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DARRYN A. MELERINE
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Darryn A. Melerine

Life Member - United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) ®
Life Member - USA Traditional Kodokan Judo (USA-TKJ) ®
Member-Technical Committee USJJF & USA-TKJ 



At an early age Darryn began developing a combat skill set learning self-defense, striking and wrestling from his father Jerry Melerine, Marine Veteran and Uncle Johnny “Bub” Martinez, Army National Guard Veteran. Jerry talks fondly of raising two sons, Darryn and younger brother, Chad.  He reminisces about teaching them to work hard, never give up and the importance of good character and loyalty. Seeing their ability and being great athletes focused on physical development, strength & conditioning creating cross fit like (before cross fit was ever a thing) training equipment and challenging them with exercises such as rope climbs, chin-ups, hand-over-hand’s, speed, balance and coordination routines in their back yard.  

During family gatherings he would have the Darryn and Chad compete against cousins with the winner always being Darryn and/or Chad.  He taught his boys at an early age, “you never start a fight,  and always stick together. “Know how to defend yourself and each other if necessary.” Darryn took that message to heart. He continued to train in community boxing gyms, in the streets of St. Bernard Parish and Greater New Orleans, LA areas with brother, Chad Melerine. Being extremely competitive, Darryn regularly tested his skill set against Golden Gloves champions, street worthy opponents and high level martial art black belts of various styles.



Darryn is also a flag football multiple time State Champion, 2x Collegiate National Champion, 10x Open National Champion, 2x World Champion, Hall Of Fame Inductee and has been awarded First Team All American & MVP (offensive & defensive) numerous times during each of these championships. 


His hard work ethic has proven to be successful not only in athletics. As President/CEO of two successful businesses and respected figure in the insurance industry, Brand Ambassador and Social Media Influencer, he is largely known throughout the continental U.S. and has quickly grown into a recognized international public figure with an active lifestyle in fashion, business, travel, martial arts and fitness. Having great passion for life, which he lives to the fullest, traveling and teaching martial arts are a few of the many reasons people find him and his social platforms so intriguing! Darryn’s ability to inspire others, and generosity enabled him to rise to such heights. 


Intrigued with advancing his Budo knowledge & skill set, learn more about martial arts and dedicate time to practice Darryn studied multiple styles but only focused, after thorough evaluation, in systems he felt were practical and affective in real life applications. 


Darryn began studies in the discipline of Minami Ryu Jujitsu, judo and working with weapons in 1989 under Kancho Sensei Jack E. Garrett. Jack was a disciple of Jacques Lagrand, legendary 9th degree black belt, student of Kawashi-Awazu, and jujitsu, judo, hapkido under Frank Curtis. Sensei Curtis was one of the highest ranking instructors in Kito Ryu Jujitsu in this hemisphere.

He was affiliated with the Nippon Budokikai (Validation References: Kosutaka Osuka (Cheif Instructor of Wadoryu Karate / Japan), Yasuhisa Shioda (Soka of Yoshinkan Aikido / Japan), and Nobuyoshi Higashi (Kokushi Budo / New York)). In addition, Darryn trained Eskrima with James Wilson (Lakan Dalawa) a first-generation Filipino American and Filipino Martial Arts Guru. 



Darryn has had the honor to train and share the mat with many great masters such as: George Kirby (Budoshin Jujitsu), Gene LeBell (Judo/Grappling), Hayward Nishioka (Judo), Wally Jay (Small Circle Jujitsu), Burrell “Skip” Koepke (Seki Ryu Jujitsu), Dennis Palumbo (Hakko Densho Ryu Jujutsu), Sam Exnicios (Judo), Carlos Machado (World Master's Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)), Rigan Machado (Pan American Champion (BJJ)), Sam Combes (Yoshinkai/Kadokan Aikido), Robert Carver (Heiwashin Kai Jujutsu), Larry Pohlman (Sand Drift Aikika (Aikido)), Jim Mahanes (Niseido Ju Jitsu), Gokor Chivichyan (MMA/Grappling), Frank Shamrock / BJ Penn / Daniel Cormier (MMA World Champions) and Jack “Hogman” Garrett (IBJJF World Champion).


Darryn has a strong presence in Louisiana with solid affiliations throughout other states such as Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Utah, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Kentucky, Illinois, and New York; with international affiliations in Canada, Japan, United Kingdom & Mexico. - Other honored affiliations include the Kodokan (Japan) Life Member)), Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai & American Jujitsu Association, United States Ju-Jitsu Federation & United States Traditional Kododan Judo (Life Member).


In 2002 Jack Garrett, Sensei, promoted Darryn to the rank of Ni Dan (2nd Degree) and appointed him as Dojo Cho of Minami Ryu Jujitsu. Currently holding the rank of Go Dan (5th degree) with a Renshi title Darryn regularly seeks tutelage and continued budo learning efforts from Jack Garrett, Sensei and George Kirby, Sensei through present day.


Darryn has performed many self-defense & awareness (women’s self-defense/anti-bullying) corporate engagements and defensive tactics clinics/seminars for local community general audiences and multiple law enforcement agencies, SWAT teams and all branches of the military to include special forces, domestically & internationally. He regularly teaches classes at his home-based dojo, (Zanshin Dojo) located in Mandeville, LA and also travels to conduct classes, seminars and clinics with other martial arts organizations.


Contact info for Sensei Darryn Melerine -
Email:
d_melerine@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darryn.melerine
Web Site: https://www.zanshindojomrj.com/zanshin-dojo-martial-arts-gallery​
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George E. Anderson - USJJF Founder, 1931-2009

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