Instructors

Sensei Jeff Harris

Jeff Harris has studied the Okinawan Martial Art Shima Ha “SHORIN-RYU” since 2000 and has recently attained the rank of San Dan (3^rd degree black belt). Since 2004, he has been an adjunct part-time faculty member at Southwestern Illinois College providing instruction for the physical education class of Personal Defense/Karate (PE 115 & 116) under the direction of Sensei Julie Kirkland.

In 2010 Sensei Julie Kirkland stepped down and has entrusted her legacy to Jeff Harris to oversee, run, and operate the Karate Program at Southwestern Illinois College.

He is a member of the Shima Ha Shorin-ryu organization and is a student of the great Shihan Kiyoshi Nishime.

Jeff Harris has studied the Yamanni-Chinen Ryu weapons since 2001 and has attained the rank of Ni Dan (2^nd degree black belt) under the direction of Shihan Nishime.  Sensei Harris is a member of the R.B.K.D. weapons organization and has been certified to teach the Yamanni-Chinen Ryu weapons system.

Ms. Vicki Cinotto

Vicki Cinotto has studied the Okinawan Martial Art “SHORIN-RYU” since 2000 and has attained the rank of Nidan, 2^nd degree black belt. Since 2006, she has been an adjunct part-time faculty member at Southwestern Illinois College providing instruction for the physical education class of Personal Defense/Karate (PE 115 & 116).

Mr. David Bowen

David Bowen started his martial arts journey in 1999, studying “SHORIN-RYU” under the direction of Sensei Julie Kirkland.  He currently has attained the rank of Nidan 2^nd degree.  He has been an adjunct part- time faculty member at Southwestern Illinois College since 2004, providing instruction for the personal defense karate classes.  He is a member of the Shima Ha Shorin-Ryu.  He has also studied the Yamanni-Ryu weapons system.

Mr. Greg Goin

Mr. Goin has studied the Okinawan Martial Art “SHORIN-RYU” since 1999 and has attained the rank of Shodan, 1^st degree black belt. He is a new addition to our adjunct staff at Southwestern Illinois College for the Karate Program. He is very excited and motivated to bring new ideas to our program in order to enrich our curriculum.

Mr Goin also holds a rank of Level III in the Yamanni-Chinen Ryu Weapon System attained in 2007.