Success leaves clues.”
The path to mastery is not reserved for a chosen few, but for those willing to follow the clues—discipline, respect, consistency, and humility. Every training session, every correction, and every moment of personal practice becomes another step on that path.
It is important to remember that many of the greatest martial artists in history began weak, frail, or overlooked. They did not start as champions; they became strong through perseverance, guidance, and unyielding practice. In the same way, our students are encouraged to persist, knowing that special help and private lessons are always available for those who need it. No one is left behind if they are willing to commit themselves to growth.
Our dojo is firmly rooted in the direct lineage of the original martial arts systems and founders.
We are also connected to renowned teachers and organizations worldwide, ensuring that the knowledge we share is authentic, living, and growing. Alongside regular weekly classes and personal practice, students are given opportunities through clinics, seminars, camps, international martial arts trips, and a global network of like-minded dojos. In today’s world, we also extend training beyond the mat with online resources, so that every student has the tools to progress at their own pace.
The dojo is more than a place of training—it is a living system of excellence, built upon tradition yet alive in the present.
The path to mastery is not reserved for a chosen few, but for those willing to follow the clues—discipline, respect, consistency, and humility. Every training session, every correction, and every moment of personal practice becomes another step on that path.
It is important to remember that many of the greatest martial artists in history began weak, frail, or overlooked. They did not start as champions; they became strong through perseverance, guidance, and unyielding practice. In the same way, our students are encouraged to persist, knowing that special help and private lessons are always available for those who need it. No one is left behind if they are willing to commit themselves to growth.
Our dojo is firmly rooted in the direct lineage of the original martial arts systems and founders.
We are also connected to renowned teachers and organizations worldwide, ensuring that the knowledge we share is authentic, living, and growing. Alongside regular weekly classes and personal practice, students are given opportunities through clinics, seminars, camps, international martial arts trips, and a global network of like-minded dojos. In today’s world, we also extend training beyond the mat with online resources, so that every student has the tools to progress at their own pace.
The dojo is more than a place of training—it is a living system of excellence, built upon tradition yet alive in the present.
Professor Sophia McDermott
Sat March 21, 2026
Sophia’s Bio:
Sophia was born in Melbourne, Australia in May of 1979 and has an identical twin sister. Sophia’s love of training all started when she was 4 years old as a Jazz and ballet dancer. At the age of 11, she began gymnastics with her twin sister and both girls thrived, spending almost 10 years training at a national level.
Having to retire from gymnastics due to a serious long term injury Sophia was still keen to pursue something both physically and mentally challenging. In 2002 at the age of 22, she began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a martial art that focuses primarily on ground technique.
Sophia was the first Australian female to receive a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu back in 2010..
She is a 4 x State, 4 x National, 4 x Pan Pacific and 4 x Pan American Champion. She is 2 x No Gi World Champion, a World Champion and a 3 x World Champion medallist.
Her competitive career has taken her throughout Australia, the United States, Japan, Brazil and Europe. In 2007 Sophia moved to the United States to continue her competitive career in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Now retired from competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu she focuses on travelling the world and teaching BJJ seminars, running her signature SophiaFIT Lifestyle Camps, that focus on health, nutrition and empowerment. Sophia also teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at the UFC and hosts women's self defense workshops amongst gyms and corporate groups to help staff learn to defend themselves..
https://www.sophiafit.com/
Sophia was born in Melbourne, Australia in May of 1979 and has an identical twin sister. Sophia’s love of training all started when she was 4 years old as a Jazz and ballet dancer. At the age of 11, she began gymnastics with her twin sister and both girls thrived, spending almost 10 years training at a national level.
Having to retire from gymnastics due to a serious long term injury Sophia was still keen to pursue something both physically and mentally challenging. In 2002 at the age of 22, she began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a martial art that focuses primarily on ground technique.
Sophia was the first Australian female to receive a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu back in 2010..
She is a 4 x State, 4 x National, 4 x Pan Pacific and 4 x Pan American Champion. She is 2 x No Gi World Champion, a World Champion and a 3 x World Champion medallist.
Her competitive career has taken her throughout Australia, the United States, Japan, Brazil and Europe. In 2007 Sophia moved to the United States to continue her competitive career in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Now retired from competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu she focuses on travelling the world and teaching BJJ seminars, running her signature SophiaFIT Lifestyle Camps, that focus on health, nutrition and empowerment. Sophia also teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at the UFC and hosts women's self defense workshops amongst gyms and corporate groups to help staff learn to defend themselves..
https://www.sophiafit.com/
Tai Chi, Martial Arts (Non-Contact) and Fitness for Adults 55+
FREE DEMONSTRATION CLASS
Tuesday's
Time: 1230pm-1:30pm
RSVP: Sifu Arciago@216-280-0134
[email protected]
Location
Summit Martial Arts
FREE DEMONSTRATION CLASS
Tuesday's
Time: 1230pm-1:30pm
RSVP: Sifu Arciago@216-280-0134
[email protected]
Location
Summit Martial Arts
Kelley's island summit martial arts retreat
July 18th-20th - 11th, 2025
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Instructors for camp
A one of a kind 3 day private camp located on beautiful Lake Erie, Kelley’s Island is a vacation spot that offers a true getaway in paradise. The island is home to award-winning eateries, wineries, fun seasonal events and activities, beautiful natural areas, and much more. We will training multi Martial arts during camp and yoga/meditation. Training outdoors in woods, beach, water, quarry, board walk, testing, campfires, good food, unique and memorable activities, beach time,
Kelley’s Island is 3 ½ miles north of Marblehead Peninsula. Most arrive by the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line located on State Route 163 in Marblehead, Ohio. You can bring your car, motorcycle, or bicycle on the ferry. Or, once you arrive on the island, you can rent a golf cart or bicycle. We can pick you up if you need a ride – please contact Sensei Riedmiller ahead of time to arrange pickup. If you’re feeling exotic, the island is also accessible by airplane and private boat. Griffing Flying Service provides daily service from Sandusky, Ohio. Island marinas accommodate visiting boaters.
We stay at a 4-H camp equipped with 14 stand-alone cabins which can hold up to 12 campers per cabin. A separate building contains modern restrooms with multiple showers, sinks, and toilets
Camp will be very relaxed and enjoyable. Comfortable clothing required! Uniforms are optional (it will be warm!). Your fees will cover training, food and lodging; there is no cooking or cleaning.
Location: 4-H Camp 403 Ward Road • Kelley’s Island, OH 43438 • (419) 746-2794
($550.00 Non-Member)- must be 21 years or older and a Summit member to attend
Click HERE to sign up
WHEN: July18st, 19th, 20th, 2025
Weather is fantastic on the Island at this time!
WHERE: Kelley’s Island 4 H Camp
403 Ward Road • Kelley’s Island, OH 43438 • (419) 746-2794
Includes 3 days training
Includes Food and Lodging
Schedule:
Friday: Training, Dinner, Training, Lodging
Saturday: Breakfast, Training, Lunch, Training, Dinner, Training, Lodging
Sunday: Breakfast, Training, Camp done at around Noon
Prof. Pedro Sauer Sun Sept 21st, 2025 11am-1pm
8th Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Coral BeltPedro Sauer was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where from an early age, he began training in the martial arts. At age five, he began boxing and later took up judo and taekwondo. At age 15, however, his friend Rickson Gracie, invited him to train jiu-jitsu with his younger brother, Royler, who at the time was only nine years old. The outcome of this experience convinced him that jiu-jitsu was the most effective of all the martial arts, and he began training the very next day.
His training under both Helio and Rickson took place during a time when jiu-jitsu was making its crucial transition as an obscure Brazilian art to a worldwide martial arts phenomenon. Pedro worked towards a double major (Economics and Business Administration) in college, and took post graduation courses at Fundacao Getulio Vargas. He worked in Brazil as a stockbroker for eleven years before deciding to move to the United States and pursue a career teaching jiu-jitsu.
With Rorion Gracie leading the exodus in 1990, Pedro was part of the first generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors and fighters that moved to the United States to reveal the art of BJJ to the world. He lived in California with Rickson Gracie and trained daily with the Gracie brothers (Rickson, Rorion, and Royce), their father, Helio Gracie, their cousin, Renzo Gracie and the Machado Brothers, as well as many others. In December of that same year, he moved to Utah where he began pioneering Gracie jiu-jitsu in the American southwest and eventually started the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association, which is now one of the largest and most respected Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations in the world today with well over 100 academies under his guidance.
In 2006 Master Sauer relocated to Northern Virginia to set up the world headquarters for the PSBJJA in Herndon, Virginia.
Pedro Sauer and Charles Riedmiller ( Summit Martial Arts Head Instructor) both aimed to create a structured Jiu-Jitsu curriculum system that would seamlessly integrate several key principles:
● Respect for All Individuals
● Practitioner Safety
● Proven Effectiveness
● Longevity and Sustainability Throughout Life
By fostering a culture of Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle, Sauer envisioned a community where everyone could benefit from the art, returning home to their families energized and injury-free.
Come join us for an incredable Jiujitsu experience with one of the greats.
8th Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Coral BeltPedro Sauer was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where from an early age, he began training in the martial arts. At age five, he began boxing and later took up judo and taekwondo. At age 15, however, his friend Rickson Gracie, invited him to train jiu-jitsu with his younger brother, Royler, who at the time was only nine years old. The outcome of this experience convinced him that jiu-jitsu was the most effective of all the martial arts, and he began training the very next day.
His training under both Helio and Rickson took place during a time when jiu-jitsu was making its crucial transition as an obscure Brazilian art to a worldwide martial arts phenomenon. Pedro worked towards a double major (Economics and Business Administration) in college, and took post graduation courses at Fundacao Getulio Vargas. He worked in Brazil as a stockbroker for eleven years before deciding to move to the United States and pursue a career teaching jiu-jitsu.
With Rorion Gracie leading the exodus in 1990, Pedro was part of the first generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors and fighters that moved to the United States to reveal the art of BJJ to the world. He lived in California with Rickson Gracie and trained daily with the Gracie brothers (Rickson, Rorion, and Royce), their father, Helio Gracie, their cousin, Renzo Gracie and the Machado Brothers, as well as many others. In December of that same year, he moved to Utah where he began pioneering Gracie jiu-jitsu in the American southwest and eventually started the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association, which is now one of the largest and most respected Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations in the world today with well over 100 academies under his guidance.
In 2006 Master Sauer relocated to Northern Virginia to set up the world headquarters for the PSBJJA in Herndon, Virginia.
Pedro Sauer and Charles Riedmiller ( Summit Martial Arts Head Instructor) both aimed to create a structured Jiu-Jitsu curriculum system that would seamlessly integrate several key principles:
● Respect for All Individuals
● Practitioner Safety
● Proven Effectiveness
● Longevity and Sustainability Throughout Life
By fostering a culture of Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle, Sauer envisioned a community where everyone could benefit from the art, returning home to their families energized and injury-free.
Come join us for an incredable Jiujitsu experience with one of the greats.
Kyle Hayes Seminar
SWORD: Dynamic Entry, Deployment & Maneuvering
Featuring: Daishihan Kyle Hayes, 15th Degree of the Bujinkan Dojo
Location:
Summit Martial Arts
425 S. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Schedule:
Saturday, 10/11, Day 1
Doors Open: 11 AM
Session 1: 12 PM
Session 2: 3:30-5:00 PM
Sunday, 10/12, Day2
Session 1: 10-11:30 AM
Session 2: 1:30-3:00 PM
Seminar: Sword - Dynamic Entry, Deployment, and Maneuvering…
In this Seminar Sensei Hayes will be teaching use of the sword. We will be using the AEME
Model for the study of a complete scenario. We will focus more on the front end of the model
starting with Awareness, Engagement, and Maneuvering. It will culminate with Execution of a
kata at the end. Because the entry is more dynamic, maneuvering creates better lines of
attack to execute the katas. It is not the “what” but the “how” … to get to a kata. Gambatte!!!
Background: Sensei Hayes
Sensei Hayes began his study of martial arts in 1985. In 1986 he found his home in the arts of the
Bujinkan Dojo in Indianapolis. In 1996 he passed the Bujinkan 5th degree black belt test. In 1999 he
began traveling annually to Japan to study with Hatsumi Sensei and the Shihan at the Hombu dojo.
Sensei Hayes went on to receive his 15th degree and has since been given the title of Dai Shihan.
Sensei Hayes is a graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Mechanical Engineering. He has been an engineer for almost 4 decades working in the automotive,
defense, and medical device industries. He is one of the engineers who laid out the first CAD model of
the RS-68 rocket engine for Rocketdyne/Boeing which is currently delivering payloads into space for
ULA. He has spent most of his career in the medical device industry designing and developing implant
and instrumentation systems for treatment of the spine for degenerative, deformity, and trauma
related conditions. He holds over 60 patents in the medical device field.
Sensei Hayes founded the Buki Co. that focused on designing and developing many training weapons
for the study of the Japanese Martial Arts. The Buki Co. became one of the most prominent weapon
makers for training in the Bujinkan dojo community.
Sensei Hayes also went on to found Protean Innovations which is focused on the design and
development of products and accessories for long range shooting applications.
Special guest
Roberto Neil, 15th Dan
Required Equipment for Participation:
Wooden bokken with plastic scabbard (these can be found on Amazon.com) …. No live / real edged
weapons.
Cost: $150 covers both days or $100 for one day At seminar
For additional information contact Tim Halbakken (614) 774-3700 or Sensei Riedmiller
Limit enrollment Check with Sensei Halbakken or Sensei Riedmiller
SWORD: Dynamic Entry, Deployment & Maneuvering
Featuring: Daishihan Kyle Hayes, 15th Degree of the Bujinkan Dojo
Location:
Summit Martial Arts
425 S. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Schedule:
Saturday, 10/11, Day 1
Doors Open: 11 AM
Session 1: 12 PM
Session 2: 3:30-5:00 PM
Sunday, 10/12, Day2
Session 1: 10-11:30 AM
Session 2: 1:30-3:00 PM
Seminar: Sword - Dynamic Entry, Deployment, and Maneuvering…
In this Seminar Sensei Hayes will be teaching use of the sword. We will be using the AEME
Model for the study of a complete scenario. We will focus more on the front end of the model
starting with Awareness, Engagement, and Maneuvering. It will culminate with Execution of a
kata at the end. Because the entry is more dynamic, maneuvering creates better lines of
attack to execute the katas. It is not the “what” but the “how” … to get to a kata. Gambatte!!!
Background: Sensei Hayes
Sensei Hayes began his study of martial arts in 1985. In 1986 he found his home in the arts of the
Bujinkan Dojo in Indianapolis. In 1996 he passed the Bujinkan 5th degree black belt test. In 1999 he
began traveling annually to Japan to study with Hatsumi Sensei and the Shihan at the Hombu dojo.
Sensei Hayes went on to receive his 15th degree and has since been given the title of Dai Shihan.
Sensei Hayes is a graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Mechanical Engineering. He has been an engineer for almost 4 decades working in the automotive,
defense, and medical device industries. He is one of the engineers who laid out the first CAD model of
the RS-68 rocket engine for Rocketdyne/Boeing which is currently delivering payloads into space for
ULA. He has spent most of his career in the medical device industry designing and developing implant
and instrumentation systems for treatment of the spine for degenerative, deformity, and trauma
related conditions. He holds over 60 patents in the medical device field.
Sensei Hayes founded the Buki Co. that focused on designing and developing many training weapons
for the study of the Japanese Martial Arts. The Buki Co. became one of the most prominent weapon
makers for training in the Bujinkan dojo community.
Sensei Hayes also went on to found Protean Innovations which is focused on the design and
development of products and accessories for long range shooting applications.
Special guest
Roberto Neil, 15th Dan
Required Equipment for Participation:
Wooden bokken with plastic scabbard (these can be found on Amazon.com) …. No live / real edged
weapons.
Cost: $150 covers both days or $100 for one day At seminar
For additional information contact Tim Halbakken (614) 774-3700 or Sensei Riedmiller
Limit enrollment Check with Sensei Halbakken or Sensei Riedmiller
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Hanshi George Alexander 10th Dan
Seminar:
Oct 31, 2025 Friday 5pm & Saturday 10am November 1st, 2025
Summit Martial Arts 425 S. Sandusky St. Delaware, Ohio 43015
Contact Sensei Charles Riedmiller 740-362-2222
$100.00 pre-registered at:
You will Learn:
Authentic Martial Arts
Grounding (rooting) Float, Footwork, Stances and Tai sabaki
Posture & Alignment
Breathing
Chain of engagement, kinetic linking, kinesiology
Integration
Kihon, junbi undo, Karate strength, hojo undo, makiwara,Kata, bunkai
Kenjitsu · Japanese Swordsmanship.
Okinawan Kobudo
Hakutsuru (Okinawan White Crane)
-Bio-
GEORGE ALEXANDER, Ph. D, HANSHI
10th Dan, Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu
10th Dan, Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate
10th Dan, Hakutsuru White Crane Kenpo
10th Dan, Kamagata Ryu KenJutsu
Grand Master George Alexander, Hanshi, 10th Dan is the Chairman and President of the International Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu Federation, began training in Judo and Jujitsu in 1960. Later, in 1964 while serving in the United States Marine Corps he began training in Shorin Ryu Karate. In 1967 he resumed his study of Judo and Jujitsu. His Marine Corps assignments enabled him to travel to the orient including mainland Japan, Okinawa and Southeast Asia. He quickly earned a reputation as a rugged fighter in the Marine Corps. During his career he trained with a host of noted masters. He made it a point of seeking out the best instructors.
A decorated veteran, he served as a team leader with the US Marine’s 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company in Vietnam. In 1967 and 1968 while stationed at Dong Ha, Vietnam he led jungle teams which gathered intelligence information. These teams served as bait for enemy attacks. During that time he conducted numerous reconnaissance patrols around the demilitarized zone. Since then he has become a uniquely qualified and popular instructor with international teaching credentials and experience. He has traveled widely to spread the teachings of the martial arts.
Hanshi Alexander earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida in 1979 and did graduate work in Asian history at the same university under Dr. Tsung I. Dow. Later, he received his Ph.D. degree from Pacific Western University in political science. He received his master's certificate and teaching credentials in Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo in 1983 from the All Okinawa Karate Kobudo Association. He is acknowledged as a master expert in Kendo and Iaido, the Japanese form of swordsmanship.
Also holds MBA and PhD. Finance
He has competed in numerous tournaments in Karate, Kendo and Judo and earned many titles including USA Karate Champion, National AAU Karate Champion and World Karate Champion. In 1989, he founded Yamazato International, a company specializing in martial arts publications and video productions. In 1991 he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He has served as a director and advisor for many martial arts organizations and in addition to the ISJF is currently the president of the International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation, a board member of the International Karate Kobudo Federation and a vice president of the World Martial Arts Federation.
He is a life member of both the United States Judo Association and National Sport Judo Association. Hanshi Alexander has always been fascinated with the history of the martial arts and is an oriental art collector. As a result, he has done much historical research and translation work and written numerous articles on the martial arts. According to Alexander sensei “History and technique seem to intertwine themselves.” He has written four books on the martial arts including Okinawa Island of Karate, Bubishi Martial Art Spirit, Shorin Ryu Karate Training Manual, and Warrior Jujitsu. Additionally, he has made over thirty instructional videos on the martial arts and is the editor of Fighting Spirit magazine.
Seminar:
Oct 31, 2025 Friday 5pm & Saturday 10am November 1st, 2025
Summit Martial Arts 425 S. Sandusky St. Delaware, Ohio 43015
Contact Sensei Charles Riedmiller 740-362-2222
$100.00 pre-registered at:
You will Learn:
Authentic Martial Arts
Grounding (rooting) Float, Footwork, Stances and Tai sabaki
Posture & Alignment
Breathing
Chain of engagement, kinetic linking, kinesiology
Integration
Kihon, junbi undo, Karate strength, hojo undo, makiwara,Kata, bunkai
Kenjitsu · Japanese Swordsmanship.
Okinawan Kobudo
Hakutsuru (Okinawan White Crane)
-Bio-
GEORGE ALEXANDER, Ph. D, HANSHI
10th Dan, Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu
10th Dan, Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate
10th Dan, Hakutsuru White Crane Kenpo
10th Dan, Kamagata Ryu KenJutsu
Grand Master George Alexander, Hanshi, 10th Dan is the Chairman and President of the International Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu Federation, began training in Judo and Jujitsu in 1960. Later, in 1964 while serving in the United States Marine Corps he began training in Shorin Ryu Karate. In 1967 he resumed his study of Judo and Jujitsu. His Marine Corps assignments enabled him to travel to the orient including mainland Japan, Okinawa and Southeast Asia. He quickly earned a reputation as a rugged fighter in the Marine Corps. During his career he trained with a host of noted masters. He made it a point of seeking out the best instructors.
A decorated veteran, he served as a team leader with the US Marine’s 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company in Vietnam. In 1967 and 1968 while stationed at Dong Ha, Vietnam he led jungle teams which gathered intelligence information. These teams served as bait for enemy attacks. During that time he conducted numerous reconnaissance patrols around the demilitarized zone. Since then he has become a uniquely qualified and popular instructor with international teaching credentials and experience. He has traveled widely to spread the teachings of the martial arts.
Hanshi Alexander earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida in 1979 and did graduate work in Asian history at the same university under Dr. Tsung I. Dow. Later, he received his Ph.D. degree from Pacific Western University in political science. He received his master's certificate and teaching credentials in Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo in 1983 from the All Okinawa Karate Kobudo Association. He is acknowledged as a master expert in Kendo and Iaido, the Japanese form of swordsmanship.
Also holds MBA and PhD. Finance
He has competed in numerous tournaments in Karate, Kendo and Judo and earned many titles including USA Karate Champion, National AAU Karate Champion and World Karate Champion. In 1989, he founded Yamazato International, a company specializing in martial arts publications and video productions. In 1991 he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He has served as a director and advisor for many martial arts organizations and in addition to the ISJF is currently the president of the International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation, a board member of the International Karate Kobudo Federation and a vice president of the World Martial Arts Federation.
He is a life member of both the United States Judo Association and National Sport Judo Association. Hanshi Alexander has always been fascinated with the history of the martial arts and is an oriental art collector. As a result, he has done much historical research and translation work and written numerous articles on the martial arts. According to Alexander sensei “History and technique seem to intertwine themselves.” He has written four books on the martial arts including Okinawa Island of Karate, Bubishi Martial Art Spirit, Shorin Ryu Karate Training Manual, and Warrior Jujitsu. Additionally, he has made over thirty instructional videos on the martial arts and is the editor of Fighting Spirit magazine.