Sensei Newton Harris

Mr. Newton Harris began studying Wado-Ryu Karate in 1967 under the late Jimmy Kittrell at the MTSU Karate Club. After Mr. Kittrell graduated from MTSU, Mr. Harris continued his training under the late Joe Rippy and ultimately received his Sho-Dan from Mr. Cecil T. Patterson in 1972 while studying under David Deaton.

Mr. Harris completed his undergraduate degree in Education at MTSU in 1973. He developed the “Karate for Credit” program at MTSU and taught the program while attending graduate school there. After earning a Master’s degree in Education from MTSU, he was hired by the University of Florida to teach karate in the Physical Education Department. While there, he started the University of Florida Karate Club.

Mr. Harris opened the Bushido School of Karate in Murfreesboro in February 1973. The dojo has operated continuously since its opening. When Mr. Harris left Murfreesboro to teach at the University of Florida, his senior student, the late Sensei Bill Herzer, took over the dojo and ran it for a number of years before moving. The dojo was then taken over by its current owner, Sensei Bill Taylor, who began studying under Mr. Harris when he was 11 years old. Mr. Harris still teaches at Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate when the opportunity arises.

Mr. Harris served nine years in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1972.

An avid sport karate competitor, Mr. Harris won the kumite competition at the annual USEWF tournament and competed successfully throughout the Southeast. He has received the C.T. Patterson Award and is a member of the USEWF Hall of Fame.

Professionally, Mr. Harris retired as a catastrophe claims adjuster after 35 years, traveling throughout the United States to work major insurance claims following tornadoes, hail storms, and hurricanes.

Mr. Harris currently resides in his hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and is a 7th Dan.