A Biographical Sketch
of our Head Instructor
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Bio’s on most sites are extremely brief and lend very little insight to the actual person. This section is written from Hanshi Nelson’s perspective that students, parents and the general public should know about the Instructor. Herein is an inside look at our Instructor, his roots, his humanity, his transitions, his purpose and his mission. All information here is considered current as of 25 September 2007.
Meet J Patrick Nelson
Standing just over 6’ tall at a solid 210 pounds, this German/Irish native of Johnson County, TN presses his body weight over his head, works out regularly with the heavy bag and free weights, executes cartwheels and rolls with ease, and outperforms people half his age on a regular basis.
Among modern martial artists it is common to meet self proclaiming “Masters”, “Grand Masters” and it seems on every street corner there is someone claiming to be a World Champion ... nearly all of who can’t wait to tell you about their greatness and how many trophies they have in their possession.
Meeting Hanshi Nelson, however, is a different story. His handshake is firm, but not crushing. His eye contact is direct, but warm and friendly. Children take to him right away and his teaching style does not reflect the yelling, screaming, drill sergeant attitude seen in many modern martial art schools. Rather, he demonstrates a personable, patient and hands on teaching style tailored to the student's individual needs.
Both inside and outside of the studio Hanshi Nelson is typically laid back, fun and easy to talk to, while capable of being serious whenever necessary.
Although bestowed with many titles, honors, and Black Belt ranks in various systems Hanshi Nelson prefers to be called J.P.. Says Hanshi Nelson, “In class I require students, especially the underaged, to use the word "Hanshi" simply to teach them respect. Outside, I am just another guy.”
Seemingly at ease whether in a tuxedo or milking a cow … yet, in the beginning this wasn’t so.
The Childhood Years
Born Nelson Patton Jeter, Jr. on 10 November 1960 to American Military parents in Stuttgart, Germany, for the first 14 years of his life he would live the life of an Army Brat.
In 1991 he would eventually expand upon his pen name of “JP Nelson” and have his name legally changed to Joshua Patrick Nelson, taking inspiration from "Joshua" of the Old Testament and "St. Patrick" of 4th Century AD Ireland.
Although affilicted with Tourette’s Syndrome, ADHD, OCD and Dyslexia, he was never taken to any physicians for medical tests. Both parents insisted the boy was performing grunts, twitches and violent head jerks just to embarrass them in front of their friends. They also subjected the boy to severe abuse until he was finally able to fight back and defend himself.
While living just outside of Fort Gordon (Gate 5) in Augusta, GA during the early 1970’s, Hanshi Nelson was told as long as he kept the family house trailer cleaned, dishes washed, clothes hung and folded, what he did didn’t matter. While riding his bicycle in their trailer park in 1971, he saw two men practicing Karate and Judo. Today he only remembers them as Sarge and Dave. They talked for a long time. Dave asked lots of questions about his parents, school and why he wanted to learn to fight. The boy said he didn’t want to fight, he was tired of being picked on and of being afraid all of the time. Dave seemed to understand and spent much time explaining and teaching the boy when and why Self Defense was used. He also taught how to train even when you didn’t have a partner or teacher.
The boy was able to keep up his practice without his parents knowledge and after his father retired from the army, the family moved to Mountain City, TN. There Hanshi Nelson would eventually meet the late Ronnal Stanely who continued guiding him in Self Defense Arts.
Hanshi Nelson continued to hone his martial skills by striking trees, performing trap/block techniques by breaking dead tree limbs and practicing throws on logs. Mr. Stanley would recognize him as a Shodan (equal to 1st Dan Black Belt) in Bushin Jiu Jitsu in November of 1976 and Nidan (equal to 2nd Dan Black Belt) September of 1979.
It was while working with Mr. Stanley Hanshi Nelson would become introduced to Epilepsy, of which Mr. Stanley was afflicted. Ultimately this would lead Hanshi Nelson to begin studying and developing Chi Gong exercises to help others control Epileptic Gran Mal & Petite Mal Seizures (and eventually Tourette's Syndrome), to offset Strokes (to which he lost his grandmother), ward off potential heart attacks, as well as Neurological Disorders in general.
By the time the boy became a teenager he had no social skills, no friends, no esteem or confidence and had been thoroughly conditioned to believe that he was a loser. At age 19, however, Hanshi Nelson made the big step to leave everything behind and move out on his own. As he was leaving, his father made it clear that he wouldn’t amount to "A Hill of Beans" and should stay at home and work for his father for free and let the "Family" take care of him.
The Transition Years
In March of 1981 Hanshi Nelson moved to Laurens County, SC and continued training with Shidoshi Pat Arnold of the North American Bu Jitsu Society, eventually earning Sandan Sensei (equal to 3rd Dan Black Belt) in March of 1982 and Yondan Shidoshi – Ho (equal to 4th Dan Black Belt, Jr. Master) in December of 1986 in the art of Injo – Ryu Taijutsu.
During this time Hanshi Nelson would turn a hitch in the Army and enter his only marriage. After 4 years he would pursue and win a divorce in 1986 due to her involvement in drugs. Hanshi Nelson has no children of his own, and to this day maintains a Passionate stand against illegal drug use and distribution.
It was during his time in the Army Hanshi Nelson learned he wasn’t mentally challenged, as he had been taught by his parents. He has since become an advocate of education and has been recognized with Doctor of Metaphysics and Honorary Doctor of Divinity awards. While in the Army he was also able to cross train with many martial art stylists.
Following his Army Hitch he moved to Boone, NC and began training at Allan’s Kung Fu Academy from January of 1987 until 1991. His interest here was to learn Animal Styles of martial arts.
On 26 Sep 1989 the area would be rocked with the brutal rape and murder of Jeni Gray, a popular 27 year old reporter from a local family. After the tragedy Ricky Lee Ward, instructor and operator at Allan’s KFA in Boone, offered a Ladies Only Self Defense class which he asked Hanshi Nelson to teach. Although Hanshi Nelson had never met Jeni Gray he knew some of her friends. He had also actually known her killer, Daniel Lee, albiet briefly in the workplace. Hanshi Nelson took this oppotunity very seriously and made the class his priority until leaving the school in 1991.
Hanshi Nelson would draw from his Injo - Ryu Taijutsu & Combat Jujutsu background and mix these techniques with the kung fu school's curriculum to develop a specialized self defense program. Periodically a "Street Clothes Class" would be held in which the ladies would come to class wearing whatever their daily dress would be. Some would come in jeans and cowboy boots, some in slacks, occasionally a professional secretary would wear a dress. Use of the Keychain was incorporated and as well as Filipine short sticks. It is from this class taught by Hanshi Nelson he has drawn from to develope the Kizoku - Ryu Goshin Jutsu (Ladies Self Defense Program) now offered at the American Nine Lotus Academy.
For more information on this program go to the above Goshin Jutsu link.
In Summer of 1989 Hanshi Nelson met Sifu Charlie Raye Brown. Hanshi Nelson would travel to this gentleman’s home in Johnson City, TN for several years. Eventually he would acquire Instructor’s Recognitions in Shaolin Goju Quan Kempo, Twelve Tigers Kung Fu and Yang Style Taiji Quan.
During this time, at 28 years of age, Hanshi Nelson would learn that he had Tourette’s Syndrome, ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia. Up to this point he ate in the back of restaurants, gave no eye contact and never talked to anyone due to embarrassment. Now he was relieved to know where his Tics were coming from and delved into research.
In February of 1992 Shidoshi Arnold would retire and appoint Hanshi Nelson as successor of the Injo – Ryu Taijutsu. Hanshi Nelson would spend the next several years redefining the system into its present form. In 1997 he would be recognized and documented as System Founder of what is now known as Kuhasu Kempo Jutsu and Jiu Ling Taiji Gong.
New Beginnings
Hanshi Nelson would move to the Hickory, NC area in October of 1994 and gained a position in a textile factory where he rose to management level. There he worked for 8 years until March of 2003.
Although teaching Taiji Quan for several years, and originating the “Tai Chi & Chinese Yoga” program at the YMCA from 2001 – 2003, it became clear that he wanted to go into fulltime teaching.
Hanshi Nelson took the philosophy “Don’t let FEAR be your counselor” and made the big step into fulltime teaching and opened the American Nine Lotus Academy at Brookford Community Center.
This did not go without many conflicts with a Sport Karate club which also held classes there, but the other operation has since been closed down.
Today the Academy is in a constant state of growth and is developing a name for solid, traditional, effective teaching.
In 2006 the First Annual Kempo 4 Kids Fund Raiser for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was esablished, raising nearly $1000.00 on the first outing. This event will be held Annually the 1st Saturday after Easter beginning 2009. ALL proceeds will go to the Hospital.
As the Academy grows and the books and music of Hanshi Nelson are published, profits will be used to support St. Jude Children's Research Center, to develope a non - profit Cancer Rehab Center with the use of Chi Gong and to privately fund a Disaster Relief/Rescue Team which will allow Hanshi Nelson to travel abroad to help build homes, schools, hospitals and/or aid in reconstruction for those in need around the world.
Hanshi Nelson's Ultimate Goal, however, is the establishment and operation of "Bean Hill Farms", a Long - Time Dream of his since the late 1980's. This will be a actual farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Foothills/Mountain country which will serve as a combination "Home / Safehouse / School" for Children with various challenges.
This farm will feature horses and trial riding, various other livestock, hiking trails and a Private School which will include classes in crafts, art and music.
Also located within the farm will be"Sparrow's Nest", a specialized Shelter and Halfway House for Battered Women, Teen Aged Girls and Rape Victims. This facility will feature live - in quarters, counseling, classes in various subjects and crafts, as well as training in "Ladies Self Defense" (see the above link Goshin Jutsu for more on this program).
Hanshi Nelson plans to place a token memorial in honor of Jeni Gray at the Sparrow's Nest facility. "It was her tragedy that inspired me to do this in the first place," he says, "She should be remembered."
Hanshi Nelson has been active in raising Relief Funds for Disasters in the past, has worked with the Department of Social Services in providing programs for underprivilaged children in Hickory, has performed Volunteer Work with City of Hickory Parks & Recreation and is actively involved in working with abused and neglected children in the Caldwell, Catawba and Burke County areas.
Today his philosophy of life is all about Choice. “Choice …” he says, “… is what separates us from the beasts. Where they live by instinct, we have the power of Free Will. The first step a person must take to overcome bad background is to accept that it is there. Now, simply Choose to be different. Then live out the choice. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. When you fall down, and you will fall down, get back up and keep going. The difference between losers and winners is that a winner just keeps on swinging."
Personal Profile
Physical Description …… 6’ 1” tall, 230 lbs, blonde hair, blue eyes, power lifts and body builds 4 days a week,power walks 15 - 25 miles per week and still works the heavy bags every day.
Serious or Funny …… I am serious, by nature. But I've learned to lighten up and laugh. It’s much easier on the heart and blood pressure.
How Would You Describe Yourself …… I am a plain ol' Country Boy from out of the hills. : My "Core 4" things I like are Music, Martial Arts, Hiking & Horses (Western Endurance & Trail Style). If I could afford it I would ride a motorcycle like I used to; I like anything to do with the mountains, camping, daytripping, that sort of thing; I am not materialistic but am goal oriented; I will never retire.
Meat or Veggies …… Both. My main diet consists of chicken, turkey, rice, pasta, and all kinds of veggies and salad. I won't turn my nose up at it, but I eat very little red meat and never buy it.
Favorite Fast Food …… It isn't exactly Fast Food, but when I have a couple of spare dollars I love the Caramel Flavored Coffee at Starbucks.
Favorite Restaurant Meal …… If I could, I would eat Chinese at least once a day, as that is my favorite overall kind of fod (no, I don't eat cat). : But I can’t turn down a trip to Cracker Barrel. I love "Uncle Hershel's Breakfast" with both cooked apples AND the special hash browns, often with an extra serving of those hash browns ... and maybe a side of turkey sausage as well with plenty of grits and gravy. And of course there is El Tapatio.
Favorite Munchies …… Peanut M & M’s, Skittles, Starburst Fruit Chews, Boiled Peanuts, Popcorn, Raw Veggies & French Onion Dip.
Favorite Beverage …… Chocolate or Strawberry Yoohoo's, Country Style Sweet Tea, and a Good cup of Coffee.
Favorite Actor …… It’s a toss between Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford.
Favorite Book …… Flint, by Louis L’Amour.
Favorite Author …… Louis L’Amour
Favorite Place to Visit …… Any mountain waterfall or lake. I have never been to the beach, but I would like to.
Favorite TV Show …… I like C.S.I. types of stuff, History Channel, and Discovery and things like that, but I am mainly a movie guy. I have over 600 movies to choose from including drama, mystery, horror, romantic stuff (yeah, I like that kind of stuff, too ... so what?), uhmmm, historical, fantasy, epics, sci-fi, Die Hard Collection, Shrek, Hannibal the Cannibal, 50 First Dates, the Black Stallion, George of the Jungle, Back to the Future and Jurassic Park Trilogies, even some Mr. Ed and old Lassie Movies. Just about anything you can think of you can find in my list, except porn. Nope, no porn in my house.
Favorite Sport …… Endurance and Trail Riding on horseback. Sorry, I know I am supposed to say Martial Arts, but I don’t see that as sport. I also like to watch NASCAR and Hockey.
Favorite Season …… Snow. Anytime of the year. Preferably in the mountains among the evergreens.
Favorite Article of Clothing …… My Fedora Hat.
Favorite Animal …… There is little I like more than mounting a good horse, such as the Arabian "Kowi" who I am pictued with on his page. As a teen, my best friends were 3 German Shepherds and a Beagle/Feist. But cats in general fascinate me, big or small. My room mate is a half Himalayan Kitty named Kashi and my natural fighting style is Tiger. But my overall favorite creature, I would say, is a Black Leopard.
Party or Not to Party …… I am not a party person. Going out and getting drunk is not for me. Cook outs? Ok. Don't mind that and with the right people they can be fun. But give me a movie to watch, bowl of popcorn, and a good cup of coffee and I am happy. Occasionally I enjoy an adult beverage at home.
Place most interested in visiting …… There are many. If I had to pick one, I want to tour Scandinavia.
What Adventure would you like to have …… Arghhh ... There are so many. If I could go anywhere and do anything, I would most like to ride horseback coast to coast across North America with a partner. At some point I would love to sail the blue water in a 39' or 45' catamaran. And I love taking spontaneous Road Trips. I always thought it would be fun to jump in the car after class on Saturday afternoon, then just drive to the beach (where I have never been) and just walk on it and enjoy the sunset, hang out, enjoy the sunrise, and come back the next day. I recently met someone who reminded me of my love for motorcycles, which I haven't enjoyed for many years ... I would love a coast to coast trip on bike, also with a partner.
Hobbies …… Collecting Movies, Reading, Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy, Writing and Playing Music, Card & Board Games (chess in particular), Cooking, Pumping Iron (for strength, flexability, and endurance), Hiking, anything to do with the mountains, has anyone picked up on my love of riding horses yet, and I enjoy designing houses and floor plans. I’m very diversified.
Most Influential Person …… Johhny Cash is at the top of the list. It isn't so much his style of music, although I have been influenced much by his style, but he didn't play for money. he wrote and played from the heart and to people. His music trancended all styles of music. he was respected by everyone from Country, Rock, Jazz, even Hip Hop. He didn't make airs, he was just Johnny Cash and if you liked him "Great!" If you didn't, he was ok with that, too. But he stood for something and didn't back down. He was a MAN's man who just happened to be a musician.
Musical Preference …… I like to work out to ZZ Top. I enjoy listening to 103.7 FM and 102.9 FM (I like listening to Delilah at night). I enjoy Classic Country, Blues, Folk Style, Celtic, Native American, R & B, and most Meditative Asian music. What I play is a blend of Classic Country, Romantic Ballads, Blue Grass, and American Folk style … I am also learning Celtic and Middle Eastern styles. I like to listen to many artists: Johnny Cash, Eagles, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Don Williams, Kenny Rogers, Alabama, Allan Jackson, Jack Johnson, Love Songs by Lionel Ritchie, all kinds of stuff.
Reason for Starting Martial Arts …… I was a small kid, badly abused by both parents at home, bullied at school, and I was simply scared to death. I just wanted to defend myself.
Reason began Teaching …… It was never my original intention. I was never allowed to play team sports, so as an adult my only athletic skill “of sorts” was Martial Arts … therefore I stayed at it. People saw my skills and wanted to know what I knew. Other Martial Artists learned of my skills and wanted me to help them improve. Gym owners saw me practice and wanted me to hold classes in their gym. That’s how it started.
Can you be "To Old" to learn Self Defense …… First of all, let's get past the age thing. There are folks who are all of the time talking to me about being to old to do what I do. These same people are invariably out of shape, dilapidated, poorly conditioned individuals who are not capable of doing a third of what I can do (it's called jealousy).
A person's numeric age is so over - rated. Your age depends on three critical factors: Your diet and lifestyle, your genetics, and your attitude. The guys on my dad's side of my family age very slowly and seem to live forever. My grand - dad out - lived two wives and was starting on his third, and he was a drunk who didn't take care of himself. I don't know how many of my family member lived to be 100, or at least late 90's. My own last medical check up rated my metabolism as being equal to a professional athelete in his mid twenties, and I was already in my forties. I constantly out maneuver, out perform, and out work people less than half my numeric age. Taiji even reduces the aging process and in many cases reverses it. If you want to feel and look younger, then get off the lazy hiney and exercise 2 - 3 times a week, eat right, and stay off the drugs and drinking to excess.
Now, to get off of my soapbox and back to the question ... No, if you can walk you can learn Self Defense ... and you should ... Period. That flexability stuff is for people who want to be atheletes. ANYBODY can learn to defend themself.If You could have any one Super Power, what would it be …… The power to fly, to soar with eagles.
Favorite Quote …… If you didn’t know what year you were born, or what year it was now, how old would you be? (M.D. Henderson)
Pick one impoertant value …… Courtesy. Children, teens, men, women, good guys, bad guys. Just be courteous.
Biggest Turn Off …… Discourtesy.
Most Important Award …… It wasn’t an award, it was an induction. When I was in high school I was inducted into the International Thespian Society, a dramatic organization. It was the first thing I actually did on my own. I still have the membership card for ITS Troup 1441. It is a simple thing, but one of my most prized possessions.
Most Important Achievement …… To have my Shidoshi, Patrick Arnold, recognize me as "Hanshi 9th Dan" on March 17, 2008. I didn't see it coming.
Most Meaningful Moment …… I was driving down 421 between Boone and Deep Gap, NC one Saturday morning. There was no one else on the road and I was enjoying the drive. Then I turned a bend and saw a huge rainbow touching down in a meadow and into the pines. I was stunned and brought my car to a stop. I just stared for I am not sure how long. It was the most beautiful site I had ever seen. I still can’t forget it.
If you could, what would you change about your past …… That is a tough question. You say “I wish this” or “I wish that”, but to actually change anything is to change who you are today. Just keep moving forward. We should learn from the past, not dwell in it.
Arrests & Convictions …… Never, not once.
Favorite Childhood Memory …… We were at my grandparent’s house in Johnson County, TN. I was a little boy. My parents weren’t around and my Aunts Bell and Martha snuck me out to the creek with a cane fishing pole. I caught something not much bigger than a minnow. But it thrilled me to death. My mother went through the roof and threw my fish away, but those hours with my two Aunts were priceless.
How do you want to be remembered …… I want it to be said “He made a difference.”
Advice to Others …… There is an old joke about martial artists: How many Black Belts does it take to change a light bulb? 100. 1 to actually change the bulb, 99 to discuss how unqualified he was to do so …………... That’s the way it is in life. When the lights go out there can always be found a mass of people who complain, whimper, discuss how bad things are, and so on. But when someone finally stands up to do something about it, and succeeds, those same whimpering idiots will put that person down. But that one person will be the one who brought back the light. Success isn’t necessarily about talent, it is about doing what needs to be done. Often the most talented people are among the biggest complainers. My advice is … Don’t just sit there, stand up and DO something. But make sure what you are doing brings in some light. And don’t be afraid to fail. You will do that anyway. Winners fail more often than losers, the winner just didn’t quit.
Why aren't you more open about your Shoot - Fighting background? …… My emphasis is on Real World Self Defense. I didn't, and don't, want people confusing Shoot - Fighting with what goes on in the street. What I did is also very different from what people now call "Mixed Martial Arts." Again, I don't want any confusion. I have no use for the MMA stuff. Besides, what I did was in a different time and practically a different world.
There is a guy, here in Hickory, whose only claim to fame is having been given a so - called world title, from a D - Grade organization, who goes from bar to bar (in his uniform) telling people he is a champion and people should come to his dojo because he is a champion. This guy came to my studio once and hurt his wrist trying to punch my heavy bag. I don't want to be associated with his/that kind of rabble.
Modern Shoot - Fighters are more interested in rolling around on the floor, going for chokes or submissions, and having pictures made with their faces looking like they got hit 20 times by Ali or Foreman. In my time, a face that looked like that was a "bad" sign, not a "good" one. But modern folk like that ... so be it. I want no part of it.Would you care to give a brief history of your Shoot - Fighting background? …… I started in 1982 under the name Jan Patrick (the same as my Pro Wrestling name ... and no, I did not perform for any major federation, it was all going to WWF when I was coming up and I refused to work for them), won the Injo - Ryu Kai Shoot - Fighting title (sometimes called a World Title) and defended it in 29 meets from 1986 - 1992. I retired undefeated, winning 108 straight matches. I thought it would be wise to go out while I was still able to walk away. I had fun, but it was still sport. You can't go one - on - one in the street, it just doesn't happen.
Ranks & Honors
Hanshi / Soke (Founder), 9th Dan, Kuhasu Jutsu
Sifu (Founder), Jiu Ling Quan Taiji Gong
Hanshi, 9th Dan, Injo – Ryu Taijutsu
5th Dan, American Freestyle Karate
4th Degree Black Sash, Shaolin Goju Quan Kempo
Sr. Instructor, Montana Azule Escrima
Black Sash, Sifu, Twelve Tigers Kung Fu
Sifu, Yang T’ai Chi Chuan
Nidan, Bushin Jiu Jitsu
Brown Sash, Sil – Lum Kung Fu
Doctor of Metaphysics (MhD)
Honorary Doctor of Divinity (DD)
Sport Karate Living Legends Hall of Fame 2004 “Outstanding Martial Artist”
Dojo Organization Competitor of the Year 2004 “Breaking Division”
© 2004 - 2009 by Dawnstar Publishing, all rights reserved. No part of this site, pictures, or logos may be duplicated in any way without express permission of the publisher ……… The American Nine Lotus logo, the 9L symbol, Kuhasu Kempo, Kizoku – Ryu, and Inju - Kan Karate Jutsu are Copy Written Trademarks of the Kizoku – Ryu Kai, Hickory, NC
