Other names Ron Duncan Years active 1937 – early 2000s Notable students Ron van Clief | Nationality American Name Ron Duncan | |
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Born June 4, 1937
Panama ( 1937-06-04 ) Style Ninjitsu, Karate, Jujutsu, Judo Died November 19, 2012, New York, United States Teacher Charlie Neal, Donald Hugh Nagle | ||
Ron Duncan Demonstration
Ronald Duncan (June 4, 1937 – November 19, 2012) was considered a martial arts pioneer and master, specifically of Shinobino-jitsu or Koga-ryu ninjitsu. Duncan was additionally one of the first blacks to teach martial arts in America. He is considered by some to be the father of American ninjitsu.
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Personal life
He was born in Panama and was a U.S. Marine. Duncan immigrated to the United States in 1954. His son Gregory Duncan is also a martial artist. Duncan attended Boys High School.
Martial arts
Duncan has also studied a number of different styles such as judo, boxing, Hakko Ryu jujutsu, Dai-Nippon Jujutsu Ryu, Sosuishi Ryu, Kin Dai Gakko Ryu, aikido, aikijujutsu, kempo, and kobujutsu (weaponry). He combined his training to create his Way of the Wind system and became one of the first black martial arts instructors in the United States. Duncan was an instructor at the Bushido School of Self Defense in New York. Duncan achieved a 2nd degree black belt in Jiu Jitsu in 1964. He has instructed military and law enforcement students.
Ninjitsu
Black Belt magazine referred to Duncan as a pioneer in the field of ninjitsu. Duncan began teaching Koga Ryu in 1959. Duncan was the first American to demonstrate ninjitsu to the American public in 1967. Duncan, along with Stephen K. Hayes and Masaaki Hatsumi, helped to popularize Ninjutsu in the United States in the 1970s and the 1980s. All three attended the 1987 Ninja Summit.
Media and honors
Duncan was featured on various articles as well as the cover of Official Karate Magazine and Black Belt magazine. On his death Black Belt magazine stated "On November 19, 2012, the martial arts world lost another legend."
Claims of racism
Duncan has participated in numerous discussions concerning racism in the martial arts including claims that early on, many white instructors were not willing to take on black students. He stated that the reason why there was success in ninjitsu for Stephen Hayes and Masaaki Hatsumi and not for him was racism.