Jim Kelton, Shihan 
Dojo Founder
Hachidan 8th degree black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate
Hachidan 8th degree black belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Sandan 3rd degree black belt in Kodenkan Judo
Nidan 2nd degree black belt in Iai
Jim began his martial arts training in 1964 at the age of 11 while living in Tucson, Arizona where he was introduced to the art of Judo. Two years later, Jim expanded his training in the martial arts, studying Danzan Ryu Jujitsu under Dai Shihan Joe Holck, founder of the Kodenkan Yudanshakai and the art of Shorin Ryu Karate under Shihan Barry Holck. Jim continued training with the Kodenkan Yudanshakai until 1977 when he relocated to California. In California, Jim concentrated his training in Jujitsu under Professor Carl Beaver, co-founder of Jujitsu America. Two years later, with Professor Beaver's encouragement, Jim started his own Dojo. Jim is widely regarded in the martial arts community as a traditionalist. He strives to uphold traditional Japanese Samurai martial arts and Okinawan philosophies. Jim passes the arts down in the purest, most historically accurate manner possible, as his instructors passed down the arts to him. Jim is proud that Lakewood Budo Kai is recognized as one of the longest running martial arts schools in Los Angeles County and celebrated its 40-year anniversary in May 2019.