Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association
Natosha Boop
Senior Instructor — Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association
Yondan — 4th Dan
Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu
A lifelong student and instructor dedicated to continuing the study, preservation, and transmission of traditional Okinawan martial arts.
Martial Arts Journey & Continuing Tradition
A commitment to training, advancement, preservation, and the continuation of traditional Okinawan karate.
Beginning the Journey — Age Five
Natosha Boop began her martial arts journey at the age of five, developing an early appreciation for discipline, perseverance, respect, and the importance of consistent training.
Developing Through Training
Through continued practice and dedication, she progressed through the ranks while developing a deeper understanding of traditional karate, its techniques, discipline, and responsibilities.
Training Under Grandmaster Kenneth H. Balliet
Her martial arts development continued under the guidance and instruction of Grandmaster Kenneth H. Balliet, providing an important connection to the traditional lineage and teachings of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu.
Continued Study & Advancement
Continued study and advancement have remained central to her martial arts journey, with emphasis placed on maintaining proper technique, understanding the traditional curriculum, and continuing to learn through dedicated practice.
Continuing the Tradition
As her experience developed, the responsibility to help preserve and continue the traditions passed through her instructors became an increasingly important part of her martial arts path.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Through continued training and instruction, Natosha supports the development of future students by encouraging discipline, perseverance, respect, integrity, and an appreciation for the traditions of Okinawan karate.
Yondan — 4th Dan
Current rank in Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu.
Nidan — 2nd Dan
Promoted by Grandmaster Kenneth H. Balliet in December 2014.
Women in Martial Arts
Natosha's continued involvement in traditional Okinawan martial arts reflects the important role women have in preserving, practicing, teaching, and passing traditional martial arts knowledge to future generations. Her journey demonstrates that dedication, discipline, and perseverance are not limited by age or gender, but are developed through consistent training and commitment to the art.
Commitment to the Tradition
The martial arts journey is never truly complete. Each rank represents another step in learning, understanding, and accepting greater responsibility. Natosha Boop continues that journey with a commitment to training, teaching, preserving the traditions entrusted to her, and helping ensure that those traditions remain available to the next generation.
A Dedication to Those Who Shaped My Martial Arts Journey
Throughout my journey, two men have had a profound impact on my development, shaping not only my martial arts skills, but also the person I am today. Their lessons extended far beyond the dojo, and I continue to carry their wisdom into how I train, teach, and live my life.
Sensei Michael Davies
My father, Sensei Michael Davies, was my first instructor and remains the foundation upon which my martial arts journey was built. From the age of five, he introduced me to the discipline, structure, and traditions of martial arts.
Through years of training, encouragement, and unwavering support, he continually challenged me to become the best version of myself, never allowing me to settle for less than my potential.
While he taught me the physical aspects of martial arts, the lessons that have remained with me the longest were those centered on character. He instilled in me the importance of respect, integrity, humility, self-discipline, and the willingness to listen and learn from others.
Through his example, I learned that martial arts is not simply about developing technical skill, but about becoming a person of strong character and sound judgment.
His guidance provided the foundation for everything I have accomplished in martial arts and in life. For his many years of dedication, sacrifice, encouragement, and belief in me, I will always be grateful.
Grandmaster Kenneth H. Balliet
Through my father's guidance, I was introduced to Grandmaster Kenneth H. Balliet, whose influence would profoundly shape my understanding of Okinawan martial arts.
Under his instruction, I gained a deeper appreciation for the traditions, history, and philosophy of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu.
Grandmaster Balliet taught that martial arts is not measured simply by belts, trophies, or tournament victories, but by dedication to the art itself and the continual pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
He encouraged students to look beyond technique and develop an understanding of the history, principles, and lineage behind what they practiced. His standards were high, but so was his commitment to developing the character of his students.
He challenged me to approach training with humility, perseverance, and a willingness to continually learn. His teachings reinforced many of the values first instilled in me by my father and deepened my understanding of what it means to live the martial arts way.
The lessons he shared continue to guide my training, my teaching, and my outlook on life. His legacy lives on through the students he influenced and through the traditions he worked tirelessly to preserve.
A Continuing Responsibility
To Sensei Michael Davies and Grandmaster Kenneth H. Balliet, I offer my deepest respect, gratitude, and appreciation. The lessons you taught, the standards you set, and the example you provided helped shape not only the martial artist I have become, but also the woman I am today.
Throughout my journey, I was often one of very few female practitioners training at an advanced level. Neither of you allowed limitations, stereotypes, or expectations to define what I could achieve. Instead, you challenged me to earn every accomplishment through hard work, dedication, discipline, and perseverance.
The lessons you taught extended far beyond self-defense and technique. You instilled in me the values of respect, humility, integrity, and lifelong learning. You taught me that true martial arts is not about recognition or rank, but about continual self-improvement and dedication to something greater than oneself.
Those lessons continue to guide me as an instructor, student, wife, mother, and member of my community.