Sensei Seagal holds black belts in Karate, Aikido and Kenjutsu and has also studied Judo, Kali, Kendo, Eastern Philosophy, Shinto Religion, and the Holistic Arts (including Acupuncture, Herbology and Calligraphy). Seagal is a Shodan in Shitoryu Karate and has trained briefly under Master Fumio Demura. He received his 1st dan in Aikido from Koichi Toheiin Orange County in the summer of 1974. In 1975, Steven Seagal became the first American He is currently a 7th dan granted by the Aiki-kai