Today we’d like to introduce you to Professor’ Imhotep A. Bholai, The Island Monk.
Hi Professor’ Imhotep A., please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Professor’ Imhotep A. Bholai, The Island Monk. I am currently a 7th Degree Black Belt — Master Teacher of Applied Martial Arts & Philosophy in Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu, a Martial Arts Master Hall of Fame recipient, and a Citation honoree from the Mayor of New York City, Eric Lee Adams. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, where martial arts wasn’t an activity — it was a way of life. My parents were practitioners, and my childhood was shaped by discipline, faith, movement, and philosophy. As a child I sought fun just like any other, but I also sought rhythm, survival, and meaning in everything. From the start, I knew my path would be different.
That difference was clear early: I became an Assistant Instructor at just 8 years old, earned my Black Belt by 12, and by 21 had already achieved the title of Master Instructor. By 28, I stood as Professor — one of the youngest in the history of Sanuces to hold the title. Ive spent 33yrs in the martial arts, and for the past 25 years, I have lived as a teacher, warrior, and healer.
This path led me into deep study of Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu — the survival science created by Dr. Moses Powell, and into the creation of supporting systems: Sacred Lion Tai Qi Gong (an internal discipline for breath and energy), S.C.A.R.A.B. (a tactical system for military and law enforcement), and Nūruyāma Stretch & Myofascial Release (a martial massage and recovery system). These were not inventions but revelations — shaped through decades of practice, struggle, and healing.
Today, I stand as the Founder of Warrior Temple Island University, a sanctuary where combat science, holistic education, and leadership unite. The Temple is not simply a dojo; it is an institution that transforms children and adults into disciplined leaders, heals trauma and stress, and creates future teachers who can carry this legacy forward.
Here in South Florida, I have expanded that mission through free beach classes in Fort Lauderdale & Miami, Women’s Empowerment Retreats, and the relaunch of The University here in Fort Lauderdale. I opened my first indoor training center through a partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation. Each of these milestones isn’t just mine — they are for the community, proof that the Temple belongs to everyone.
This is not just my story — it is an open invitation to all who will answer its call. The Temple stands ready for all who seek survival, mastery, and transformation. Join Us Today: whether you’re a parent seeking a stronger future for your child, an adult ready to reclaim your power, or a sponsor wanting to impact the community, Warrior Temple Island University is open to you. Children improve focus, discipline, and respect within the first semester. Adults report renewed strength and stress relief in as little as 8 weeks. Sponsors will see every dollar invested multiply into safer neighborhoods, stronger families, and future leaders.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to building Warrior Temple Island University has been carved out of struggle and strength. Creating something that has never been done before means facing skepticism and resistance. There has been no funding, no staff, and little outside support — only vision, purpose, and faith that The Creator has set me upon the path of my purpose. Many nights I worked alone, carrying the weight of teaching, leading, and building all at once.
In August 2019, I moved to South Florida with the vision of planting Warrior Temple Island University here. But only months later, the global pandemic struck. Being new to the region, without funding, connections, or established support, I lost everything I had worked to set up. I was forced to start again from absolute scratch — no money, no staff, no space, no safety net. Yet in that very struggle, resilience was forged. From those ashes, I built everything you see today: free beach classes, women’s empowerment retreats, community programs, Sacred Lion Tai Qi Gong, and the Temple itself. What others would call obstacles, I turned into opportunities — proof that faith, discipline, and vision can manifest a sanctuary even in the hardest times.
I have faced near-fatal injuries that left me barely able to walk, which triggered financial hardship and the loss of our training space. Doubt tested my spirit repeatedly. But surrender was never an option. Struggle became my sharpest teacher. When resources were lacking, creativity was born. When support was absent, faith filled the gap. Each hardship became training — sharpening me as combat sharpens a warrior.
One of my greatest challenges has been balancing roles. I am a father, a teacher, a healer, as well as a student back in school to achieve my Doctorates. Each day demands presence, and yet, through the chaos, the vision never fades: to build a place where warriors of every age could rise.
Struggles have allowed me to understand sacrifice — I’ve lived it. That’s why I teach everyone not just to fight, but to focus, respect, and lead. My hardships have given me the ability to guide others through their own — whether physical, emotional, or financial. And for those looking to sponsor and partner with us, it means every investment is maximized, because I know how to build with nothing, and transform it into something powerful.
The obstacles I faced are the same reasons Warrior Temple Island University exists today: to prove that simplicity, survival, and spirit can outlast any storm. My trials became testimony, and that testimony now inspires others to step into the Temple.
Our warriors don’t just overcome struggles — they transform them. Students consistently show higher confidence, cleaner focus, reduced anxiety, and better performance. Step Into the Temple: Parents, give your children the discipline they crave. Adults, give yourself the healing and protection you deserve. Sponsors, invest in a proven system that turns obstacles into opportunity. Sponsorship fuels scholarships, youth outreach, and community workshops that ripple across Fort Lauderdale — expanding the impact beyond the temple dojo.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Every Island needs a Monk, and as The Island Monk, I’ve delivered free martial arts classes and seminars to every Island I’ve been to from Trinidad to Belize, from Hawaii to St. Thomas, and counting. But my life’s work is the building of Warrior Temple Island University. This is not a martial arts business in the ordinary sense. It is a living temple, a sanctuary where combat science, philosophy, and healing converge. Rooted in Caribbean, African, and Asian traditions yet forged for today’s urban battlefield and trials of life, our systems prepare warriors to endure chaos, rise with discipline, and lead with compassion. My mission is to transform students into warrior-scholars: disciplined leaders who embody strength, wisdom, discipline, and power. Ensuring that Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu is carried throughout the generations. Liberation through Education, offering associate through doctoral degrees.
What makes this work different is the outcome. At Warrior Temple Island University, all who enter transform into respectable and confident leaders: trained not only to defend, but to heal, to teach, and to transform their families and communities. Those who commit to becoming teachers-in-training, inherit a system that empowers them to transform others — multiplying the impact. For those who embark on the full academic journey through the multiple degrees, Warrior Temple offers pathways to employment and entrepreneurship outside of the mainstream martial arts path.
While other programs may focus narrowly on self-defense, sport competition, or fitness, Warrior Temple Island University integrates the full spectrum of survival mastery:
• Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu for survival-based combat.
• Sacred Lion Tai Qi Gong for energy cultivation.
• Nūruyāma Stretch & Myofascial Release for healing.
• S.C.A.R.A.B. for tactical training in military, law enforcement, and urban combat.
• The Toy-Ka Ryu system for strength and alignment.
Together, these systems form a complete path: combat for survival, healing for renewal, and leadership for life. A martial artist is not complete if they’re not practicing both the destructive and healing sides of the art. Warrior Temple is built not merely to create skilled students, but to cultivate supreme teachers.
This is more than a martial arts program. It is a proven community solution — addressing youth empowerment, violence prevention, and holistic health in one. In Florida, our outreach has included free Women’s Self-Defense workshops, martial arts scholarships, Mom & Nanny Tai Qi Gong classes, and Baby Warrior & Me programs. It is a safe, disciplined environment where students learn skills that extend far beyond the mat: focus in school, respect at home, and confidence in life.
I am proud that Warrior Temple Island University is continuously being built with no shortcuts — only relentless dedication. And because of that, every warrior, every sponsor, and every partner becomes part of something timeless. This work isn’t just martial arts. It’s legacy.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a child, I was always different. While others chased play, I chased discipline. I spent my life immersed in martial arts, philosophy, and healing — always curious, always training, always preparing, always observant. Training was seven days a week — so constant that it followed me into sleep. I carried the fire of a warrior and the focus of a monk, even at a young age.
Growing up between Brooklyn, NY and Trinidad & Tobago gave me two worlds. The city taught me intensity, grit, and adaptability. The islands gave me spirituality, rhythm, and peace. Together, they created a balance that shaped my identity as a warrior, scholar, and healer.
These early years planted the seeds of what would become Warrior Temple Island University. My childhood discipline grew into a system where others could find structure. My curiosity turned into philosophies that now guide entire programs. And my own challenges — the moments of struggle and doubt — gave me empathy to lead others through their storms.
I understand a child’s need for focus, respect, confidence, and discipline — because I lived it. I understand an adult’s struggle to rebuild — because I have rebuilt myself more than once. I can guide you in rediscovering strength and healing, because I’ve walked that road myself multiple times. My work has never been rooted in trends, but in a lifetime of tested discipline and cultural depth.
Looking back, I see that I was always being prepared to build the University. What began as a boy’s dream became a man’s mission: to create a place where warriors of every age can rise, heal, and lead. Take the Next Step: Parents, gift your child discipline and confidence. Adults, step into strength and renewed spirit and purpose. Sponsors, help us expand this mission and touch more lives. Sponsorship strengthens youth empowerment programs, family wellness, and leadership development — a legacy that benefits the entire community.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.warriorkido.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriortempleislanduniversity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarriorTempleIsland/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warrior-temple-island-university/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@warriortempleislanduniversity
