Testing Board Bio - Master Andy Tourin

Usually the first thing I tell people about Master Andy Tourin is that he is the most gracious martial artist I've ever met, and that describing a martial artist as "gracious" is something I never even thought about until I met Master Tourin.  He is so kind and easy going and helpful.  Everyone loves working out with and learning from him... everyone.

The second thing I tell people is that they should pay attention as he is also one of the strongest, smoothest, and most dangerous martial artists I've ever met!  His movements are like a tornado - a force of nature - smooth and flowing and leaving ruin and devastation in his wake.

Without question my strength is in the striking arts.  Grappling, throws, reaps, and sweeps... I'm like a duck out of water.  So it was wonderful to get the opportunity to work with Master Tourin yesterday at a 2 hour seminar held here in Tennessee at Family First Martial Arts.  I felt awkward and confused and awesome!  It is one of the things I like best about working with Master Tourin.  He has so much to teach and so much for you to learn, that you leave with a complete understanding of how little you actually know - but instead of being upset about it - you are excited!

Thank you Sir for being part of my testing board!

Respectfully,
Kathy Wiz

Master Andy Tourin has been practicing Martial Arts for over 35 years. He has instructor’s certificates in Danzan Ryu JuJitsu (6th Degree, Rokudan), and Kodokan Judo (2nd Degree, Nidan) under Prof. L. L. Cary; and the Goju-Shorei Weapons System (4th Degree, Yodan) under Soke Dave McNeill.

He is affiliated with and certified by the U.S. Judo Association, American Judo-JuJitsu Association, The International Bujinkan Ninpo Kai, JuJitsu America, Goju-Shorei Systems, Unity Martial Arts Association, USA Jujitsu and Martial Arts Federation and the Nevada Coalition of Martial Artists.

Master Tourin has served as assistant coach and head referee for the USA Sport Jujitsu and Grappling team and was named Official of the Year in 1995 by the NCMA.

He has over two decades of teaching experience, having been the head instructor of children’s, adult co-ed and women’s programs. He has instructed, assisted or participated in local, national and international seminars covering edged weapons, impact weapons, firearms, weapon disarms and retention, ground fighting and various Chinese, Japanese, Okinawan, Filipino and American systems.

Master Tourin is also featured in internationally distributed instructional videos and DVDs.