Jesús Bonilla began his study of jujutsu in 1969 under Micheal DePasquale Sr. and later began his study of Hakkoryu as a student of Joseph Miller. He received Menkyo Shihan from Nidai Soke Okuyama in 2010, and Kaiden and Sandaikichu in 2012. Mr. Bonilla is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant, having spent over 22 years in service to his country.

Nidai Soke Okuyama has appointed Jesús Bonilla as his Representative in Latin America as of September 2012.

In 2018, he was one of a few who received a unique and unusual honor from Nidai Soke Okuyama, a certificate bestowing Judan (10th level or grade) reserved for those who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and hard work over the years toward the support of Hakkoryu.

Mr. Bonilla currently teaches at the Hakkoryu Ryuko Dojo – School of Martial Arts LLC (971-2021010)