Bill Parker
Bill Parker is the head instructor for the Judo & Aikibudo programs taught at Silva Academy. Parker-sensei has over 50 years of experience in several martial arts and has been practicing Kodokan Judo for many years and Aikibudo since 1992. He is a 6th Dan (degree) black belt in Kodokan Judo and in Jiyushinkai Aikibudo. He holds a 4th Dan black belt in Heikeryu Jiujitsu. With his experience as a public school teacher of 25 years and decades of teaching martial arts he brings a unique, seasoned, teaching perspective to our dojo.
A young Bill Parker first stepped onto the mats in 1965 at his local YMCA in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he began his Judo journey under the guidance of Paul Uyemura Sensei. His hard work earned him four Michigan state tournament titles, excelling in both junior and senior divisions in addition to placing 2nd at the 1971 national competition.
In 1976 Parker Sensei moved to Lexington, Kentucky where he continued to train and coach until 1990. During this time Parker Sensei led his students to a state championship and received his Shodan promotion.
In 1991 Parker Sensei moved to Dallas, Texas and joined the dojo of the renowned Vince Tamura Sensei. While at the Tamura Dojo Parker Sensei was promoted through the ranks up to Godan in Judo, and Yodan in Heike Ryu Jiu Jitsu. Parker Sensei also left his mark in competitions, winning the Dallas Invitational an incredible nine times in both Shiai and Kata, along with four Texas State Championships and a third-place finish at Nationals. In 2016 Parker Sensei reached a significant milestone receiving his Rokudan promotion in Judo.
In 2006 Parker Sensei traveled to the birthplace of Judo—the legendary Kodokan in Japan. There, he trained alongside judoka from around the world, enriching his skills and deepening his connection to the art.
In 1992, he began training in Aikibudo under Russell Waddell Sensei. Just two years later, his group became part of Jiyushinkai under Chuck Clark Sensei. Over the years, Parker’s dedication to Aikibudo has mirrored his commitment to Judo, having earned his Godan in 2012 and his Rokudan in 2018.
Through it all, he has continued to teach and inspire others, passing down his knowledge and passion for martial arts. Today, Parker Sensei continues teaching at Silva Academy leading the Judo & Aikibudo programs, some students having been with him for over 20 years!
Over the years, Parker Sensei has had time to reflect on the incredible opportunities that Judo has brought into his life. Among the greatest of these is the chance to connect with people from all corners of the globe. Equally impactful has been the privilege of learning from world-class instructors like Uyemura Sensei, Tamura Sensei, Waddell Sensei, and Clark Sensei. Their guidance and wisdom have been a cornerstone of his development, both as a judoka and as a teacher.
