Professor Ernie Cates

Ernie Cates

Ernie Cates is the creator of Neko-ryu Goshin Jitsu, holding a tenth degree black belt (Ju Dan). Professor Cates was awarded the title of Professor from the U.S. Judo Association of which he currently holds an eighth degree black belt (Hachi Dan) in Kodokan Judo. He also holds a seventh degree black belt in Taiho JuJutsu (Police Tactics) and a seventh degree black belt in Goshin Jitsu (Self Defense Tactics). Professor Cates was recognized by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council as Soke (or founder and head of family) for the Neko-ryu system making the system a recognized and validated martial art.

Professor Cates has been inducted into the American-Okinawan Karate Association Hall of Fame; the International Association of Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the World Head of Family Sokeship Council International Hall of Fame.

Professor Cates is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of Captain. During his career in the Marines, he was the 1956 Okinawa Judo Champion, the overall All Marine Corps Judo Champion from 1959 to 1963 and the All Marine Corps Judo Champion from 1959 to 1965 in his weight division. He was also twice the USMC Inter-service Grand Champion in Judo. Professor Cates is currently the only American ever to be awarded the Japanese Ambassador's Cup in Judo which he received in 1962. Professor Cates has taught over half a million U.S. Marines in hand-to-hand combat. Professor Cates has served as Captain of the Eastern United States USMC Team Championships and the Southern U.S. AAU. Professor Cates also trained Dan Severn for the Ultimate Fighting Championships.

During a military tour of Vietnam from 1965 to 1967, at the University of Hue he trained Ngo Dong in Judo, and helped Professor Dong add Judo techniques to the art of Cuong Nhu. The late Ngo Dong, Ph.d was the founder of the martial arts system Cuong Nhu.

Professor Cates also served as a law enforcement officer and taught police recruits in tactical training at the Mid-Michigan Police Academy while serving as a deputy sheriff in Shiawasi County, Michigan. The mid-Michigan Police Academy is located in Lansing and serves as a training ground for all of Michigan's Law Enforcement drug task force entry teams. Professor Cates has trained Federal, State and local law enforcement officers throughout the United States, and has been chosen to instruct nuclear facility and private security personnel. Professor Cates has also served as the Michigan State University Judo Team Coach.