Soke W. Dan Hausel
W. Dan Hausel (born 1949) is a distinguished American geologist, author, and martial artist. He is widely recognized in the martial arts community as Soke Shodai (1st Generation Grandmaster) and founder of Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai, as well as a former Senior Economic Geologist for the State of Wyoming.
Martial Arts History & Lineage
Hausel’s martial arts journey spans over five decades, beginning in 1964 at age 16 with the Black Eagle Federation Kyokushin Kaikan Dojo. Over the subsequent decades, he studied several traditional disciplines including Shotokan, Okinawan Shorin-Ryu karate, Kempo, Okinawan Kobujutsu (weaponry), Samurai arts (Iaijutsu/Bujutsu), and Jujutsu.
- Mentorship under Dr. Rod Sacharnoski: In 1992, Hausel joined Juko-Kai International under the direct mentorship of Dr. Rod Sacharnoski (12th Dan). Sacharnoski became Hausel’s primary mentor, guiding his progression into high-master rank accreditation in traditional Okinawan karate, kobudo, and self-defense systems.
- Founding of Seiyo Shorin-Ryu (1999): Synthesizing classical Shorin-Ryu, Okinawan weaponry, and practical self-defense mechanics, Hausel founded Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai. In 1999, the Zen Kokusai Soke Budo Bugei Renmei (ZKSBBR)—a grandmaster sanctioning organization under Juko-Kai—officially recognized the system and certified Hausel as Soke Shodai.
- High-Rank Recognition: Over his career, Hausel was awarded advanced black belt designations through Juko-Kai International, including 9th Dan (1999), 10th Dan in Okinawan Karate (2004), and 12th Dan status (2012).
- Instruction & Dojos: Hausel instructed martial arts for over 30 years at the University of Wyoming, serving as Chief Instructor for the UW Karate Club. He also established the Arizona Hombu Dojo in Mesa, Arizona, as the international headquarters for Seiyo Kai.
- Halls of Fame: Hausel has been inducted into numerous martial arts halls of fame, including the World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame and the International Black Belt Hall of Fame.
Professional Geological Career
Parallel to his martial arts journey, Hausel enjoyed a prominent 30-year career as a research economic geologist specializing in diamond, gold, platinum-group metals, base metal, and gemstone exploration.
- Wyoming Geological Survey (1977–2007): Served as Senior Economic Geologist for the Wyoming State Geological Survey at the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie.
- Major Discoveries: Accredited with discovering dozens of diamondiferous kimberlite pipes in Colorado and Wyoming, as well as significant gold districts, gemstone deposits (including sapphires, rubies, and iolite), and iron formations across North America.
- Academic Contributions: Authored or co-authored over 600 books, professional papers, maps, and technical reports on economic geology and mineral exploration.
- Honors & Awards: Recipient of numerous distinguished geological awards, including the Archie Delaney Outstanding Public Employee Award and recognition from the Wyoming Geological Association for contributions to economic geology.