Larry Hilton's formal training started in 1951 when at the age of 8 years old his father taught him wrestling. Charles J. Hilton had been an outstanding wrestler in High School and lost only twice in 3 years of competetion, both of those to the Illinois State Champion.
From 1958 until the present 2003 Larry has trained in many self defense systems including Boxing. He has earned the Coveted Black Belt in the arts of Judo, Karate, Aiki Jitsu, Kenpo Jitsu and Ju Jitsu.
In the mid to late 60's Larry Hilton competed in over 60 martial art tournaments in the Midwest and South.
In 1965 Mr. Hilton earned his 1st Dan Black Belt in Goshin Jitsu (Judo Self Defense) under C.G. Pat Burke Sensei,who was a direct student of Hiagano Oshiama.
Larry Hilton's Self Defense Academy was first established in 1968 in Danville, Illinois. 1969 Larry is promoted to 3rd dan Black Belt in Ju Jitsu by Earl Frazier Sensei of Indianapolis Ind. In 1972 Larry began his training in Wing Chun Gung Fu under Sifu Chaun Ai.
In 1973 he opened the first full time Ju-Jitsu school in Vermilion County, Illinios, affiliated with the Ju Jitsu Black Belt Federation of America. Professor Hilton was promoted to 3rd degree Black Belt in Taiho Ryu Karate also in 1973.
In 1974 he was featured in Inside Kung Fu Magazine. It was in that same year that the JJBBFA Board promoted him to 5th Degree Black Belt in Juko Ryu Jujitsu (Master level). From 1967 through 69 Hilton Sensei would train many times with Jim Chapman Sensei of Isshinryu Karate who was a student of GM Don Nagle.
In 1981 Larry Hilton created the Nippon Ketsugo Ryu System of Ju Jitsu and formed the National Ketsugo Ryu Ju Jitsu Association. In 1992 he changed the name of his National Association to the Nippon Ketsugo Kai USA.
In 1987 Mr. Hilton was honored to have Grandmaster Florendo M. Visitacion grade him to 8th dan in Vee Jitsu Jhjitsu and bestow upon him the rank of Professor. Sensei Hilton was also promoted to 8th dan by the Hakutsuru Jujitsu Union and its Represenative James R. Gaines.
In 1991 Inside Karate Magazine did a 8 page article on Professor Hilton and his Nippon Ketsugo Ryu Systems 10th anniversary.
In 1993 the World Head of Family Sokeship Council invited and recognized Professor Hilton as the Head of the Family (Founder) 10th degree Black Belt of his Nippon Ketsugo Ryu system of Martial Arts. The WHOFSC is the most prestigous council of Grandmasters in the Martial Arts World today!
Also in 93 the International Federation of Ju Jutsuans recognized Professor Hilton at the 8th Dan level in Vee Jitsu Ju Jitsu, this recognition certificate was signed by Grandmaster Michael de Pasquale Sr.
In November of 2002 Professor Hilton was honored to have the North American Institute of Martial Arts and Scientis in Chicago, Illinois, conferr him with the degree of Philosophy Doctor of Martial Arts Education.
In April 2003 Professor Hilton qualified as a (CETA) Instructor with the International Academy of Executive Protection Self Defence Tactics. This system of No-Nonsense self defense was designed for Military and Law Enforcement as to end the confrontation instantly! Prof. Lenonard Holifield President of the IAESDPT presented O Sensei Hilton with the honor.

For more about Grandmaster Larry Hilton and the Nippon Ketsugo Ryu please visit:
www.hiltonketsugo.com

Information and pictures provided by Mr. Larry Hilton.