Life & Work with Ramessu Iyi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramessu Iyi.

Hi Ramessu, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born the son of a famous martial artist, the late Grand Master Ahati Kilindi Iyi, and inherited The Tamerrian Institution of African Martial Arts after his transitioning. I have been training my entire life in many different fighting and spiritual systems and teaching these systems nationwide. I am continuing my father’s legacy by spreading the knowledge of the connection of martial arts and the transformative power of entheogens. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the obstacles that I have faced on this journey is not only trying to fill someone as great as my father’s shoes but in doing so also making a name for myself while carrying on our legacy. My other struggles lie in raising awareness about Africa’s rich martial arts heritage and that we have our own fighting systems. Africa is the birthplace of martial arts, and I want to make sure that this is shared with a wider audience. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart from others is that I and the other instructors within my institution teach authentic African Martial Arts with the exploratory aspects of entheogens. We also know that martial arts is more than just kicking and punching; I also offer survival camps and several other character-building events. We also hold conferences, including The World African Martial Arts Conference, where world-renowned African Martial artist come to share their expertise. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love this city! This is where I was born and raised. But we definitely still have a problem with crime and violence, like most major cities. As a martial artist, you definitely want to raise awareness about the many ways one can defend themselves if a situation arises. What I love best about the city is the people and the culture. Detroit has a rich African-centered community that I was born and raised in. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tamerrianinstitute.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/aker_ramessu
• Other: www.instagram.com/tamerrian

Image Credits
Steve Novak