Darrell Max Craig is considered one of the "Pioneers of Kendo in the United States of America" by the United States Kendo Federation. He began his training while in the U.S. Marine Corps, studying in Japan with Gogen Yamaguchi in 1956, and in Okinawa with Zenryo Shimabukuro beginning in 1958. While in Okinawa, he also began the study of Okinawan weaponry. Among others, he holds 7th Dan in Kendo, 6th Dan in Shito Ryu Karate, Junse Goshin Budo Jujitsu, Iaido and Okinawan Kobudo, and 4th Dan in Jodo, Osae Aikido, Kodokan Judo and Osae Junse Aikido. He was a member of Team USA in 1985 at the 6th World Kendo Championships in Paris, France. He operated the Houston Budokan, Inc., a traditional Japanese martial arts school in Texas, for nearly 50 years and is now retired.