With more than 50 years of experience in martial arts, Sensei David Parritt is a seasoned international veteran in Judo and Jujitsu. He began his study of Judo at Atsugi Air Station, Japan, from 1956 to 1958, where his father was stationed as a Marine Corps officer. As is the way of being in a military family, David, and his family, often transferred from base to base. In 1958, David relocated to Hawaii and resumed his Judo instruction at the Saint Anthony’s Church dojo, where he participated in numerous competitions and won first place in his age and weight categories. In 1962, he moved to the South Weymouth Naval Air Station (NAS) in Massachusetts, where he continued his Judo training and began Jujitsu instruction.
While stationed at NAS South Weymouth, he joined the Armed Forces Judo Association, which later evolved into the USJA. Although only 15 years old, David’s dedication to Judo caused him to become the lead martial arts instructor on post after the other instructors were deployed elsewhere during the Vietnam War. David left the NAS Weymouth with Ikkyu ranks in both Judo and Jujitsu, having studied Nihon and Hakko Ryu Jujitsu.
In 1968, David followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the military. David’s distinguished military career has allowed him to travel the world. He has been stationed in South America, Central America, Asia, Europe, and the US.
David’s martial arts career has seen him create clubs in California, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, Panama, Columbia, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, and Germany.
David is fluent in Spanish and Korean languages.
Sensei Parritt’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, an Army Humanitarian Service Award for aiding Nicaraguan earthquake victims, and numerous US Army certifications in airborne, air assault, scuba diving, jungle, and guerrilla warfare. He also received meritorious service awards from the Republic of Panama, Columbia and the Republic of Korea, the Army Commander’s Medal for Outstanding Civilian Service w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Commander’s Achievement Medal.
David was promoted to USJA Judo Hachidan on October 14, 2022. David is now the Senior Outreach Advisor for the International Armed Services Judo and Jujitsu Academy, Pensacola, Florida. Additionally, David is ranked Shichidan in Nihon Jujitsu.
