The Founder 宗家
GHARIOS SOKE (HIRH PRINCE GHARIOS EL CHEMOR)
HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Numan VIII (nee. Ahnume Guerios) started in the martial arts (Judo) with only 4 years old, initially forced by his father. After that, fell in love with the Asian culture and all its aspects.
Studied also Kung Fu, several styles of Karate, European fencing, Japanese swordsmanship, Jiu-Jistu, Kali Silat, Kobudo and his passion, the Aikido.
Started Aikido in 1986 and became an instructor for beginners in 1991. Got his black belt in 1992 being registered in Japan in 1993. In the same year founded the Shinken Institute, active until 2017 operating schools of Aikido and Japanese Culture in five cities in Brazil.
One of the masters who most influenced him was Steven Seagal being Seagal's direct disciple, business associate and personal friend for 5 years (1997-2002). Gharios was the only teacher in South America to have such a relationship directly with Seagal.
STEVEN SEAGAL
Steven Seagal, well known star of Hollywood is also a master of various martial arts styles and 7th. degree black belt in Aikido, and was (before the fame) the first Westerner to own and operate a school on Japanese soil. (see video, official statement, and documents about the aforementioned relation)
In 1999, received "The Sports Merit" a governmental award for his work for the martial arts. From 2003 until 2017 was a direct student of Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei 8o.Dan (one of the few direct disciple of the founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba still alive). Was pioneer, being personally responsible for the promotion of Aikido (Aikikai) in Curitiba (Parana, Brazil) from 1991 until 2010. Is responsible for forming dozens of black-belt instructors that are active today all over Brazil.
JAPANESE SPIRIT
He is recognized not only as a martial artist but also as a dedicated scholar of Japanese culture and religion. His lifelong dedication to understanding the philosophical, spiritual, and historical roots of Budo has earned him respect. This was epitomized when Shihan Tadashi Yamashita, 10th Dan—one of the highest living Budo masters in the world—honored him, calling the prince "Yamato-damashii" (大和魂), meaning “Japanese Spirit.”
In 2023, the prince honored Shihan Tadashi Yamashita with the Order of Saint Sergius and gifted him with the Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) "Yamato-damashii" (大和魂)
BEST-SELLING AWARDED AUTHOR
HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor is an awarded, best-selling author of fifteen books, many of which are peer-reviewed and have reached #1 Best Seller status in their respective fields. His works span international law, history, spirituality, education, and martial arts, each written with a commitment to challenge outdated assumptions and ignite real progress.
Among these, his book AIKIDO: You’re Doing It Wrong! has struck a powerful chord worldwide. Now in its Second Revised Edition, it has proudly achieved #1 Best Seller status in two categories on Amazon, making it one of the most influential modern works on the art. The book does not shy away from controversy—it addresses the hard truths of why Aikido has lost credibility in the martial world, and it offers a clear path to reclaiming its martial essence without betraying its philosophy. (book available HERE)
This recognition affirms not only Prince Gharios’s passion for Aikido, but also his mission to restore its rightful place as a living, effective martial art. Whether a practitioner, teacher, or simply curious, this book stands as an essential guide for the future of Aikido.
BRUCE LEE AWARD
As a member of the honorary board of the AWFF- Asian World Film Festival since 2015, created “The Bruce Lee Award” in 2017. The award is an initiative of the AWFF and the Bruce Lee Foundation.
In 2021, has received the AOF Icon award from the Action On Film International Film Festival, also known as the Action On Film Festival. The AOF Icon award was received by many Hollywood starts and world class martial artists like: David Carradine, Jeff Speakman, Cynthia Rothrock, Don “the dragon” Wilson, Randy Couture, Bas Rutten, Art Camacho, Michael Jay White, Nick Mancuso, Tom Sizemore, Michael Madsen, Bill Duke, Bob Wall, John Saxson, Kim Coates, etc.
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS HALL OF FAME
In 2022, was inducted to the prestigious International Sports Hall of Fame, founded by Dr. Robert Goldman and co-hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The list of inductees is beyond stellar starting with the co-host himself Arnold Schwarzenegger, the godfather of fitness Jack LaLanne, 5 time World Boxing Champion Evander Holyfield, UFC world champions like Royce Gracie, Randy Couture, Ronda Rousey, Bas Rutten, WWE’s Paul “Triple H” Levesque, action movie stars like Jason Statham, Michael Jay White, Cynthia Rothrock, Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson; bodybuilder legends like Dr. Franco Columbu, Lee Haney, Lou Ferrigno; amazing sports’ icons like Johnny Damon, Eddie George, Hershel Walker, Marcus Allen, Peter Westbrook, Earl Monroe, Johnny Bench, and martial arts’ references like GGM Ernie Reyes, AnnMaria DeMars, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and Billy Blanks.
Holds the 5th (fifth) Dan in Aikido (certified by the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan) and also holds black belts in Karate and Kobudo (Japanese weapons).
"shodo" 書道 (Japanese calligraphy) by Soke Gharios
