Hanshi RC (Ray) McGill

Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d)

Martial Arts Bio

In 1964, unbeknownst to me at the time, my martial arts journey commenced. Judo, under the tutelage of Sensei Paul Brown, marked my initial foray into this art when my brother and I joined the YMCA in Peterborough.

Around 1965, I mastered my first Karate Kata in a backyard dojo in my hometown of Omemee, guided by Sensei Kenny Hum. From that moment, I was hooked.

Fifty years later, my passion remains unwavering. I specialize in Karate, Silat, and also teach a system called Kem Ka Ju.

Let’s delve into my formal training and influential teachers:

1. Sensei Mark Bell:
   • In 1972/73, I embarked on my karate journey with Sensei Mark Bell at the Jiyu-Shin School in Peterborough. The style was Chito-Ryu, although I lack knowledge of his martial arts lineage.
2. Sensei Murray Winters:
   • During the late 1960s and early 1970s, I trained with Sensei Murray Winters. He was possibly a student of Sensei/Sifu Quai Wong from the Quai Wong Kung Fu Society in Toronto.
3. Shihan Allan Gill:
   • Around 1974/75, I studied under Shihan Allan Gill at the Cobra Tai Chi School in Peterborough. This school blended elements of Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Tai Chi, although again, I lack information about his martial arts lineage.
4. The Turning Point:
   • What truly transformed my journey was joining Benny’s House of Karate in Peterborough around 1975/76.
   • Under the mentorship of Soke/Shihan Benny Rudolph, a remarkable martial artist, I found my path.
   • Soke Ben’s accolades include being a 3-time European Heavyweight Full Contact Champion, a 2-time Dutch Full Contact Champion, and an All-American Black Belt Full Contact Champion.
   • He emerged victorious at Ed Parker’s tournament in California during the early 1970s.
5. Penjak Silat Focus:
   • For over 45 years, I’ve continued to study, train, and teach alongside Soke/Shihan Ben.
   • Our current focus lies in Penjak Silat, a rich and dynamic martial art.

Soke Benny Rudolph, at Benny’s House of Karate in Peterborough, boasts an extensive lineage:

• His training began as a young boy in East Java, where he immersed himself in Silat.
• Later, he trained in Kempo at a Shaolin Temple near his Salvation Army orphanage.
• His journey continued as he joined the Dutch Special Forces after completing compulsory military service.
• Under the guidance of numerous European masters, including John Dick Schilder and Johannes Cornelius Bluming, Sensei Ben honed his skills in Judo, Kyokushin Karate, and Mixed Martial Arts.
• His competitive spirit shone through as he clinched titles such as the Dutch Full Contact Champion, the European Full Contact Champion, and the All-American Black Belt Full Contact Champion.
• Before immigrating to Canada in the early 1970s, he operated several schools in Holland.

Soke Benny Rudolph’s legacy continues to inspire martial artists worldwide.

Soke Ben, a truly gifted martial artist, has honed his skills in various East Asian martial arts, including Silat, and has been personally trained by esteemed Japanese and European masters. His journey is a testament to dedication and passion.

Here are some remarkable aspects of Soke Ben’s martial arts lineage:

1. Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa, Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda, and Sensei Katsutaro Takahashi:
   • These three masters were direct students of the legendary Shotokan founder, Gichin Funakoshi.
   • Soke Ben had the privilege of being their student, imbibing their wisdom and techniques.
2. Jiu-Jitsu Seminars and Karate/Kung Fu Seminars:
   • Upon arriving in Canada, Sensei Ben conducted Jiu-Jitsu seminars for Canadian Grand Master Ron Forrester and Karate/Kung Fu Seminars for Sifu/Sensei Quai Wong in Toronto.
   • His knowledge and expertise enriched the martial arts community.
3. My Journey Under Sensei Ben:
   • Under Sensei Ben’s mentorship, I achieved my Shodan (1st Dan) around 1981/82.
   • Since then, he has guided, mentored, and promoted me to 6th Dan.
4. Titles and Honors:
   • Shihan Ben bestowed upon me the titles of Sensei in Karate, Sifu in Shaolin Kempo, and Guru in Silat.
   • In 2016, Soke Ben honored me with the title of Shihan.
5. Training with Grand Masters:
   • My journey continued as I trained with esteemed grand masters:
     • The late Professor Ed McLachlan
     • GM Harold Mayle
     • Hanshi Carlos Montalvo
     • Soke Frank Tasetano
     • Grand Master Dan McEaddy
6. Self-Defense System Based on Canadian Sign Language:
   • In 2010/11, I began training under Prof Ed McLachlan (10th Dan) with E&T Jiu-Jitsu in London, Ontario.
   • Prof Ed developed a unique self-defense system based on Canadian Sign Language.
   • Together, we traveled across states in the USA and Ontario, sharing our knowledge.
7. Renshi, Shihan, and Kyoshi:
   • Prof McLachlan promoted me to Renshi in 2012.
   • Subsequently, I attained the ranks of 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Dans, earning the titles of Shihan and Kyoshi.
8. Current Mentorship:
   • I am currently under the guidance of GM Soke Mike Bissonnette at New World Martial Arts in Cornwall, Ontario.
   • He has promoted me to 8th Dan and bestowed upon me the title of Kyoshi.

Throughout my martial arts journey, I’ve been honored, humbled, and privileged to receive recognition from distinguished martial artists, organizations, and teachers. Here are some notable milestones:

1. World Karate Union Hall of Fame (2013):
   • I was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in the USA as the Man of the Year in Ju-Jitsu.
   • In 2015, I received a similar honor when I was inducted into the Canadian Global Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
2. Coalition of Ancestral Martial Arts International (C.A.M.A.I):
   • On January 1st, 2016, I was appointed as the International Director for Canada within C.A.M.A.I.
   • This role allowed me to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of ancestral martial arts knowledge.
3. School of Pyramids, Circle of Masters (2018):
   • In Cornwall, Ontario, I was inducted into the School of Pyramids, Circle of Masters by Grand Master Soke Mike Bissonnette and Grand Master Dan McEaddy.
   • This recognition was a testament to my years of dedication to martial arts, training, teaching, and philosophy.
4. International Circle of Masters Annual Hall of Fame Achievement (2018):
   • On April 28th, 2018, I received the Distinguished Master Instructor of the Year award from USA Grand Master Dr. Dan McEaddy.
5. Promotion to 9th Dan and Title of Hanshi (2019):
   • On June 1st, 2019, I was promoted to 9th Dan and bestowed the title of Hanshi by Grandmasters Soke Mike Bissonette, Sr GM Dan McEaddy, and Soke Rudy Duncan at the International Circle of Masters event in New Jersey.
6. Military Service:
   • I had the honor of serving my country in the military as an infantry officer.
   • I held various command positions within an infantry battalion, eventually attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as the Battalion Commander of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.
7. Diverse Training and Influences:
   • My martial arts journey has been a delightful exploration of various styles and arts, including jujitsu, judo, boxing, and Military Hand to Hand/Close Quarter Combat.
   • I’ve studied styles from Japan, Vietnam, South East Asia, Europe, and Canada.
   • Seminars by renowned figures like Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace, and Joe Lewis, as well as interactions with professional boxers, have enriched my knowledge.
8. Sensei Ben’s Legacy:
   • In 2011, Soke/Sensei Ben graciously allowed me to use his crest and school name to begin my teaching journey.
   • His continued support, including presenting me with his Black Belt, has been both humbling and confidence-boosting.
9. McGill’s House of Karate and Self Defense (Combatives):
   • Today, I own and operate McGill’s House of Karate and Self Defense with a philosophy rooted in not-for-profit principles.
   • We currently operate two dojos, one in Omemee and another in Courtice.
   • Our classes are quality-focused, with a maximum of 25 students per dojo.
   • Training sessions occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and we conduct self-protection seminars on weekends.
10. KEM KA JU System:
    • Our schools teach multiple martial arts styles, including Shaolin Kempo, Kyo ku shin kai, Shotokan Karate, East Asian Silat, and Military Close Quarter Combat.
    • The system we follow, developed by Sensei Ben, is called KEM KA JU.
    • KEM KA JU stands for:
      • Kem (from Kempo)
      • Ka (from Karate)
      • Ju (from Jiu-Jitsu)
11. Continued Seminars and Tournaments:
    • I still conduct seminars in Canada, USA, and the United Kingdom.
    • My participation in tournaments spans across Canada, USA, and the Dominican Republic.
12. Anti-Bullying and Practical Self-Protection:
    • Our school emphasizes instruction in anti-bullying and practical self-protection techniques.

My martial arts journey has been a tapestry of pleasure, discovery, and self-awareness.

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