Soke ‘Skip’ Koepke – Head of the Seki-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu System

Soke Dai Skip Koepke’s introduction into Jiu-Jitsu and Judo began in 1966 with Sanzo Seki. During the next five years of intensive training he studied with Seki and Gene La Bell at his Welcome Mat classes which specialize in Judo. Sanzo Seki in 1968 promoted Sensei Skip  to Shodan. Then in 1969 his promotion to Nidan was granted.

Sensei Skip moved to Mesa,  Arizona where he opened his first Dojo in June, 1971. While promoting a Jiu-Jitsu tournament in 1974 Sanzo Seki granted Sensei Skip a Yodan ranking and also was presented with an outstanding teacher award. Also during this period of time Gene La Bell granted his permission to use the name “WELCOME-MAT”, henceforth “The Welcome-Mat Jiu-Jitsu”.

Even though he did not live in Los Angeles, he continued to return to study with his teachers. During 1978 Sensei Skip moved to Reno, Nevada where he continued teaching and was promoted to Godan.

Sensei returned to Los Angeles area in 1980 where he continued to study with Sanzo Seki. In 1980 Sanzo Seki promoted Sensei Skip to head director of the Dojo and the duties of promoting the Ryu. With Sanzo Seki’s blessing and  wishes handed over the head teaching of the Ryu to Sensei Koepke in 1983. In 1989 Sensei Koepke accepted the duty as head  representative of the Ryu. At this time the Seki family art of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, officially became know as “Seki Ryu Jiu-Jitsu – A Family Art”.

During this period of time, the Welcome Mat Jiu-Jitsu Society was founded. This is a brotherhood of ancient Jiu-Jitsu teachers and teaching.

In 1990 Skip was chosen as member of the United States of American Jiu-Jitsu team for the World Championships held in North Carolina. This year he was also promoted to Shicidan.

The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame presented an awarded for outstanding contribution to the Martial Arts in July, 1998. At the World Soke Council meeting in September, 1997 Sensei Skip was presented with the Silver Achievement Award.

As of May 1, 1998 Burrell “Skip” Koepke accepted full control of the Ryu. As the successor, he accepted the title Soke Dai, head master of Seki Ryu Jiu- Jitsu. He pledged to keep the teaching of Seki-Ryu, a Family Art, to high standards, as was the wishes of Sanzo Seki.

Since 1994 Soke Skip has added Shiatsu and Eshin Ryu Iaijutsu to Seki Ryu. These bring two things that Sanzo Seki knew but did not teach. These two items will keep Seki Ryu an old Samurai Art.

On May 16, 1998, Soke Dai Skip was presented with the Golden Life Achievement award from the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. June, 1999 became a Board  member of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation.

Soke Dai Koepke’s  life objectives are to the teachings of Seki Ryu Jiu-Jitsu [a family art].  The establishment of the teachings and principles of the Seki Ryu Art. To bring together the teaching of true Jiu-Jitsu all over the world.

Due to a minor shoulder injury in spring of 1995, I visited Sensei Gil Adams, were he was able to multiple the shoulder with the use of Koho Shiatsu. After favorable results, I investigate the art and became a student learning from such instructors as Gil Adams, Joseph Miller, Dennis Palambo and others.  This art has evolved for me over time with much practice. The study of Shiatsu after several years of practice, I noticed an increase in awareness of how the body moves and functions. It has improved my awareness of how a person moves in action and in response to an action.

In November 1997, I was able to fulfill a long time wish of study the art of the samurai sword – Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu under Hanshi Masayuki Shimabukuro. Under the guidance of Hanshi Shimabukuro I have advance to the rank of Shodan in 2000. While studying with Hanshi Shimabukuro, was able to attend a clinic and learn from the current headmaster of the Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu Hanshi Takeyuki Hidefusa Miura.

In 2000, after years of study and application I developed a series of compression choke techniques. In 2002 and 2003 an intense study of movements and techniques the T-Movement which can be used as both attaches and defenses.  2004 saw final refinement of the both T-Movement and the compression techniques.

I moved to Lake Royale, NC in 2004. In 2005 I meet and join Sensei Cobb at the Gendai Martial Arts Headquarters. Here, I am teaching Seki Ryu and work with Sensei Cobb in the advancement of the Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts.