About Me
Hi, my name is Kevin Leavitt. I am a career Army Infantry Officer and a self proclaimed budo bum! I have devoted most of my free time to studying “The Way of the Warrior”. As a professional Warrior, and a practicing Martial Artist, I hope to discuss concepts, challenges, opinions, and ideas that surround the practice of the Martial Way also known as Budo!
I am a Shodan (black belt) in Aikido as well as a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I also have recently taken up the study of Judo mainly to train with my 9 year old son, but to also better under the Art of Judo and to learn an excellent martial methodology!
In addition I am a big supporter of the Modern Army Combatives Program and I am certified as a Level II instructor. I have trained many, many Soldiers in combatives and regularly work with various units and Soldiers. I am currently working with a newly formed organization USA Jiu-Jitsu to get it off the ground, as well as organizing the US Military Jiu Jitsu Association.
As a Soldier, I have had the fortune to be a leader and an Instructor. Most recently, I was the Chief of Training of one of the three main Combat Training Centers in the Army where I was responsible for overseeing the readiness and training of thousands of Soldiers both stationed at the Center and Transiting through.
The Modern Army (actually all services) does a decent job of teaching soldiers how to do things, as well as preparing them to be professional leaders and instructors. I think Martial Arts can benefit greatly from these models. Conversely, I think that traditional martial practices has alot to offer the Modern Soldier, Airman, Marine, and Sailor.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts here on this blog.
