About Phil Ortiz Sensei (Advisor)

Sensei Phil Ortiz has dedicated over 40 years to the study of martial arts, beginning his journey in Shorin-Ryu Karate under Sensei Ansei Ueshiro and Sensei James Wax, and furthering his training in Shotokan Karate under Sensei Kurt Blackwood and Judo under Sensei Carl Jameson.

He started studying Iaido under Otani Sensei in 1972 and currently holds the rank of Shichidan (7th-degree black belt) in Muso Shinden Ryu, as well as Kyoshi (an intermediate rank above 6th-degree black belt) in Ryushin Shouchi-Ryu under Yahagi Sensei.

In addition to his extensive martial arts background, Sensei Ortiz holds a teaching license in Kyudo under Kanjuro Shibata Sensei and teaches Kyudo at NYBA. He is also a student of Yabusame (流鏑馬) (horseback archery) and practices shuriken, tanjo, and tai chi.

His diverse expertise and passion for martial arts continue to enrich the community at the School of Sword and Staff. For more information see: https://www.newyorkbudoassociation.org/philiportizsensei