Iomasda Karate

Grandmaster Professor Sinclair, Sr., is the creator of the Iron Octopus Martial Art Survival Defense Academy (IOMASDA). He was a prolific and accomplished martial artist with high grade black belts in various styles such as Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, and Aikido. He blended these styles together to create a truly unique system that uses traditional foundations of the martial arts, enhanced with modern techniques and principles. In 1973, IOMASDA became a recognized sys...tem of martial arts, earning Professor Sinclair the title of Sosai, meaning president and founder. Being a great leader, Sosai Sinclair received many accolades including over 40 martial arts Hall of Fame, numerous humanitarian awards, and over 300 plaques, awards, and letters of commendation for his work with law enforcement, firefighters, transit authorities, and the national guard. He was an innovator, tirelessly working to better his students and his community. His legacy thrives though IOMASDA where his vision will live on! See more

My name is Jesse Brennan. I am the head instructor of Iron Octopus Martial Arts Survival Defense Academy. I started my martial arts journey in 1995 achieving my black belt in 2000, and in 2002 became the youngest instructor ever appointed in IOMASDA. That's when I fell in love with the principles of Iron Octopus and how it can transform lives. Since then, I've dedicated myself to martial arts, transferring the passion and knowledge that was instilled in me by Grandmaster Professor R. Sinclair, Sr. To me, martial arts is the best activity to enhance your life physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am excited to be continuing on this path and invite you along on this journey. Osu.

I usually don't get personal but this year I felt the need to. There was a tradition at Sosai's birthday parties where everyone would stand up and say a couple words about him. I would like to continue that tradition here. I've known Professor Sinclair for over two decades. To this day, Sosai is the biggest influence in my life. Every moment I was around him I studied him, learned from him, and emulated him as much as a person possibly can. He would say "I have all this knowl...edge in my head. Stick a straw in and drink it up." That was the kind of person Sosai embodied. He was giving, caring, and loving. He was a man of vision. He could see your greatest potential and would push you until you exceeded it. He wouldn't accept excuses, he wouldn't lower his expectations, and he wouldn't let you give up on yourself. Even now, when I am struggling, I hear his voice driving me to keep going. He taught me what it means to truly persevere. To conquer the voices that say "I can't." To find the strength inside yourself and overcome fear. Sosai is a man that defied fear. He is one of the first Martial artists to mix together different styles from different countries. IOMASDA is one of the first MMA styles, blending Karate with Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Judo, and weaponry. Pioneering this in the early 1970s at a time where it was taboo, especially as a black man, took great courage and wisdom. He fought to break down barriers and inspire change. His influence and knowledge could not be denied and he revolutionized the world of martial arts. Sosai is one of those rare, unique individuals that created something larger than life. It is my greatest privilege to carry on his teachings and legacy. I am honored that he chose me to propel IOMASDA forward. I made a promise to him not only to follow in his footsteps but to continue on the path that he set. To be a great leader like him, and inspire others to become great. To constantly evolve and to grow stronger. To not let fear hold me back. To pass on his knowledge so that he is never truly gone. I take this day to reflect on all that Sosai has taught me, and use it to transform others, the way he did for me. Thank you Sosai. I love you, and Happy Birthday. -Young Master Jesse Brennan

Happy Birthday SosaiHappy Birthday Sosai

A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. Ideas have endurance without death. John F. Kennedy