Hanshi Rod Crimmins - Bio

Grand Master Rod Crimmins began his martial arts career in York, PA, in 1969 under Grand Master Georg Iberl. Immediately following high school, in 1973, Sensei Crimmins joined the United States Marine Corps. During his military service in the USMC, he studied Japanese Karate while stationed in Fuji, Japan, and his studied Okinawan Kempo in when he was stationed in Okinawa.

Following his military service, Sensei Crimmins continued to train with Grand Master Iberl. He also participated in extensive training with Grand Master Angi Uezu during Uezu’a visits to the United States. He has made several trips to Okinawa to train with Uezu Sensei. The most recent trip was June of 2009. Master Crimmins has also had opportunity to train with Grand Master Tsuyoshi Uechi in 1991 and 2010 in the U.S., and during several trips to Okinawa, including this most recent trip. In addition, Sensei Crimmins has trained with Grand Master Russell Best and other first generation students.

Master Crimmins was promoted up to 6th Degree (Roku-Dan) by Hanshi Georg Iberl. Master Crimmins was promoted up 8th Degree (Hachi Dan) by Grand Master Angi Uezu (2004). Master Crimmins received promotion to Ku-Dan (9th) by Grand Master Russell Best, Grand Master Karl Hovey, and Grand Master Ed McGrath in 2012. In 2024, Master Crimmins received his promotion to Ju-Dan (10th) from Hanshi Hovey, Hanshi Best, and from Hanshi Bruce Heilman.

In 1982, Master Crimmins was featured in the publication, Who’s Who in Martial Arts. He is continuing his studies and instruction at the Dillsburg Karate Academy in Dillsburg, PA, and with Grandmaster Karl Hovey.