarded the rank of Godan from the Goshin Jujutsu Kai.

Other areas of study include:
-Tao Tan Pai Qigong under Pedro Cepero Yee, Sifu.
-Yang Jia TaijiQuan/TaijiJian and Chen Jia TaijiQuan under Wu Shijia, Sifu and Tung Teinchao, Sifu