Dara Masi

Dara Masi began her study of the martial arts in 1986. After achieving shodan rank in Jujutsu, she met with Shihan Dennis Palumbo and began formal training in Hakkoryu Jujutsu. After many years, with frequent trips from New York to Denver, Palumbo Shihan awarded her the rank of Menkyo Kaiden Shihan San Dai Kichu in 2007.

In 1994 Shihan Masi opened Suigetsu Dojo and along with the co-owner, Shihan Melanie Fine, she has established a solid curriculum of training for all rank levels. In 2006 Palumbo Shihan announced his semi-retirement, closing the Hakkosen Dojo and continuing to teach privately a select few senior students. In 2008 he named Masi Shihan the Director of Hakkoryu Martial Arts Federation.

Masi Shihan is very proud to take the mantle of HMAF and continue spreading the teachings of Shodai Soke Okuyama Ryohu as taught by Shihan Palumbo. Masi Shihan is a lifetime member of Jujitsu America, the National Women's Martial Arts Federation, and the Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists. She is also a co-founder and lifetime member of the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors. For more information about Masi Shihan and Suigetsu Dojo, visit www.suigetsu.com.