Biography
Ian Hyotoshi (pyo-toh-shee) Pucek is one of only a handful of Rokudan 6th Degree Black Belts in To-Shin-Do, with over 30 years of experience. Hyotoshi’s Warrior name means “Warrior Knight of the Blade of Military Service,” and he has 20+ years as an Intelligence Officer in U.S. Special Operations. He began his study of Ninjutsu in September, 1986, shortly thereafter meeting An-Shu Stephen K Hayes and joining the Shadows of Iga Ninja Society to show his commitment to learning from this western master. Hyotoshi is now a certified instructor within the Shadows of Iga’s Marishi Kai Instructors Guild and was awarded a Shidoshi-Ho instructor license under Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, Grandmaster of the Bujinkan.
In addition to his practical approach to dealing with conflict, Hyotoshi enjoys assisting others on the path to becoming a fully actualized human being. Students say he embodies the essence of warriorship while remaining very approachable. He has recently created “PTS Free”, a program for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress that allows them to powerfully transform their lives quickly and effectively. Family is also of the utmost importance to Hyotoshi, so when off the mat you’ll find him being a new grandpa par excellence.