Professor Gary Rasanen started his training in the martial arts at age 11, including of Judo, Yudo and Ju-Jitsu. After reaching his dan levels in these arts he then studied the art of Shotokan karate.

Professor Rasanen is the founder of the Long Island Judo and Martial Arts Association. He is the New York State Representative for the World Combat Arts Federation. He holds the rank of Professor of Yudo under the Martial Arts U.S.A. Judo Association. He is a patron life member and black belt rank examiner for the United States Judo Association and he is a board member and black belt examiner with the Hoteikan System of Martial Arts.

Professor Rasanen holds black belt rankings in the arts of Judo, Yudo, Hakkoryu and Sosuishiryu Ju-Jitsu and Shotokan Karate.

Professor Rasanen also founded a new system of self defense - R.E.A.L. - which means Resilient Effective Assertive Limitless Street Situation Self Defense System. It was developed to help build confidence and teach the average man, woman, or child how to respond in a situation where confrontation might put their physical safety at risk. It incorporates some raw forms of Hakkoryu, Sosuishiru and Shizen Ryu Jiu-Jitsu as well as hard core forms on self defense into its system. Professor Rasanen belongs to several other martial art associations and has declined membership into many others.

A special thank you goes out to Grandmaster Emilio "Reno" Claudio for all the personal "one on one" time that he gave to me as a young student of the arts and to Grandmaster Robert Hasman (Deceased 1994). Also a very special thank you goes out to all of my students who have taught me as well.

Black Belt Rankings

Accomplishments