Tuhon/Shihan

Durand Howard:

 A Transformative Journey in Martial Arts Mastery

In the bustling city of Newark, New Jersey, Shihan/Tuhon Durand Howard embarked on his martial arts journey, deeply inspired by his single mother's resolute determination to forge a positive path for her children amid urban adversity. From a young age, fueled by cinematic heroes and personal confrontations with bullying, Durand discovered his calling in martial arts. His initial training began under the guidance of his uncle, Chaucer Laughlin, a seasoned practitioner of the Goshi Shun Karate System.

A Tapestry of Esteemed Mentors Durand's martial arts education is a rich tapestry, meticulously crafted from the teachings of several masterful mentors. His formative years were influenced by Grandmasters Fred Godfrey Taylor and Edward Bose in the Ninja Turtle system, and Grandmaster Eugene David Floyd in the Ninja Karate system, where he earned his first-degree black belt by 1981.

His cousin, Professor Ronald Howard, introduced him to the sophisticated techniques of Vee-Arnis-Jitsu, further enhancing Durand's martial prowess under the mentorship of Soke David James and Professor Scott Stewart. This phase deepened his understanding of combat and self-defense philosophically and technically.

Pivotal Filipino Martial Arts Training The trajectory of Durand's martial arts journey shifted dramatically with his introduction to Filipino martial arts. Tuhon Alan Dennis, a corrections officer with critical real-world combat experience, first introduced Durand to Kali Silat. Tuhon Dennis imparted advanced techniques essential for survival in high-risk environments, which Durand rapidly assimilated, reshaping his approach to emphasize practicality over competition.

Under the legendary Grandtuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr., Durand delved into the depths of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, gaining a profound respect for and mastery of bladed weaponry. Grandtuhon Gaje's tutelage was pivotal in shaping Durand's tactical and historical perspective on martial arts.

Grandmaster Jerson "Nene" Tortal, alongside Grandtuhon Gaje, taught all the instructors in Durand's group, enriching his understanding of stick and knife fighting. While Durand never directly trained under Grand Master Eddie Jafri, he was privy to the lessons Jafri taught to Tuhon Charles Vickers and Tuhon Alan Dennis, as overseen by Grandtuhon Gaje. These teachings further expanded Durand's martial arts repertoire, ensuring a holistic education as directed by his mentors.

Culmination of Mastery and Recognition The latter stages of Durand's formal training were under the guidance of Tuhon Tony McGregor, appointed by Tuhon Charles Vickers to balance and finalize Durand's instruction in the system. After Grandtuhon Gaje witnessed Durand's exceptional skill set, he was promoted to the rank of Tuhon. Durand was also referred to as a "Blade Master" by Grandtuhon Gaje but was encouraged to broaden his knowledge in other aspects of Pekiti-Tirsia.

The Genesis of Blue Life Karate Fueled by his extensive training and the lessons drawn from his mentors, Durand founded Blue Life Karate Centers in 1993 in Maplewood, New Jersey. Starting with free self-defense classes in response to community needs, his effective teaching methods quickly grew this initiative into a flourishing martial arts institution.

Legacy of Empowerment and Continued Growth Durand Howard’s story is a testament to the transformative power of martial arts, shaped by resilience, mentorship, and continuous learning. Leading Blue Life Karate and Combat Kali Silat NJ, Durand remains dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages and skill levels, from young children to adults enhancing their fitness and self-defense capabilities. His legacy, characterized by a commitment to fostering strength, confidence, and integrity, ensures that his impact will resonate for generations to come.