Shihan Damian McCleod began his training in 1993 at When Worlds Collide dojo in Brooklyn, while he was in college studying fine arts. He is a senior student of Grandmaster Bill McCloud, one of Doctor Moses Powell’s first generation students and multiple Black Belt Hall of Fame member. His rank is Roku Dan (6th degree black belt) in Vee Jitsu Ryu/Vee Jitsu Te Jujitsu, Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu and Kumite Ryu Jujitsu. He also holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the Renzo Gracie system. In addition, he has studied aikido, boxing, muay thai, and capoiera. Damian instructs under the direct guidance and supervision of Grandmaster Bill McCloud at the MAUSA Health & Fitness Center in Brooklyn, NY.
The study of martial arts is richly intertwined with the healing arts. Having been influenced by his instructors and struggles with his own health, in 2010 Damian began studying acupuncture at Pacific College of Health and Science, where he obtained his master’s degree and NYS license in 2015. He currently treats patients at his clinic in Williamsburg Brooklyn and has established a low cost community acupuncture program at the dojo where he sees patients every Sunday.