Founder

Hanshi Ivan Lewis - Hachidan: 8th Degree Black Belt

Busho Kai USA Founder

Hanshi Ivan Lewis founded Busho Kai Martial Arts and Fitness over 30 years ago and is located in a State of the Art facility in Mansfield. He has trained students of all ages and from all walks of life to be more successful through their practice of martial arts.

Hanshi Lewis is one of the most respected martial artists in the United States and has more than 43 years of experience. He currently holds an 8th Dan black belt and is a certified Master Instructor in Shito-Ryu. Hanshi Lewis also holds black belts in Goju-Ryu, Shotokan and Ju-Jitsu. Hanshi Lewis competed and won the awards of kumite and kata Grand Champion. He has won multiple awards and has held several prestigious leadership positions in the karate world.

Hanshi Lewis is recognized for his leadership and is currently the Governor for the Southwest (AAU) Amateur Athletic Union and a District Director for the AAU Karate Program. Hanshi Lewis has an international degree from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports at the Budo Academy, he’s a Certified Coach for the American Sport Education Program and holds a National AAU Referee license. Hanshi Lewis is also a member of the AAU Hall of Fame committee and holds a Martial Arts Congress teaching license.

Hanshi Lewis began his martial arts training in the United States Virgin Islands. He later moved to New York City to instruct classes at the Nisei Goju-Ryu Headquarters. Hanshi Lewis received his 6th degree black belt in 1995. That’s the same year his mentor - Grandmaster Frank Ruiz, founder of the Nisei Goju-Ryu Karate System, passed away. His other instructors include Sensei Toyatoro Miyazaki, Hanshi Del Saito and Hanshi Wilfredo Roldan.

Career Highlights

  • 2014 - Inducted into the Master Hall of Fame
  • 2013 - Inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame
  • 2000 - 2005 Traditional Karate League Instructor of the Year
  • 2004 - Tradition Karate-Do Organization Instructor of the Year
  • 1998 – Inducted into the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame
  • 1991 – Inducted into the USA Martial Arts ‘Who’s Who’ Elite
  • 1989 – Nisei Goju-Ryu Instructor of the Year
  • 1989 - Inducted into the Nisei Goju-Ryu Black Belt Hall of Fame