Shidoshi David Fetterman

The Martial Arts have been more than just a recreational pastime for Sensei Dave Fetterman. He has been studying and following his journey for over 20 Years in several disciplines. As a teenager, Dave was introduced to a friend who held a blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do and it was history from there. He continued to train with several schools in his hometown of Bloomsburg, PA, mainly in Tae Kwon Do, earning a blackbelt before he graduated from High School in 1986.

Dave furthered his training throughout college in Pittsburgh, Pa, but was always wanting and searching for more. Several years later, Dave received Dan ranking in Tang Soo Do, under Grandmaster T.H. Nam. This was a great experience on his path as a Martial Artist, but he was looking for something more. The answer came in the form of a phone call, in late 1997, from life-long friend, Brent Earlewine.

This was a dream come true for Dave, as he has been in pursuit of Ninjutsu ever since he read about Soke Hatsumi in the early 80’s. By finding Budo Taijutsu, many doors have opened in Dave’s life as he continues to grow with Soke's guidance, and Phil San's leadership not only as a teacher and a mentor, but as a friend.

On a rainy, California day in 2001, it came. Dave, along with Brent, reached a pivotal moment in their Ninjutsu training as they tested and passed for their Shodan (1st. Degree Blackbelt). It was from that moment on that he realized the breadth of his journey. In Early 2002 Dave was presented his Nidan. Later that year, Dave received his Shidoshi-Ho license. 2003 brought many new adventures in his quest. During a magical trip to Japan with Brent, Dave received his San Dan in Ninjutsu and reached Shoden Level in Muso Ikkan Ryu Batto-Jutsu from Soke Machida in Noda City, Japan. Dave received his Yondan in March of 2004. In June of 2005 Dave received his Shidoshi from Soke at the Hombu Dojo in Noda City.

Martial Arts has brought more to Dave’s life than just self-defense, it has brought a higher understanding of humanity and spirituality. These experiences include, Intro to Life Mastery, Meditation Practices as well as introductions to DeCuerdas Eskrima and Iaido. Ever since Dave was a child he has had a connection with the ways of Native Americans. Experiencing the Order of the Arrow as a young Eagle Scout brought a thirst for knowledge to his journey. It was, however, not until 2002 that he experienced the Quest and followed his heart through the teachings of Phil Legare in the spirituality of the Lakota and Apache Native Americans.

Dave continues and will always follow the path of the Open Mind and more importantly….the Open Heart. This journey of his has had the support and guidance of many and without them the journey would not be as rewarding.

Senior Instructors: Brent Earlewine | Dave Fetterman

Satellite Training Groups : Gary Phillips, MA | Joel Singhas, VA