Matthew Cowen - began training in Matsubayashi-ryu in 1984 eventually getting promoted to nidan by Frank Grant, Hanshi, and Takayoshi Nagamine, Hanshi. In 1989 he saw a demonstration by Taika Oyata. That same year Matt attended one of Taika's seminars and was able to experience his techniques first hand. Out of frustration he went to Okinawa to see if similar techniques were still practiced there. While in Okinawa he was fortunate to be able to train with Shoshin Nagamine and Eisuke Akamine as well as others. Not liking what he saw he returned and asked to train with Taika Oyata.
After getting promoted to shodan Matt was allowed to train at the headquarters dojo with Taika. Following Taika’s concepts of life protection he eventually became a police officer in Johnson County, KS. Matt is currently a rokudan and renshi in Oyata Shin Shu Ho and head instructor of the RyuTe Kenkyu Kai.
Bob Harris - Waiting on bio information
Brad Hatfield - began training with Greg Lindquist, Kyoshi, in 1987 at his Overland Park, KS dojo. In 1991 he was promoted to shodan and started training at the headquarters dojo with Taika Oyata. At that time he became an assistant instructor to Sensei Lindquist. When Sensei Stark took over Sensei Lindquist’s dojo Brad continued as his assistant. In 1995 he was inducted into Oyata Shin Shu Ho. In 2006 Brad was promoted to seventh dan and Kyoshi in Oyata Shin Shu Ho.
Brad continues to train in RyuTe and is currently an instructor at Greg Lindquist’s newest dojo in Overland Park.
Frank Schuchardt - Frank first saw Taika at a demonstration in Independence when his son was taking lessons. Frank was impressed when Taika disarmed Greg Lindquist, who was attacking with a bo. In January 1986 Frank started training mainly as a form of exercise with Greg Lindquist. In 1989 he tested for black belt and became one of Taika’s students. Now, twenty years later, he is a godan and member of Oyata Shin Shu Ho. Frank says that after all this time he still doesn’t believe he understands the first kata.
Marvin Fankhauser - came to Ryute as a Tae Kwon Do black belt in search of something more. He is known to many as the photographer of the association. Marvin has trained for many years with Taika and appreciates the manji sai and tanbo. He is currently a renshi and godan.
Bob Edgemond - Renshi, godan
If you are a Shin Shu Ho member and would like to be listed on this website, please send a photo and a brief biography to the Contact e-mail address.
Matthew Cowen - began training in Matsubayashi-ryu in 1984 eventually getting promoted to nidan by Frank Grant, Hanshi, and Takayoshi Nagamine, Hanshi. In 1989 he saw a demonstration by Taika Oyata. That same year Matt attended one of Taika's seminars and was able to experience his techniques first hand. Out of frustration he went to Okinawa to see if similar techniques were still practiced there. While in Okinawa he was fortunate to be able to train with Shoshin Nagamine and Eisuke Akamine as well as others. Not liking what he saw he returned and asked to train with Taika Oyata.
Brad Hatfield - began training with Greg Lindquist, Kyoshi, in 1987 at his Overland Park, KS dojo. In 1991 he was promoted to shodan and started training at the headquarters dojo with Taika Oyata. At that time he became an assistant instructor to Sensei Lindquist. When Sensei Stark took over Sensei Lindquist’s dojo Brad continued as his assistant. In 1995 he was inducted into Oyata Shin Shu Ho. In 2006 Brad was promoted to seventh dan and Kyoshi in Oyata Shin Shu Ho. 
Frank Schuchardt - Frank first saw Taika at a demonstration in Independence when his son was taking lessons. Frank was impressed when Taika disarmed Greg Lindquist, who was attacking with a bo. In January 1986 Frank started training mainly as a form of exercise with Greg Lindquist. In 1989 he tested for black belt and became one of Taika’s students. Now, twenty years later, he is a godan and member of Oyata Shin Shu Ho. Frank says that after all this time he still doesn’t believe he understands the first kata. 