Tori Eldridge - ”The Ninja Betrayed”
The cultural diversity in Tori Eldridge’s Lily Wong Series (The Ninja Daughter, The Ninja’s Blade, and upcoming The Ninja Betrayed) stems from her own multi-cultural heritage—a Norwegian father from North Dakota and a Chinese-Hawaiian mother from Maui who met, married, and raised Tori’s sisters in Japan. This unusual family melting pot, combined with the amalgamation of Asian-Pacific Islander traditions that make up modern Hawaiian culture, gives Tori a unique perception, deep fascination, and an inclusive appreciation for world culture., which she explores in her upcoming standalone, Dance Among the Flames.
Tori “Myotoshi” Eldridge holds a 5th degree black belt in To-Shin Do ninjutsu (the contemporary evolution founded by Stephen K. Hayes) and an additional black belt in the Korean martial art Tang Soo Do. Tori has taught taijutsu (ninja body techniques), archaic and modern weapon use and disarmament, self-defense, and empowerment to students ranging from military and law enforcement to moms and kids. Tori enhances her awareness and inner calm with Tendai Buddhist practices and daily meditation.
Before writing, Tori Eldridge performed as an actress, singer, dancer on Broadway, television, and film, and earned a 5th degree black belt in To-Shin Do ninja martial arts. She is of Hawaiian, Chinese, Norwegian descent and was born and raised in Honolulu where she graduated from Punahou School with classmate Barack Obama. Tori’s deep interest in world culture and religions has prompted her to visit nine countries, including Brazil. Visit her online at www.torieldridge.com