The Black Belts

Yudansha

Our teaching staff has trained and ranked under only the highest masters in their respective fields — certified by both Okinawan and Japanese rank.

John Primeaux

Soke · Founder
San Yama Ryu Bujutsu Kudan · 9th Dan 2026

Other Ranks & Certificates

  • Nihon-ryu Aiki-jutsuGodan03/20/96
  • Nihon-ryu Karate-doYodan03/20/95
  • Traditional JudoYodan04/06/97
  • Isshogai-Ryu Karate-doYodan07/22/19
  • Hoshin Roshi TaijutsuNidan10/08/03
  • Juko-ryu JujutsuShodan09/03/97
  • Combat-kiMenkyo Okuden06/12/94
  • Shinjo-ryu Iai-jutsu / Ken-jutsuMenkyo Joden04/13/95
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu Aiki-joYonkyu02/28/96
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu AikidoGokyu04/13/95
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu BojutsuMenkyo Kyoshi10/11/97
  • Hoshin Roshi TaijutsuKyoshi04/01/99
  • Hoshin Roshi TaijutsuRenshi04/01/00
  • Hoshin Roshi TaijutsuHanshi04/01/03
  • Basic Combat Judo CertificationCert10/18/97
  • Advanced Combat Judo CertificationCert01/18/98
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu Jujutsu — Kneeling FormCert03/20/96
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu Jujutsu — Standing FormCert02/28/96
  • Okinawan YubiwazaCert04/06/97
  • US Specialized Law Enforcement Knife DefensesCert04/08/94
  • Shihan-Dai Appointment · La. Rep · US RepAppt

Soke-Dai Matt

Kyoshi Chad Matt · Heir to the System
San Yama Ryu Bujutsu Nanadan · 7th Dan 2026

Other Ranks & Certificates

  • Nihon-ryu Aiki-jutsuNidan03/20/96
  • Traditional JudoNidan06/26/97
  • Karate-doShodan01/15/95
  • Nihon-ryu Karate-doShodan02/06/95
  • Juko-ryu JujutsuShodan09/03/97
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu Aiki-joYonkyu02/28/96
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu AikidoGokyu04/13/95
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu JujutsuGokyu04/13/95
  • Combat-kiMenkyo Shihan06/26/96
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu BojutsuMenkyo Kyoshi10/11/97
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu HanbojutsuGokyu04/06/97
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu NaginatajutsuMenkyo Okuden10/11/97
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu YarijutsuMenkyo Okuden10/11/97
  • Shinjo-ryu Iai-jutsu / Ken-jutsuMenkyo Joden04/13/95
  • Hoshin Roshi TaijutsuWater Belt05/12/01
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu Jujutsu — Kneeling FormCert03/20/96
  • Dai-yoshin-ryu Jujutsu — Standing FormCert02/28/96
  • Okinawan YubiwazaCert04/06/97

Eric Marsalis

Sensei
San Yama Ryu Bujutsu Shodan 07/05/05

Other Ranks & Certificates

  • Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū IaidoShodan08/20/07

Sensei Eric has been teaching Goshin Taijutsu in Japan since 2009.