Investigating Nidan Claim

**Melkolmr** · Posted On: 8/15/2011 10:42pm

One of the instructors at a karate school nearby where I live claims to be ranked nidan in Judo under a Sensei Isaku Suzuki. I can't find any records regarding either Isaku Suzuki or the instructor, Robert Ornes, simply by searching Google or the USJI/F/A sites. Is there an efficient way to confirm or discredit this rank?

**BKR** · Posted On: 8/15/2011 11:38pm

This probably should be moved to MABS as you are doing an investigation.

In short, ask the guy under which national organization he was awarded his rank.

**Melkolmr** · Posted On: 8/16/2011 2:07am

Alright, thank you. I didn't want to jump the gun and call this a serious MABS investigation until I knew the next step to take, but I will ask soon enough.

The website, for anyone interested, is www.askd.us - American Shodokan Kodokan Dojos.

**kitkatninja** · Posted On: 8/16/2011 2:37am

Originally Posted by BKR

...In short, ask the guy under which national organization he was awarded his rank.

This would be the first step :)

-Ken

**NeilG** · Posted On: 8/16/2011 2:12pm

Just glancing through that website raises red flags for me, but I can't find anything much about it either here or on e-budo.

**BKR** · Posted On: 8/16/2011 2:12pm

Originally Posted by Melkolmr

Alright, thank you. I didn't want to jump the gun and call this a serious MABS investigation until I knew the next step to take, but I will ask soon enough.

The website, for anyone interested, is www.askd.us - American Shodokan Kodokan Dojos.

You might inquire as to where/when he studied Judo with Mr. Suzuki, that would help narrow things down.

I didn't see any mention of Judo instruction on the website, did I miss something?

**judoka_uk** · Posted On: 8/16/2011 2:30pm

Originally Posted by BKR

You might inquire as to where/when he studied Judo with Mr. Suzuki, that would help narrow things down.

I didn't see any mention of Judo instruction on the website, did I miss something?

http://www.askd.us/head_instructors_bio

Skip down to Robert Ornes and then to his other ranks held. Its the first one listed.

**Outis** · Posted On: 8/16/2011 8:13pm

Other ranks held by Sensei R. Ornes
2nd-degree Black Belt in Judo earned by Sensei Isaku Suzuki

Apparently the rank held by Ornes was earned by Suzuki.

**BKR** · Posted On: 8/16/2011 9:48pm

Originally Posted by judoka_uk

http://www.askd.us/head_instructors_bio

Skip down to Robert Ornes and then to his other ranks held. Its the first one listed.

I saw the claim of rank, but nothing on the website about teaching Judo, just karate.

Ben

**Melkolmr** · Posted On: 8/16/2011 11:29pm

The instruction there is, as far as I have been informed, just karate. Basically the Strip-mall Shotokan Special: pressure points, point-sparring and kata.