Storm Dragon Grandmaster David R. Landers

9th Degree Black Belt


Grandmaster LandersGrandmaster Landers began his training in the Martial Arts under Grandmaster Peter M. Rose in 1971. After Mr. Rose moved to New Hampshire, Mr. Landers continued his training in various systems in Korean and Okinawan Karate, Jujitsu, and Aikido as well as several Chinese systems until 1978 when he was able to re-establish connections with Grandmaster Rose.

Grandmaster Landers was made a member of the original Board of Directors of the C&S Self Defense Association in 1993. He received his 5th Degree Black Belt Masters promotion from Grandmaster Rose in 1994 and his 6th Degree Black Belt in 1996. Upon promotion to 6th Degree Black Belt, he received the title of "Storm Dragon Master". He received his 7th Degree Black Belt promotion on January 10, 2004 and was awarded the title of Grandmaster.

Mr. Landers received his 8th Degree Black Belt promotion from the Governing Council of C&S Self Defense Association on May 16, 2013 at the C&S Self Defense Association's Master Candidate Review. He oversees a network of Storm Dragon Dojos throughout the Midwest.

In a special ceremony at the 2017 Master Candidate Review, Grandmaster Landers was promoted to the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt by Senior Grandmaster and C&S Self Defense Association founder Peter M. Rose in acknowledging what every teacher or mentor strives for: a student who rises to be better than they are.

Prior to his retirement in 2016, Mr. Landers had been a veteran police officer since 1976, having been actively involved in many law enforcement groups. He holds the title of Internationally Licensed Instructor in the USKA's Police Self Defense Instructor's International, the highest ranking in that organization. He has also served as PSDI's Illinois State Director, and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1992.

He is the founder of Defensive Training Systems, a research organization that trains people in simplified methods of personal self defense. Mr. Landers was a deep undercover narcotics detective from 1989 to 1993, receiving a promotion to Chief of Detectives of the Effingham, Illinois Police Department. He served as Deputy Chief of Police from 1997 to 2000 when he assumed the role of Illinois State Region 1 Field Coordinator for the Midstates Organized Crime Information Center and involved with the Department of Homeland Security until his retirement from police work in 2016.

Grandmaster Landers lives in Effingham, IL with his wife Linda.


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