Shihan Steve Hankins was introduced to martial arts at a young age when his parents accommodated his interest by taking him to judo and Aikido lessons at the local YMCA in the early 1980's. 

It was not until later that a more serious interest was taken.   At this time Mr. Hankins joined Ron Day's Martial Arts Academy and practiced kung fu for approximately 2 years (1987-1989).  Mr. Hankins was not content with his experience in the arts so far and once again stopped practicing.

After a chance meeting in 1990 Mr. Hankins met Grandmaster Daniel Verkerke and was inspired to further his development.  After much persistence and discussion he was accepted as a personal student.

Mr. Hankins attained the rank of Shidoshi Ho in 1992 and began teaching as a junior Instructor in Seicho Jutsu. In 1994 the rank of Shidoshi,
instructor's degree had been reached. 

1996 was the year that Mr. Hankins had accomplished all of the requirements for the title of Shihan, master instructor in Seicho Jutsu and was awarded this by Grandmaster Verkerke.  Later on that same year Mr. Hankins received the Master Instructor of the Year Award at the WHFSC International Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Other happenings and certifications of note include; performing in the
Seicho Jutsu demo team for the Circle of Masters Hall of Fame in 1997,
receiving membership in the Circle of Masters (NJ, USA) in 1997, performing in the Seicho Jutsu demo team for the Martial Arts Expo 2000 in Barrie, Ontario, Canada and becoming a member of the Executive Council for the International Freestyle Martial Arts Organization.

Shihan Hankins holds a Bachelor degree in Science, honours biology and a
Bachelor of Education.  He has taught in various high schools and public
schools in Seoul, South Korea, North Carolina, USA, and Ontario, Canada.