Justice Served on a Silver Platter

State of Ohio vs Patrick Justice 2003

I have had my share of dealing with sick people who seem to propagate and converge toward the martial arts. Bret Gordon is one of those people. What I found is so morally reprehensible that it transcends the usual scope of “fraud in the martial arts”. When such behavior is discovered, it can indeed shake one’s faith. I am very deeply disturbed, disgusted and outraged by what Gordon attempted to do.  He truly lacks empathy and any moral character as a human being. What he did was malicious and irreprehensible in every way. 

The rape of a minor is one of the most heinous and evil crimes a person can commit. It violates not only legal statutes but also fundamental moral and ethical standards. Minimizing the actions of a child rapist, that is, downplaying, excusing, or rationalizing the severity or impact of the crime, is both morally troubling and  dangerous. 

In 2020,  Gordon purposely and willfully lied in an attempt to defame and slander me and my instructors. He was behind threats that were leveled at a out of state student of  mine and his 13 year old daughter. Threats that got Gordon into hot water with the police in Ohatchee Alabama. However, this was not the extent to which Gordon lied, it appears he went much further. 

Later in 2020 Gordon attempted to minimize and manage the fallout of a situation involving a Patrick Justice.  Justice was convicted in 2004 of a sexual offense involving a 11 year old girl and served prison time. Despite the seriousness of Justice's criminal background, he was allowed to serve in a leadership position within the AJA from 2011 to 2017 during which time Justice was supposed to be registering as a sex offender but was not.

Gordon and his instructor Steven Hatfield continued to list Justice as a leader (president of the American Jidokwan Association) and high ranking member on their websites and organizational materials for years after his conviction and release from prison. It appears Gordon only removed Justice's name and references after the conviction became had public in August 2020. 

Case crime scene photos of where Justice committed multiple rapes and DNA was collected. 

Gordon engaged in rapid "damage control" scrubbing websites, issuing contradictory statements, and publishing blog posts claiming to have knowledge of the case and attempted to explain away or downplay the situation. His idea of damage control was to lie about the entire situation Just as he had purposefully and intentionally lied about my back ground. 

“It was indeed drunken sex. Having since learned all of the details surrounding the case, the situation as I have come to learn was this: Justice and the girl were at a party and both became intoxicated. She misrepresented herself as being of legal age, both in her actions and failure to disclose her age. While this certainly cannot be supported, it is a far cry from Justice being the pedophilic predator.” https://web.archive.org/web/20201128142008/http://www.join-usama.com/blog/manipulating-the-truth 

Gordon claimed he had knowledge of the case, however Gordon's entire statement, every sentence regarding the incident wasn't even remotely true.

The 23 year old Justice was originally charged with two counts of rape, one count of kidnapping and one count of  Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a minor (pictured above).  These counts involved two victims, one was victim was an 11 year old girl and the other under the age of 16. 

In one of the aforementioned articles (links above) in the comments section Gordon replied to an Angela and stated that: "There is nothing to suggest it (the rape of an 11 year old girl) was a violent crime". 

According to court records, Justice had raped the 11 year old and kept her for hours.  I am sure one can imagine the serious injuries an 11 year old girl can sustain from being raped by a 23 or 24 year old adult male. 

The victim had to be rushed to the Emergency Room.  But according to Gordon "it wasnt a violent crime".

Prosecutor's summary from Court Docket

Police responded and a detective was called to the emergency room (see above). With the help of a witness, Justice was arrested and then held on a quarter of million dollars bond (see below). 

Justice's Arraignment indicating bond set at 250 thousand dollars

Prosecutor's Summary 2

Detectives and officers located Justice (see prosecutor's summary above). Evidence and DNA were collected from his home during which time Justice's mother told authorities that Justice had been accused of raping a minor before (see below).

Columbus Police  Criminal Investigation summary

Facing two counts of rape on the same victim and a 3rd count involving another incident with a girl under 16 ( please note that the victims names were redacted by the court but not their ages), the then 23 year old Justice plead guilty to a lesser charge of sexual battery with sexual motivation, a plea deal that was made to spare the 11 year old little girl from having to testify in court. Justice was sentenced to prison in Ohio and served approximately two years (not long enough), beginning in 2004. 

Upon his release Justice was required to register as a sex offender for ten years. However. more time kept getting tacked on extending the ten years as Justice failed to register as ordered to, numerous times. Gordon posted to the contrary of this in his 2020 article stating that Justice was getting his life back together. Justice was still in direct violation of his probation and not adhering to his court ordered community service. 

In another of his 2020 posts Gordon continued in his replies that "there was nothing to suggest it was against a child, which is what partly influenced my decision not to put Patrick Justice on blast.." https://web.archive.org/web/20201202032618/http://www.join-usama.com/blog/psa-patrick-justice 

However the linked statement above wasn't true either.  

According to court records Justice did know the victim was a child under 13 years of age. Gordon also left out that Justice's victim had been reported as missing and a missing persons report had been filed with law enforcement. 

Missing Persons Report 

Gordon lied, the truth is that Justice was indeed a "pedophilic predator".....

Gordon had the audacity act like he was all about families and state that he doesn't condone rape or violence against children. However he did his best to minimalize what Justice had actually done to a little girl. Then Gordon. through his blog, essentially revictimized her. A little girl who was raped over and over again for HOURS AND HOURS. What's worse is, he intentionally and purposely lied to defame and slander her. Blaming her a 11 year old girl stating "she was at a party and misrepresented her age". 

The rape wasn't an isolated incident, "another under the age of 13  is also mentioned in the Franklin County court records. Also as mentioned before Justice DID KNOW the victim was under age (see below). 

Gordon either knew about these offenses, chose to lie about them and slander the victim. Or he didn't know about them and he chose to slander the victim to protect his fake martial arts ranks and a position as President in his instructor's now defunct organization The American Jidokwan Association, whose website was later changed to The US traditional Taekwondo Federation.

 On his own blog Gordon claimed he had knowledge of this case yet EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE he wrote about it were just more of his blatant lies. 

Prosecutor's case file #03-7949 that consisted of 179 pages

Final Thoughts 

I am sickened and deeply disturbed by the actions of Gordon in this particular case. This conduct is so morally reprehensible that it transcends the usual scope of “fraud in the martial arts”.  Brushing off allegations, minimizing the severity of the crime, protecting perpetrators, covering up crimes, or turning a blind eye and outright lying about such atrocious acts is sick, demented and evil. 

Association with an instructor implicated in such behavior can severely damage a student's personal and professional reputation within the martial arts community and beyond. Black belt and longtime students can face skepticism or ostracism from other dojos, organizations, or peers, regardless of their personal involvement or knowledge of the cover-up.

 Organizations the instructor was involved with may face scrutiny and repercussions. In some martial arts organizations, ranks and certifications may be revoked or called into question if they were issued by a disgraced instructor. This can lead to the invalidation of students’ credentials or the need for retesting under a different instructor, impacting their standing and future opportunities.

Arrest affidavit of Justice for Rape, Kidnapping & Unlawful Sexual conduct involving the juvenile (see top right column) under age of 13

None of the rapes occurred at a party, like Gordon claimed. Gordon chose to lie about the multiple rapes that Justice had committed on children. As far as I am concerned Gordon maliciously and purposely revictimized that little girl with what he wrote online, he certainly refused to tell the truth about it. Gordon will lie to no end to protect his fake martial arts ranks.....even if it means actively covering up the acts of a "pedophilic predator".

Gordon not only minimized the rape of an 11 year old girl, he blamed the victim and then slandered the victim to protect his bullshit martial art ranks and titles. Gordon covered up multiple rapes that were committed by Justice. That makes him just as bad if not worse than the rapist.

Those who have received rank from Gordon over the years are no better. Gordon black belts and longtime students no doubt witnessed and were privy to Gordon's actions and many changing stories. These people have either outright defended Gordon in his many lies or have remained quiet and or complicit. This also contributed to keep these heinous and despicable acts covered up. Every single one of these people might as well have helped the rapist keep a under age child prisoner in his house and held her down as she was being raped over and over again for hours and hours. 

Bret Gordon: The Butt of his Own Joke

Bret Gordon’s stupidity is only out matched by his lying mouth. At this point, he would be better off admitting that he lied and  made shit up about Hasaka Yutashi and his supposed connection to the daito ryu.

The fix is simple really, don't fucking lie and you will never get caught lying. This however appears to be an impossible feat to accomplish For Bret Gordon. 

Except for a single junior black belt rank in Taekwondo, Gordon has recieved no formal training in the other styles he claims rank in and has fabricated it all. Gordon has habit and custom of misrepresenting his affiliations with other martial artists and organizations. His claims regarding Daitoryu Aikijujutsu are nothing but more fabrication and misrepresentation. 

According to Eric Pearson, Gordon fabricated a "glowing review" supposedly from Pearson. When Mr. Pearson found out about Gordon doing this, he contacted Gordon and asked for it to be removed. Gordon refused his request see messages below. 

Pearson addressed this publicly on his blog.

"I am a moderator on one of the large Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu Facebook groups. Years ago Bret Gordon joined the Facebook group. I recall he posted a few videos. He was claiming connections to Kodokai as I recall. We had a pleasant exchange on Facebook messenger. I know very little about the lineage he was claiming. Another moderator on the group blocked him from access to the facebook group because he suspected Mr. Gordon was lying (the other moderator IS part of Kodokai and has access to the records). That was pretty much the extent of my knowledge of Mr Gordon. 

So it has come to my attention that Mr Gordon is using my name as a reference on his website. Budoka online have been questioning me about my “glowing review” of Mr Gordon. I don't know why Mr Gordan chose me as a reference. Recently I discovered that he, without my knowledge, used me as a reference. I asked him to please remove the statement. He refused my request."

Mr. Pearson's statement in it's entirety can be found at https://tomikiaikido.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-reference-to-bret-gordon.html

Gordon released a book in which he stated included "proof" of his back ground, the existence of a fabled mysterious Japanese instructor who had changed his name to Hasaka Yutashi and it would also include a picture of the supposed Hasaka Yutashi and confirm connections to daito ryu. 

Two weeks after its release the Kodokai organization themselves debunked the claims Gordon made in his book. 

"There is no connection between Bret Gordon and the Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai organization either here in the USA or in Japan. Any claims he is making regarding such a connection are entirely false.

The Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai organization keeps strict records of it's members. There is and has never been a "Hasaka Yutashi" who trained in the Kodokai organization either here in the USA or in Japan. There is no basis for him to claim that his organization is based on or connected with the Kodokai in any way shape or form, much like the claim he mentions about Yoshinkan aikido.

Furthermore, Gordon should should specifically state that his organization has no historical ties, lineage or affiliation with the Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai organization. Additionally the individual depicted in the photograph included in his book has never held any rank or title within the Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai organization in either the USA or Japan.

I hope this clarification is helpful. Please feel free to reach if any further information is needed."

Sincerely, Donald Quintana 

Letter from Donald Quintana Kodokai Secretary of General Affairs

On the heels of the statement from the kodokai (above), the former General Secretary from the Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu Kodokai organization has also spoken out about Gordon's spurious claims and blatant misrepresentation of Daito Ryu connections. John Persson related that Gordon didnt present himself a daitto ryu practitioner but some one doing a street wise jujutsu. However Gordon took Persson's comments and edited them to make it appear Persson was commending him regarding Daitoryu. 

Gordon's claims of connections to aikido's Gozo Shioda and the daito ryu both online and in his book have been directly refuted and debunked. 

Additionally, others who Gordon specifically mentions in his book, debunked more of his claims. On pages 11- 14, Gordon covers his "training" with the Ginjukai which included Dimitri Deglas, Joe Brogna and Howard Popkin. Gordon alleges in his book that he trained with them twice a month beginning 2019 and that "he left" in 2020 indicating he trained with the group any from 30 to 40 times at the least and that he even taught classes while there. 

However, according to Popkin, Dimitri and Brogna, this doesnt appear to be the case. Gordon only attended a few classes maybe 6 to 10 at the most and only as a budo courtesy. It appears Gordon was caught in some of his "misrepresentations" was called a liar to his face, told to leave and wasn't allowed to come back. I was forwarded this recent email (below)and then I talked with Mr. Popkin by phone. 

 This directly contradicts what Gordon writes in his book that he alleges is proof of his training regarding the Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Ginjukai. 

Popkin described Gordon as a "bold faced liar" who was fabricating his back ground. Popkin made earlier statements debunking Gordon, alleging Gordon used Kodokai pictures with out authorization or permission. Those statements were admitted in court and can be found at  https://courtrecords.lakecounty.org/ Case Number 35-2020-CA-001851 court docket file 142, exhibit 14, page 6. 

What Gordon alleges as photographic "evidence" of Yutashi in his book has not held up under scrutiny. It is a picture of an middle aged mam just sitting with a little boy. The person in the picture that Gordon alleges to be Yutashi isn’t even Japanese, despite claiming for years he was a japanese man who had changed his name. Nor does Yutashi appear in the Kodokai pictures Gordon claims that he is somewhere in. 

What appears to be the best part of the joke that is Gordon's fake background comes from his own instructor Steven Hatfield. 

In a conversation with Renshinkan officials and its head master Michio Takase, Hatfield specifically stated that his grandfather, who Gordon now claims is Hasaka in his book, taught his own style of Jujutsu and that it is not daito ryu and very few techniques are even similar. 

This conversation Hatfield had with the renshinkan is a matter of record and can be found in its entirety at  https://courtrecords.lakecounty.org/ Case Number 35-2020-CA-001851 court docket file 138, exhibit 10, page 6. 

It seems Gordon has been caught in yet another lie....this time it was exposed by his own instructor. At this point anything that Gordon claims or proposes to be "evidence" of his legitimacy is no doubt the result of more purposeful lies, deceit and total fabrication. 

Bret Gordon Still No Takers on Dallas' Two Grand Bounty - Why Dont You Collect It?

 After posting my last article regarding rape of an 11 year old girl in a martial arts dojo in Ohio in oct of 03, I have garnered what appears to be a online death threat. I don't believe this is a coincidence. Somebody doesn't want to me to post what I know about that particular rape. As this Dallas guy doesn't know me or I him I can only assume that Bret Gordon had some thing to do with this. Dallas was behind threatening my student's daughter and so was Bret Gordon. 

The mentality of someone who offers money online for the death of another person is often shaped by a combination of psychological issues, a lack of empathy, the disinhibiting effects of online anonymity, and sometimes desperation or criminal influence. Such actions are not only morally reprehensible but also carry significant legal risks and consequences.

Dallas has made at least two posts as of late one of them offering money. Dallas has a documented history of acting in Gordon's behalf.  Well if only Gordon was actually man enough to come get some. Gordon is  a liar, he is fat, incompetent and cant fight his way out of a wet papersack so he gets others to do his dirty work..... Harrassing people like my student and his kid. 

Dallas Wittgenfeld has offered two grand for any info leading to Gerald Smith of which Dallas crosses the name out with a red X and puts up DEAD MAN in big bold letter next to the name. Implying to have a Gerald Greysmith killed. 

I’m a person of interest, the one he wants people to come after. So why doesn't Gordon collect it himself? Because Gordon would get his fake ass handed to him and he knows it. 

Putting someone up to offering money for murder, even online, is a serious criminal offense with severe legal consequences in most jurisdictions. The article implies you want somebody dead. Then you post a pic of me as a "person of interest" well that narrows it down so......carry it out then. Do it yourselves. Gordon what's the matter bitch boy. maybe get a nut hugging attorney to do it, oh that's right you guys can only fight people who cant fight back.  You're not pussies are you? You both did threaten my students' daughter....so man up now. 

 

I want you to come after me. Send the baddest you got. Im itching to get into a fight with such sleazeballs as you. Youre lying cowardly trash....So come after me. I really really want you to. 

Dallas and Gordon are in hot water with the police for threatening my student and his daughter. This latest thing just solidifies you went after my student as a means to get to me. Well guess what? Gordon and Dallas and whoever else have my invite come after me. I’m waiting.

I'm a person of interest huh? Odd timing right after dropping articles about the rape of an 11 year old girl in a Ohio dojo in Oct of 03.   

Why would Dallas a non martial artist even have an issue with me uncovering anything regarding the martial arts? Someone obviously has something to hide and doesn't want it to come out.....All in due time. 

Gordon is a lying ass piece of shit and a fake. You gonna put money on my head? OK Gordon you fat dick sucking piece of shit, I am not hiding, I m not wearing a mask and I'm real real easy to find.   

Gordon and his nutlicking cowardly cronies were all warned not to even look in my fucking direction. Numbers don't scare me, a bounty on my head doesn't scare me.  If anything it has been proven time and time again Gordon pisses his pants at the thought of running into me. 

Gordon can put others like Dallas and Mickinley up to threaten my student and his kid. None of them are man enough to bring it directly too me. Gordon is too much of a pussy to do anything to me himself. So he puts others up to it. 

The cops have already talked to Dallas. Dallas has told police he wants no issue with me. 

Florida is a stand your ground law state and one of your associates literally offered two grand for me or my student.....DEAD. So come and collect. 

Think I'm Greysmith? Then Come on Gordon lets go. Come after me, bitch. Roll the dice and take your chances. I don't take threats lightly, not made in joke not veiled or implied. Come after me, my family, and the police will notify your next of kin. So go ahead bitch come after me. Your fucking birth certificate should be a fucking apology letter from your parents. 

Gordon relies on anonymity and distance provided by the internet which emboldens him to act in ways he would never consider doing in person. So he resorts to such extreme measures out of desperation, anger, jealousy, or a perceived lack of alternatives.

Gordon and his nut licking cronies have my personal invite to come after me. Quit playing video games all night long, eating Doritos and jacking off to all your fake rank certificates. And try and collect that two grand your buddy offered. 

Well Then Come and Get Some

 After posting my last article regarding rape of an 11 year old girl in a martial arts dojo in Ohio in oct of 03, I have garnered what appears to be a online death threat. I don't believe this is a coincidence. Somebody doesn't want to me to post what I know about that particular rape. 

Well if only anyone was actually man enough to come get some.

A Dallas Wittgenfeld has offered two grand for any info leading to Gerald Smith of which Dallas crosses the name out with a red X and puts up DEAD MAN in big bold letter next to the name. Implying to have a Gerald Greysmith killed. Oh and I’m a person of interest, the one he wants people to come after. 

Dallas, Gordon that article implies you want somebody dead. Then you post a pic of me as a "person of interest" well that narrows it down so......carry it out then. Do it yourselves. Gordon what's the matter bitch boy. maybe get a nut hugging attorney to do it, oh that's right you guys can only fight people who cant fight back.  You're not pussies are you? You both did threaten my students' daughter....so man up now. 

 I am not going to file any police complaints this time. 

I want you to come after me. Send the baddest you got. Im itching to get into a fight with such sleazeballs as you. Youre lying cowardly trash....So come after me. I really really want you to. 

Dallas and Gordon are in hot water with the police for threatening my student and his daughter. This latest thing just solidifies you went after my student as a means to get to me. Well guess what? You have my invite come after me. I’m waiting.

I'm a person of interest huh? Guys you have my invite come after me. I’m waiting. Odd timing right after dropping articles about the rape of an 11 year old girl in a Ohio dojo in Oct of 03. Why would Dallas a non martial artist even have an issue with me uncovering it? Someone obviously has something to hide and doesn't want it to come out.....All in due time. 

I welcome anyone showing up or coming after me or someone that's gonna put money on my head like its a joke. I am not hiding I don't wear a mask, I don't have to. I'm real real easy to find. 

Think I'm Greysmith? Then Come on lets go.

Roll the dice and take your chances.  

I don't take threats lightly, not made in joke not veiled or implied. Come after me, my family , my students and your next of kin will be notified. I promise you that...I sincerely promise you that. 

There is zero mercy here. You were all warned not to even look in my fucking direction....but you did. 

You ALL have my personal invite to come after me. Its all you got to do..... I'm waiting....the cops will pick up your piss laden bodies. So come on.....bring it. 

A Most heinous and Egregious Act Part 2

The rape of a minor child in a martial arts school is an extremely serious crime, in this case, a rape of an 11 year old girl that took place in a Ohio martial arts dojo in October of 2003. Upon hearing about the individual who raped a little girl in that state back in 2020, I didn't believe that the rape in 2003 was an isolated incident. Most child rapists have raped multiple times before getting caught.  

The rapist was originally charged with two rapes, one in October 2003 and a later one the following month in November where he was caught in the act and arrested. A deal was made to protect the 11 year old girl from having to testifying in court. 

When such an act is covered up, by individuals, school staff, or affiliated organizations, or they are complacent it not only compounds the trauma inflicted on the victim but it also enables future harm to others and constitutes a criminal act in itself. 

The martial arts community must hold itself accountable. Silence, hero-worship of instructors, or fear of damaging the school's reputation cannot come before a child's safety. Ethical oversight bodies, if they exist, should permanently ban any instructor found guilty or those complicit in regards to such a crime.

By 2003, Ohio law classified sexual contact with a minor as a felony—illegal regardless of consent. Schools and instructors were mandated reporters; failing to notify authorities could result in criminal charges. A single incident of child sexual abuse is horrific; most child predators have multiple victims or have victimized the same victim multiple times, this combined with complicity or some type of a cover-up makes it a systemic failure in the martial arts community. 

Martial arts instructors hold a position of trust and authority, especially with children. A cover-up destroys the integrity of the martial arts community and allows predators to continue harming others. Instructors who cover up abuse are no different, ETHICALLY, from the child predator in this particular Ohio case, a child rapist.

The victims deserve justice, not silence. In this case, I'm gonna see to it justice is served to everyone I'm going to see to it justice is served cold. 

A Most Heinous and Egregious Act

 The rape of a minor in a martial arts school is a profoundly heinous and egregious crime, violating not only the law but also the fundamental trust that parents and students place in instructors and institutions dedicated to youth development and safety. The rape of a minor in a martial arts school is a despicable act that should be met with the full force of the law and societal condemnation, and it underscores the critical importance of robust child protection measures in all youth-serving organizations.

When the rape of a minor in a martial arts school is minimalized or covered upby the school's owners or other instructors, the consequences are severe, both legally and ethically. The law imposes strict obligations on organizations and their personnel to report suspected child abuse, and deliberate cover-ups can result in significant civil and potentially criminal liability for those involved. In many states, including California, martial arts schools and their staff are legally required to report any suspected child abuse to law enforcement or child protective services. Failing to do so, or actively covering up abuse, is a violation of these laws and can result in criminal charges against the individuals and the organization.

 When leadership discourages reporting or minimizes the abuse (a rape of a minor child) to protect the institution’s image, it fosters a culture where abuse can persist, and more children may be put at risk. The school or organization’s reputation can suffer irreparable damage, and those responsible may face professional consequences, including loss of licenses or the ability to work with children in the future.

In some cases, administrators have fired perpetrators but failed to report the abuse, or have attempted to gaslight victims into doubting their own experiences. Covering up the rape of a minor in a martial arts school is not only morally indefensible but also exposes the institution and individuals involved to serious legal and financial repercussions, while compounding the harm to victims.

Association with Wrongdoing

When other instructors or organizations affiliate themselves with a school or instructor that covered up the rape of a minor, they face significant legal, ethical and reputational consequences. The extent of these consequences depends on their level of knowledge, involvement, and the actions they took (or failed to take) once aware of the abuse or cover-up.

Instructors, long time students and organizations linked to an instructor or school that covered up a rape risk severe reputational harm, loss of community trust, and diminished enrollment or participation if they are linked to such a cover-up. 

Ignoring a cover-up, especially one involving serious misconduct like the rape of a minor, poses substantial risks to any longtime student or blackbelt (who supported the instructor in question) personal reputation and the trust others place in them. Even small ethical missteps can erode how others perceive their integrity. If a longtime supporter or student of any rank ignored or defended a cover-up, either directly or indirectly, people may question their values and honesty, leading to a lasting negative impression.

Being linked to unethical or illegal activity—EVEN PASSIVELY—can result in "guilt by association." The public and your peers may view you as complicit, regardless of your level of involvement. Trust can collapse quickly once it becomes known you ignored or failed to address a serious issue, or worse showed support even passively to the person in question.

Once your reputation is damaged, it can take years and significant effort to restore. People often remember ethical lapses longer than positive contributions. Others may see you as unreliable or untrustworthy if you don't address or acknowledge wrongdoing. This can lead to social ostracism and exclusion from professional or personal networks. Damaged trust can affect future collaborations, friendships, and opportunities, as people may hesitate to associate with someone perceived as lacking integrity. 

If the cover-up becomes public, your continued silence or support can lead to others doubting your judgment and distancing themselves from you.

Ignoring a cover-up can have immediate and long-lasting negative effects on your personal reputation and the trust others place in you. Ethical lapses—especially those involving serious harm—are noticed and remembered, and can overshadow years of positive behavior. In the long run, the costs to your credibility, relationships, and standing in the community can be severe and difficult to repair.

The same also goes for any organization that the instructor may have been involved with or a member of even though the instructor covered it up.

American Jidokwan Association and Serving up a little "Justice" on a Silver Platter PT. 1

 The American Jidokwan Association (AJA) was the subject of significant controversy and accusations of fraudulent claims within the martial arts community. While the AJA presents itself as an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of Jidokwan with a rich history and legitimate lineage, these claims have been strongly disputed by credible sources and individuals connected to the original American Ji Do Kwan lineage.

Steven Hatfield’s claims about American Jidokwan unraveled due to several critical failures in substantiating their asserted lineage and organizational legitimacy. 

A person by the name of Patrick Justice was promoted to 9th degree black belt and served as President of the American Jidokwan Association (AJA), a rank and position awarded to him by Steven Hatfield to give the appearance of legitimacy to the organization. However, This promotion, which occurred when Justice was in his thirties, has been widely criticized as fraudulent, given his relatively limited training and teaching record and the questionable practices of Hatfield and the AJA. 

Hatfield further attempted to establish his legitimacy by claiming a direct connection to E.A. Fuzy, the recognized founder of American Ji Do Kwan, through two individuals: William Sirbaugh (Hatfield’s stepfather) and Shune Yung Davis. However, there is no credible evidence that either Sirbaugh or Davis played any role in developing American Ji Do Kwan or even existed as martial arts instructors with verifiable credentials. Their supposed contributions and relationships with Fuzy are unproven and widely considered fabricated.

American Jidokwan claims refuted.

The timeline and details of Hatfields claimed lineage has shifted repeatedly as inconsistencies and challenges emerged. For example, Hatfield’s biography changed the identity of his mentors and the specifics of their involvement, while the AJA's official history page was frequently revised to accommodate new revelations that contradicted earlier claims.

Senior black belts, board members, and the widow of E.A. Fuzy from the original American Ji Do Kwan organization publicly denounced Gordon and Hatfield’s claims. They asserted that the AJA’s narrative was a fabrication and that neither Gordon nor Hatfield had any legitimate connection to Fuzy’s legacy or organization.

It was claimed that Sensei Charles “Buddy” Brown supported Hatfield’s version of events. However, when directly contacted, Brown not only refused to corroborate Hatfield’s version but also expressed his dismay at how his words were misrepresented to serve the AJA’s  purpose.

Hatfield has a pattern of questionable claims regarding martial arts backgrounds and credentials, not just in Jidokwan but across other martial arts styles. These included unverifiable instructors, dubious transfers of rank and authority, and even allegations of buying credentials.

Hatfield's inability to provide documentation, credible witnesses, or consistent narratives led to the claims being widely dismissed as fraudulent. Even legal threats and lawsuits did not result in the production of credible evidence supporting their story.

Hatfield's supposed martial arts background story has changed numerous times,  showing a pattern of frequent and significant revisions. Between 2012 and 2017, there was no mention of Ji Do Kwan in Hatfield’s public biographies or organizational histories. The narrative connecting Hatfield to American Ji Do Kwan and GM E.A. Fuzy only emerged after Fuzy’s death, and has since been repeatedly altered to address inconsistencies and new revelations.

Hatfield has presented “many different versions of their story as they have tried to stay ahead of all the revelations that have shown that their claims are little more than fabrications”. Specific timeline claims, such as the involvement of William Sirbaugh, the existence of Shune Yung Davis, and the sequence of events regarding Hatfield’s early training and rapid promotions—have changed as his “stories” were exposed contradictions and impossibilities (such as implausible travel and training timelines for Hatfield as a child).

Observers note that the AJA’s official history page has been “re-written over and over again,” and the organization eventually added a disclaimer acknowledging that their account is subject to ongoing revision as “new information regularly becomes available”. It appears that the American Jidokwan Association (AJA) has changed it's website and is the US Traditional Taekwondo Federation (USTTF).

As a result. the record shows that Hatfield’s martial arts background story has changed multiple times, often significantly, in response to scrutiny, making Hatfield’s narrative highly unreliable and widely viewed as fraudulent and his lineage totally  manufactured rather than earned.