Shihan Richard C. Kelly, Jr. began his study of Judo, Karate, Tai-Jitsu, and Iai-Do in Japan in 1960. His first instructor was Ando, Shonosuke Sensei. Shihan Kelley received a Ni-Dan in Kodokan Judo, Kai-Den in Ando-Ryu Tai-Jitsu. After leaving Japan in 1964, Shihan Kelley spent three years in the U.S. Army. During that stay in the Army, Shihan Kelley received a Nidan in Tang Soo Do (1967). After leaving the Army, he returned to Florida where he was made the Florida State representative for the Tang Soo Do Association. A 4th Dan was received from the Kukkiwon Seoul, Korea in 1976. Shihan Kelley resigned his position in 1976 and joined the National Karate and Jiu Jitsu Union and training in Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate.

Shihan Kelley was made a Godan in 1985 in Shito-Ryu. In 1987, the International Karate and Jiu Jitsu Union was formed and Shihan Kelley accepted the position as assistant director. A 6th Dan in Shito-Ryu Karate was received in 1989 along with the title of Shihan. Shihan Kelley formed the Kita Kaze Bujutsu Kai in 1991 and became the executive director. The Kita Kaze Bujutsu Kai is an organization that promotes traditional martial arts.

• Kodokan Judo ------- Sho Dan (1961)
• Kodokan Judo ------- Ni Dan (1963)
• Ando Ryu ------------ Kaiden (1964)
• Tang Soo Do --------- Sho Dan (1965)
• Tang Soo Do --------- Ni Dan (1967)
• Tang Soo Do --------- San Dan (1973)
• Tang Soo Do --------- Yon Dan (1976)
• Shito-Ryu ------------- Yon Dan (1980)
• Shito-Ryu ------------- Go Dan (1985)
• Kobudo --------------- Sho Dan (1986)
• Shito-Ryu ------------- Roku Dan (1989)

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