07/30/2025
BIOGRAPHY OF GRANDMASTER MARK HALEY
AND THE FOUNDING OF TE-ASHI RYU JUJUTSU
Te-Ashi Ryu Jujutsu was founded by Grand Master Mark Haley in 1988. GM Haley began his martial arts journey in 1975 at age 12, with several neighborhood kids with the same interest. Two years
later, at age 14. GM Haley began training in one of Sensei Robert Bowles Shuri Ryu Karate Schools. He continued his training in Shuri Ryu Karate until 1982. Gm Haley then began training in Okugi-no
Jujutsu, receiving his black belt in 1984. In 1984 GM Haley Joined the United States Air Force, it was during this time, in 1987, that he began training under Sensei Darren Walters in Shotokan Karate.
Sensei Walters promoted GM Haley to 3 rd Dan in 1988, and at that time Sensei Walters agreed to sponsor and support GM Haley founding Te-Ashi Ryu Jujutsu. Te-Ashi Ryu Jujutsu/Karate is a blend
of Karate, Jujutsu, Judo, Aikido and Budo (weapons training). In December of 1988 GM Haley moved to Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas and began working at USDB (United States Disciplinary Barracks
Prison). Upon arrival at the USDB GM Haley was afforded the opportunity and privilege of being chosen to replace the outgoing Defensive tactics Instructor for the mandatory two day training course that all military personnel must attend. For three years GM Haley instructed all Air Force, Marine and Army staff assigned to the USDB. In 1991 GM Haley was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force but chose to stay in Federal service and began a career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). After five years of service with the BOP GM Haley was chosen to be the lead self-defense instructor, a position he held for 17 years, until his retirement in 2013. Gm Haley continued to receive Rank promotions and further his own training before and after his retirement, cross training in Kunami Ryu Karate, Ninjitsu and Ryukyu Kempo, while continuing to maintain his training in
Shotokan Karate and the further development of Te-Ashi Ryu Jujutsu. During GM Haley’s martial arts career, he started schools in Indiana, Kansas, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, and Tennessee. To date GM
Haley holds Black Belts in 14 different arts and styles and still competes in tournaments throughout the Mid-West. Gm Haley is widely recognized for his Weapon and Empty hand KATA in competition, placing or taking first place in during these events. GM Haley’s rank is recognized by the International Combat Arts Union Association, the American Sports Jujitsu League (ASJL) and the Oku-no Ryu Karate Association (O.R.K.A.). In 2021 Grand Master Haley was approached by the newly formed board of the Oku-no Ryu Karate Association and asked if he would consider taking a position on the board of the organization. After meeting several of the board members GM Haley agreed to assume a role as one of the Senior Board Members for O.R.K.A. On July 21st, 2022, then Master Mark Haley, was promoted to the rank of 9th Dan in Shotokan Karate and Te-Ashi Ryu Jujutsu and awarded the
title of Grand Master. One year later in 2023 GM Haley agreed to collaborate with Professor Greg Burcham (7 th Dan Te-Ashi Ryu Jujutsu and Shorinji Ryu Seikukan Karate) and Senior Master Leslie
Losier (6 th Dan Te-Ashi Ryu Jujutsu and Shotokan Karate) in the further development of Ekitai Ryu Jujutsu. Ekitai Ryu Jujutsu is the system of Jujutsu used throughout the O.R.K.A. organization. After a unanimous board vote, and the consent of the other Grand master’s on the board of directors, GM Haley was promoted to the rank of 10 th Dan in Ekitai Ryu Jujutsu and awarded the title of Shodai-Soke. GM Haley was chosen by the O.R.K.A. board to be the Headmaster and sole authority over the Association's Jujutsu programs. Gm Haley’s years of experience and continued dedication to martial arts is an inspiration to all of those who have the privilege of knowing him and training under his tutelage. On December 4th, 2023 Grand Master Haley was promoted to 10th Dan through the American Sports Jujitsu League (ASJL) and awarded the title of Soke. This was a prestigious honor, to be recognized through such a well known and well respected Organization, and further solidifies GM Haley’s reputation and contributions to the martial arts community.
