Gen'ichi Goda

Master of Samurai Jujitsu

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Grandmaster Gen’ichi Goda (Master "G") was not famous or a celebrity but rather a titan of the martial arts world, a foundational architect whose life served as a sacred bridge between the ancient shadows of the feudal samurai and the modern practitioner. A direct student of the legendary Dr. Kinbei Sato, Master"G" was a master of unparalleled pedigree, holding the prestigious Menkyo Kaiden directly under Sato’s tutelage. Through this prestigious lineage, he inherited the profound combative transmissions that Dr. Sato received from the 'Last Shinobi' Toshitsugu Takamatsu, including the deep traditions of Shinden Fudo-ryu Dakentaijutsu, Takagi Yoshin-ryu Jutaijutsu, Gikan-ryu Koppojutsu, Kukishin-ryu Happo Biken, and Asayama Ichiden-ryu. His mastery was not limited to these transmissions alone; he also stood as a formidable authority in Tenjin Shin’yō-ryū, having achieved Menkyo Kaiden under the guidance of Torijiro Yagi. Across a distinguished fifty-year odyssey.

 

Master of the tatami mats

 

Grandmaster Goda elevated the technical mastery of ne-waza and kosen judo throwing cycles to a spiritual art form, blending devastating tactical application with a timeless warrior philosophy. He taught that the ultimate combat was internal—a quest for composure and self-mastery amidst the chaos of battle. Today, his spirit resonates through every movement at Rusty Ort Martial Arts, ensuring that the integrity, wisdom, and lethal grace of his historical experience endure for generations to come.

 

Trainer of Shootfighters and Catch Wrestlers

 

Master "G" was not only a traditional martial arts instructor but he was also the trainer of many of the pioneers of early shoot fighting. The early shoot fighting promotions in Japan would recruit fighters from his dojo because they all were highly trained in both striking and submission style grappling. Master "G" trained and cornered me in all of my professional fights as well. He was a Sensei that was not only good at teaching but the man could fight as well. I fondly remember him beating the living shit out of all of young guys back in the day and he was 60 years old then. Now I am 60 years old and smile and think of him when I rough up younger fighters who are shocked that an old man can still fight.

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Beyond the ring and into the streets for self defense

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Master "G" had a very serious and pragmatic approach to real close quarter combat. He did not believe in modern BJJ of getting people to the ground to wrestle them into a submission. On the battlefield this will get you killed. He trained all of us to strike and atemi point with the weapon, seize, off balance, throw, and pin the opponent for a quick puncture of a major artery. He emphasized the need to train against people treating all adversaries if they were armed too. I can remember a day in the dojo where he was illustrating these points. I grabbed him in a traditional wrestling collar and elbow tie up and before I could even get it set in he pulled out his training blade cut my throat then did a seoi nage judo throw on me and when I hit the ground he stabbed me in the side of my neck. I was shocked and when I looked up at him he was smiling from ear to ear. as I could plainly see he was taking pleasure in my misery.

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