Shihan Melanie Fine

Melanie began her study of the martial arts as a graduate student in 1976. She studied Tae Kwon Do for 2 years, then began an 18 year study of Tang Soo Do under Master Maynard Stanley in Cincinnati, OH, eventually achieving 3rd degree black belt. She was Head Instructor of Karate Temple in Columbus, Ohio, for 7 years. After moving to Corpus Christi, TX, she continued teaching Tang Soo Do, and began studying Aikido and Arnis.

In 1995, she met Masi Shihan, and became her student in Jujutsu. The following year she moved to New York and joined Masi Shihan at Suigetsu Dojo. She was promoted to Renshi Shihan (6th degree black belt) in Hakko Densho Ryu Jujutsu in 2014.

In addition to Hakko Densho Ryu Jujutsu, she studies and instructs in T'ai Chi Ch'uan and received Teacher Certification in Yang Style Tai Chi from Master Wasentha Young. She is also certified in Hakko Densho Ryu Shiatsu as an instructor, as well as Zheng Gu Tui Na Medical Massage.

Fine Shihan is a lifetime member of the Hakkoryu Martial Arts Federation, the National Women's Martial Arts Federation, the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors, and JuJitsu America. She has actively supported the women's martial arts community for more than 40 years, serving on the Board of the NWMAF for 7 years - 2 years as Chair and 5 years as Treasurer, and served as its Archivist and camp photographer for many years. Fine Shihan was a Board member of the AWMAI during 2004 and assisted that organization during its infancy. From 2018-2023 she served the board as the Certification Director. She is a member of the American Judo & Jujitsu Federation. She was inducted into the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors Hall of Fame in 2016 recognizing her over 40 years of martial arts training.