In Memoriam

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Clayton McCombs dedicated his life to the pursuit of his passions: chemistry, education, and the martial arts. After years of successful work as a chemist, McCombs Sensei chose to merge these interests by teaching Advanced Placement High School Chemistry, where his innovative approach to education inspired and shaped the lives of countless students.

His expertise spanned a broad spectrum of martial arts disciplines, including American Kenpo, Okinawan Kempo, Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Kendo, Western Fencing, Tuite, Hung Gar, Arnis, Chang Moo Kwan, and Aikido. Through deep connections within the martial arts community, he gained access to rare, family-based systems, further enriching his extensive knowledge.

McCombs Sensei’s exceptional ability to recall and integrate techniques from such diverse arts was unmatched. His skill in Tuite (joint locks and pressure point manipulations), distinguished by remarkable precision and speed, left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to train under his guidance.

More than a technical expert, McCombs Sensei was a mentor who instilled values of strict discipline, laser focus, and perseverance; principles that transcended the dojo. His students not only acquired martial arts proficiency but also life skills that continue to resonate with them.

His passing represents a profound loss, not only to his family and friends but also to the broader martial arts community, where his legacy will continue to inspire and guide. May his memory forever serve as a source of strength and inspiration, influencing future generations of practitioners.

Roshi Jules Shuzen Harris, Ed.D., was a distinguished Zen priest, psychotherapist, and martial artist, whose pioneering work and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on both his students and the broader spiritual community. As a devoted practitioner of Iaido and Kendo (Japanese sword arts), he established an Iaido school in Utah where he uniquely integrated his martial expertise with the profound teachings of Zen. 

Roshi Harris was the first African-American male to receive Dharma Transmission within the Soto Zen tradition and served as the founding teacher and abbot of the Soji Zen Center in Pennsylvania.

Beyond his role as a spiritual leader, Roshi Harris contributed to the wider discourse on Zen and mindfulness, publishing articles in renowned journals such as Tricycle, Buddhadharma, and Lion's Roar, where he shared his deep insights into Zen practice and personal growth.

His teachings transcended intellectual understanding, merging the disciplines of Zen, psychotherapy, and martial arts into a unified system that facilitated profound personal transformation and awakening. The wisdom imparted by Roshi Harris continues to serve as a guiding light for those seeking to integrate these disciplines into their lives.

Roshi Harris’ enduring legacy is not only evident in the lives of those he mentored directly but also in the teachings that continue to inspire and guide practitioners around the world.