Tom Ryan began training in the Tae Kwon Do in Korea in 1972 while serving in the military. In 1974 Tom supplemented his art with Judo training. In 1981 the art of Dan Zan Ryu presented Tom with yet another means of incorporating his striking arts with his grappling arts. To Tom, Dan Zan Ryu was more of a combative extension to the sport of Judo.
Tom Ryan owns and operates the Palmetto Ju Jitsu Academy and Healing Arts in Columbia, South Carolina. Instructors from all over the country flock to Professor Ryan to study Ju Jitsu and learn about Okazaki Restorative Massage. Tom has been awarded the title of Shihan, which means teacher of teachers as well as the title of Professor in Ju Jitsu.
