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Eric wolford
shidoshi - 5th dan
senior instructor & Dai dojo-cho
Shidoshi Eric Wolford began his martial arts journey at the age of 19, training under Shihan Bobby Kramer at the renowned Tiger’s Den Shotokan Karate Dojo in Columbus, Ohio. After years of dedicated practice, he briefly stepped away from the martial arts world in the late 1990s to focus on family and a music career. He later returned with renewed passion, training under Grandmaster Charles Wright of Real World Karate and Self-Defense. Under Master Wright, Eric earned his Shodan in Shorin-Ryu Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate in 2009 and his Sandan in 2014, continuing to train with his mentor to this day.
In addition to his traditional karate background, Eric achieved his Shodan in 2010 and Nidan in 2012 under Grandmaster Robert “Hawk” Hawkins of the Bantu Karate Federation, further broadening his understanding of martial arts through cross-training and exploration.
In 2010, Eric was introduced to the Japanese art of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, developed by Soke Masaaki Hatsumi. Deeply drawn to its philosophy and techniques, he immersed himself in the system, ultimately earning the rank of Godan (5th Dan) from Dai Shihan Arnaud Cousergue. He also holds a Shidoshi teaching license and is an active member of both the Shiro Kuma Bujinkan Dojo and the Bujinkan Shidoshikai (Instructor’s Guild).
As the senior instructor at Kazoku Dojo, Eric primarily teaches Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, emphasizing both traditional form and its modern-day applications. His approach is practical, precise, and focused on preserving the art while adapting it to contemporary needs.
Beyond martial arts, Eric is the lead instructor at MayberrysGone.com, a civilian firearms and tactics school established in 2005. There, he offers comprehensive training in pistol, carbine, and shotgun, as well as Ohio Concealed Carry certification. He is certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and is a registered NRA Firearms Instructor and Range Safety Officer (Instructor #153267152). His background includes participation in various gunfighting courses and competitions.
Eric also works in the private security sector, providing personal and executive protection, as well as armed security for high-profile individuals and corporations.
In his personal life, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren at their home in Canal Winchester, Ohio, cherishing the balance between warrior discipline and family devotion.
HEATH MEADOWS
SENSEI - 2nd DAN
Sensei Heath Meadows began his martial arts journey at the age of nine with the study of Chinese Gung Fu. His early training continued under the guidance of Dr. Fred Wu, from whom he learned both Kempo Karate and Wing Chun. He later joined the Bujinkan Kage Dojo, where he trained under Sensei Tom Maienza and, subsequently, Kurt Rittenhouse. When the dojo closed, Sensei Heath found a new path at the Central Ohio Bujinkan Dojo, founded by Tim Halbakken and Sean Lingofelter.
His dedication led him to Japan in 2006, where he earned his Shodan, followed by his Nidan in 2007. He returned to Japan for additional training in 2008, deepening his connection to Japanese Budo and the Bujinkan—a lifelong passion.
In addition to his Bujinkan training, Sensei Heath has studied a diverse array of martial arts, including the Filipino Martial Arts, Aikido, Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan, Hung Gar, and Hsing-I. Despite this broad experience, his heart remains with the traditional Japanese disciplines.
Professionally, Sensei Heath served for 18 years at the Fairfield County Juvenile Court and is a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. He currently serves as a chaplain at Grant Medical Center. Outside of his martial and professional commitments, he enjoys hunting, shooting, and hiking alongside his wife.
jeremy s clark
SENSEI - shodan
Sensei Jeremy S. Clark holds a black belt in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, awarded under Shidoshi Eric E. Wolford of the Kazoku Dojo. A dedicated practitioner of Japanese martial arts, Sensei Jeremy brings both discipline and heart to his training and teaching, grounded in years of commitment to the Bujinkan tradition.
A proud family man, he is the father of four and a retired United States Air Force veteran, having served honorably from 1995 to 2015. Beyond his military service, Sensei Jeremy has spent over 27 years as an educator in a local public school system, where his leadership and mentorship continue to shape young lives.
Passionate about service and community, he is a Brand Ambassador for VetMotorsports.org and Save A Warrior, two organizations dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders.
His love for high-performance environments extends to the racetrack, where he enjoys cars, track days, and working with race teams across the country. Whether in the dojo, the classroom, or the pit lane, Sensei Jeremy brings the same focus, integrity, and spirit of service to everything he does.
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LISA FOX
MANAGER & EVENT COORDINATOR
Lisa oversees the day to day operation of the Kazoku Dojo. She is responsible for scheduling classes and coordinating Dojo events.
Her other roles include but are not limited to Community Liaison and Human Services Coordinator.
She handles all accounting, applications and finance issues.
SENSEI - SHODAN
ralph portier
In memoriam 10/22/50-12/30/21
Chief Portier has been instructing Subject Control classes at local career centers in Groveport and Newark for more than 20 years and continues to be an active Ohio Peace Officer instructor.
Chief Portier received his Shodan (Black Belt) in Taiho Jutsu - Shotakan Ryu from Hanshi Daniel Hect in 2016. In 2016, he was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame Black Belt Association for his continued contribution to the world of Martial Arts and is in good standing. Chief Portier also received his Shodan (Black Belt) in Japan Karate Do by Shihan Chris Stets in 2017.
He is also a Shodan (Black Belt) and Sensei here at the Kazoku Dojo.
He has instructed personal self defense classes since the early 2000’s which include a Women’s Self Defense program in Central Ohio, The Fairfield County Emergency Response Team and has participated in “Take Back the Night”. Chief Portier, has been a first responder in three fields - fire, EMS, and police since 1971 and is currently a commissioned police officer here in Ohio.
Chief Portier is passionate about his “Dying in Blue” program. A program which creates and maintains awareness for all first responders and their families and the dangers of the trauma they see each day. He continues to travel throughout different agencies to help other first responders, often several times per week.
Sadly, Sensei Portier succumbed to his battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He will truly be missed.