Endorsements
Official Recognitions
Official Recognitions
Hakko Ryu Jujutsu
Toshio Okuyama, the current headmaster of Hakko Ryu Jujutsu, granted Jerry Tardi and Fred Bernier Menkyo Kaiden Shihan Rank (Master Teacher) and formal teaching licenses. This officially permits them to teach and grade students up to Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt). They continue their training and relationship with the Hombu in Omiya, Japan.
Toshio Okuyama, the current headmaster of Hakko Ryu Jujutsu, granted Jerry Tardi and Fred Bernier Menkyo Kaiden Shihan Rank (Master Teacher) and formal teaching licenses. This officially permits them to teach and grade students up to Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt). They continue their training and relationship with the Hombu in Omiya, Japan.
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Iaijutsu
Yahagi Kunikazu Sensei became Headmaster in 2008 after over 30 years of diligent training. Fred Bernier is one of Yahagi Sensei's Senior USA Black Belt Instructors, holding a Godan (5th Degree) and the title of Renshi. He received his Shidoin (formal instructor License) in 2010. Yahagi Sensei makes yearly trips to the USA for training seminars and student gradings.
Yahagi Kunikazu Sensei became Headmaster in 2008 after over 30 years of diligent training. Fred Bernier is one of Yahagi Sensei's Senior USA Black Belt Instructors, holding a Godan (5th Degree) and the title of Renshi. He received his Shidoin (formal instructor License) in 2010. Yahagi Sensei makes yearly trips to the USA for training seminars and student gradings.
Testimonials
Michael DePasquale Jr.
Headmaster, Yoshitsune Jujutsu System
"Fred Bernier has my total support as a Senior Jujutsu Instructor... He is one of the highest ranked practitioners in our Jujutsu System... As a teacher, he is highly qualified and respected... he continues to be part of the DePasquale Yoshitsune Jujutsu family."
Headmaster, Yoshitsune Jujutsu System
"Fred Bernier has my total support as a Senior Jujutsu Instructor... He is one of the highest ranked practitioners in our Jujutsu System... As a teacher, he is highly qualified and respected... he continues to be part of the DePasquale Yoshitsune Jujutsu family."
Phil Ortiz
Head Instructor, New York Budokai
"Fred Bernier is one of my Senior Students and has my support and sponsorship as an instructor and practitioner of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Iaijutsu... He is a dedicated student... I'm proud to call him both my friend and my student and would highly recommend him and his school..."
Head Instructor, New York Budokai
"Fred Bernier is one of my Senior Students and has my support and sponsorship as an instructor and practitioner of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Iaijutsu... He is a dedicated student... I'm proud to call him both my friend and my student and would highly recommend him and his school..."
Student Reviews
Kevin - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars
"THE REAL DEAL!!! ...Sensei Bernier and Sensei Tardi... welcomed me with open arms. ...I was very impressed of the way the traditional techniques was applied to real street situations. They run their dojo as a CLUB and not a BUSINESS!!!! ...if you are looking for a great bunch of guys that love what you love, this is where it is."
"THE REAL DEAL!!! ...Sensei Bernier and Sensei Tardi... welcomed me with open arms. ...I was very impressed of the way the traditional techniques was applied to real street situations. They run their dojo as a CLUB and not a BUSINESS!!!! ...if you are looking for a great bunch of guys that love what you love, this is where it is."
Bill - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars
"I started attending Yoshitsune Ju Jutsu Kai classes to simply learn something about self defense. Five years later I received my Shodan ranking (1st degree black belt). ...the environment at this dojo was welcoming and supportive... If you are looking for traditional Japanese Ju Jutsu and self defense this is something you should explore."
"I started attending Yoshitsune Ju Jutsu Kai classes to simply learn something about self defense. Five years later I received my Shodan ranking (1st degree black belt). ...the environment at this dojo was welcoming and supportive... If you are looking for traditional Japanese Ju Jutsu and self defense this is something you should explore."
John P - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars
"If you are seeking expert instruction in the traditional Japanese martial arts of jujutsu or Iaido, you won't find better than Fred Bernier and Jerry Tardi. They are serious and dedicated. Their teaching skills are outstanding... I enthusiastically recommend Fred Bernier and Jerry Tardi."
"If you are seeking expert instruction in the traditional Japanese martial arts of jujutsu or Iaido, you won't find better than Fred Bernier and Jerry Tardi. They are serious and dedicated. Their teaching skills are outstanding... I enthusiastically recommend Fred Bernier and Jerry Tardi."
Steven W - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars
"I’ve been training in martial arts for more than 30 yrs. Fred Bernier is the best Sensei I’ve ever studied under. Depth of knowledge, skill, teaching methods, and ability to explain complex and subtle concepts is simply without compare. Training here is a special experience."
"I’ve been training in martial arts for more than 30 yrs. Fred Bernier is the best Sensei I’ve ever studied under. Depth of knowledge, skill, teaching methods, and ability to explain complex and subtle concepts is simply without compare. Training here is a special experience."
Humberto R - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars"I’m a 63 year old student, and I’m able to keep up with the younger crowd. The senseis have a philosophy that I’ve adopted, there’s more strength in less power. Highly recommend this dojo if you’re looking to enhance your self-defense and martial arts skills."
John - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars
"Great energy and attention to both the preservation of traditional arts and modern application. Knowledge, wisdom, and respect are offered by all the instructors, and the practitioners are encouraged and challenged. Recommended to new and experienced students."
"Great energy and attention to both the preservation of traditional arts and modern application. Knowledge, wisdom, and respect are offered by all the instructors, and the practitioners are encouraged and challenged. Recommended to new and experienced students."
A Google User - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars
"A great welcoming atmosphere at this school of traditional Japanese Jujitsu. The school ensures that both aspects of MARTIAL and ARTS are taught in a safe, appropriate and engaging manner... The two teachers are EXCELLENT with a world of knowledge and experience that they share. Sensei Bernier and Sensei Tardi have high ranks in Japanese Jujitsu and do NOT teach for money, they run the school as a club..."
"A great welcoming atmosphere at this school of traditional Japanese Jujitsu. The school ensures that both aspects of MARTIAL and ARTS are taught in a safe, appropriate and engaging manner... The two teachers are EXCELLENT with a world of knowledge and experience that they share. Sensei Bernier and Sensei Tardi have high ranks in Japanese Jujitsu and do NOT teach for money, they run the school as a club..."
Donald - Hakko Ryu Jujutsu - 5 Stars
"Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai is more than a 'Dojo'... My first night at the dojo, I met one of the Sensei's, which took his time to demonstrate some Crazy techniques which made me want more! ...This is a sophisticated art... The two Sensei's in charge are patient, sharing and knowledgeable beyond my wildness dreams! ...This is a total family atmosphere, always with open arms."
"Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai is more than a 'Dojo'... My first night at the dojo, I met one of the Sensei's, which took his time to demonstrate some Crazy techniques which made me want more! ...This is a sophisticated art... The two Sensei's in charge are patient, sharing and knowledgeable beyond my wildness dreams! ...This is a total family atmosphere, always with open arms."
Gregory - Dedication to the highest level - 5 Stars
"What can I say about the Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai? ...I see the true spirit of Budo in their training. Both have put in their time and effort to 'keep their blades sharp' and are passing their knowledge on through their students unselfishly. True martial and life teachers. I cannot express enough love for this school and how it has not only allowed me to grow as a martial artist, but as a person as well."
"What can I say about the Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai? ...I see the true spirit of Budo in their training. Both have put in their time and effort to 'keep their blades sharp' and are passing their knowledge on through their students unselfishly. True martial and life teachers. I cannot express enough love for this school and how it has not only allowed me to grow as a martial artist, but as a person as well."
chrislang - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai a True Martial Arts School - 5 Stars
"I have trained in 3 different martial arts over the past 10 years... I finally found it at Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai. I drive 50 miles one way to train at this school... This is a grade A school all around, for anybody that wants to learn real world self defense applications... Then this is the place to find that!"
"I have trained in 3 different martial arts over the past 10 years... I finally found it at Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai. I drive 50 miles one way to train at this school... This is a grade A school all around, for anybody that wants to learn real world self defense applications... Then this is the place to find that!"
tailor78 - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars
"The Dojo has a welcoming atmosphere with well versed, dedicated instructors with strong ties to their root systems. They promote a traditional sense of ettiquette while allowing for enjoyable interaction."
"The Dojo has a welcoming atmosphere with well versed, dedicated instructors with strong ties to their root systems. They promote a traditional sense of ettiquette while allowing for enjoyable interaction."
Tailandia - Yoshitsune Jujutsu Kai - 5 Stars
"First and Foremost, I am a young lady...(keep that in mind) This place has met the expectations of AUTHENTIC. This is not a commercial dojo. The art is derived straight from Japan it's self! The class is taught by Sensei Fred Bernier and Sensei Jerry Tardi.
...I came to this dojo with temper problems and this has been my best form of self-control and meditation. At a very affordable price you are trained two different arts for 2 hours, 4 days a week. Everyone there is very welcoming and out-going... I am a female (the only female) surrounded by GENTLEMEN. They respect me and teach me everything I need to know to protect myself outside the dojo. I couldn't ask for anything more!
So if you are interested in real self-defense, meditation, self-awareness, patience and integrity; make your way down to this location and expect nothing less than a life changing experience! ALL ARE WELCOMED!! 'Onegaishimasu!' - Please train with me"
"First and Foremost, I am a young lady...(keep that in mind) This place has met the expectations of AUTHENTIC. This is not a commercial dojo. The art is derived straight from Japan it's self! The class is taught by Sensei Fred Bernier and Sensei Jerry Tardi.
...I came to this dojo with temper problems and this has been my best form of self-control and meditation. At a very affordable price you are trained two different arts for 2 hours, 4 days a week. Everyone there is very welcoming and out-going... I am a female (the only female) surrounded by GENTLEMEN. They respect me and teach me everything I need to know to protect myself outside the dojo. I couldn't ask for anything more!
So if you are interested in real self-defense, meditation, self-awareness, patience and integrity; make your way down to this location and expect nothing less than a life changing experience! ALL ARE WELCOMED!! 'Onegaishimasu!' - Please train with me"