Both Sensei McNally and Soke Nielsen then joined the World
Black Belt Bureau and studied the art of Pasai Ryu under the direction of
Master Khan Rhee from Korea where they both broadened their martial arts
training. Seeing the need to continue in Goju Ryu, Soke Nielsen then joined
the International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation in 1994 and trained
under Sensei George Seahorn and Master Morio Higaonna, the worlds' leading
authority on Goju Ryu Karate-Do. . After seven years of study with the
IOGKF, Soke Nielsen decided to break ties with the federation to pursue
other areas of study in traditional karate.
Continuing his dojo in the Memphis area and wanting to train
and learn more about traditional martial arts, Soke Nielsen then sought the
instruction of Sensei Dr. Mark Neuman from Naples, Florida through some of
the contacts he had made during his years of study. From Sensei Neuman Soke
Nielsen studied and learned the art of Shito Ryu Karate-Do of which he is
very proud to have studied. During this time of study Soke Nielsen founded
the USA-TKA and affiliated members with it from Florida, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Arkansas, and of course Tennessee thus forming the basis of what the
association stands for: "all traditional martial artists wishing to
study and learn from each other with no politics". The USA-TKA enjoys
association with members from Goju Ryu, Shito Ryu, and Kempo Karate as well
as the Olympic sport of Judo. Soke Nielsen continues to look for people who
wish to learn from each other and join in the association.
Soke Nielsen holds the rank of Judan and the additional
title of Hanshi in his organization and the style which he created of
Nahashu Ryu Karate-Do. He, and wife Amy, now live in Cabot, AR.
They made the move in an effort to further spread Nahashu Ryu, and the
USA-TKA. He refers to himself as a "perpetual
student".
