Dale Heidal
Heidal began training in Isshinryu Karate in 1974 in the American Okinawan Karate Association in Tacoma, Washington. His instructors over the years were Ben Ward, Todd Overby, Robert Edwards, and George Shin; all of whom were trained by Mr. Steve Armstrong, who trained in Okinawa under Isshinryu founder Tatsuo Shimabuku. Heidal’s Aikido training began in 1982 with Alfred Rulona (Aikikai), who trained with Francis Takahashi in Hawaii. Heidal also trained with Eric Oberg at Seattle School of Aikido, and in Olympia, Washington with Will Niva and Jim West of Aikido Yuishinkai, founded by Koretoshi Maruyama. Maruyama Sensei trained under Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.
Stefen Benning
Stefen Benning began his martial arts training when he was in 3rd grade, studying Shorin-Ryu Karate in Troy, Ohio under Sensei Jeff Listener. When he and his parents moved to the Chicago area a few years later there were no nearby Shorin-Ryu schools so Stefen began training again, this time taking up Isshin-Ryu Karate. The transition to the new style was easy as both come from Okinawa and Isshin-Ryu is derived from Shorin-Ryu and Gojo-Ryu. Stefen trained with Grandmaster Ron Troutman and Sensei Rocky Troutman for the next six years, attaining the rank of Sankyu. In 1995 Stefen joined the Army and temporarily paused his traditional martial arts training. During his 21 years of military service, he was a Special Forces (Green Beret) Communications Non-Commissioned Officer, SERE Instructor, and Chief Warrant Officer. After Retirement Stefen began training at Northwest Isshinryu under Sensei Dale Heidal and attained the rank of Shodan in February 2023.
