Bruce Schmoetzer began his martial arts training in 1981 studying Karate at Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX). He found his vocation in Aikido in 1997 when he began studying with Wendy Whited Sensei.  In 2005 Bruce's name was added to the wall of yudansha (Black Belts) at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.  He earned his Nidan (2nd Degree) in 2014 & his Sandan (3rd Degree) in 2021.  Since 2010 he has been the chief instructor & dojo cho of Beartooth Aikido (Richland, WA).  Currently he owns and operates Wilke Systems Intl, an IT Logistics firm. In previous lifetimes he has worked for NASA (twice!), Apple, and AT&T among others.  He has founded multiple companies over the years. He holds a BS in Physics from Purdue and an MS in Nuclear Physics from Kent State. Bruce is an avid SF&F fan and supports various local events and activities such as: the TriFi Film Festival, Battle on the Columbia (open martial arts tournament) and Bruises & Babes (a women-only, open martial arts tournament).