Richard P. Baillargeon

In 1964 Richard Baillargeon introduced Shito Ryu Karate to the United States. His style was actually the Motobu ha Shito Ryu that he learned from Shogo Kuniba Soke and Kayshan Kayo Sensei while stationed in Japan. But this was the first introduction of Shito Ryu to the U.S. Mr. Baiilargeon began his training in 1954 while stationed in Japan with the U.S. Air Force. His first teacher was Kayshan Kayo Sensei and he later began to train directly with Soke Kuniba.

He returned home in 1964 as U.S. Representative of the Seishin Kai and began to teach Motobu ha Shito Ryu Karate-do. He was stationed in NC and began teaching there.

He eventually met James Benko, who introduced Hakko Ryu Jujutsu to the U.S. Mr. Benko had some noteable students in NC and Mr. Baiilargeon took up training in Hakko Ryu. It also believed that Mr. Benko trained in karate under Mr. Baillargeon. There is good information on the Seishinkai/Hakko Ryu connection at www.americangoshinkobudo.com.

In 1974, amidst political turmoil in the Seishinkai, Mr. Baillargeon established the National Karate and Jiu Jitsu Union. The NKJU was to be a non-profit organization open to all styles of Japanese and Korean Martial Arts. In 1980, Mr. Baillargeon and Soke Kuniba reunited and Soke Kuniba agreed to be an advisor to the NKJU. Mr. Baillargeon was eventually promoted to the rank of 8th Dan by Soke Kuniba. Mr. Baillargeon passed away in 1989.