Grand Master Sensei William Graves dojo was started in 1972 and has grown into a well organized and competitive school of Self-Defense. He has trained in the martial arts since 1967. Under the instruction of Bill Soleby he earned his black belt in Okinawen Kenpoiin in 1971. Upon moving to Massachusetts to attend pharmacy school, Grand Master Graves studied with Master Daniel k. Pai and earned a se
cond black belt from the Pai-lum Karate and Kung-fu association in 1973. Grandmaster Graves also studied with and earned a brown belt from Fred Villari's United Studios of Self Defense in Chinese Kempo Karate and Ju-juitsu. Upon returning to Maine, Grand Master Graves began studying under Grand Master Dennis Tracy and earned his 2nd degree black belt in 1983 in Ketsugo and earned his 10th degree master black belt in October 2009. Graves Institute of Self Defense is a member of Maine Ketsugo Karate Association (MKKA) which Grand master Graves hold the position of president. Graves Institute of Self Defense has 8 branches, 7 in Northern Maine Aroostook County and 1 in Perth Andover Canada. The 7 branches in Maine are in Island Falls, Houlton, Mars Hill, Ashland, Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield and Caribou.
