The following images represent many great memories with friends and teachers from Okinawan karate
Author and college roommate (Karate training as a New Years resolution - 1987); at the AMA Dojo after Brown Belt test (1988) with then Renshi Bill Mattix and Sensei Terry Gravelin
F.D.R. Hargrove - 8th Dan, Kobayashi Shorinkan (President, USSKA)
In 1964, Frank Hargrove entered the USAF and was assigned to Okinawa. He was introduced to Shugoro Nakazato and after training for a year he was promoted to Shodan in December 1965. He rose through the ranks under Nakazato quickly and was promoted to Nidan in September 1966, Sandan in March 1967, and in December 1967, at the age of 22, Frank Hargrove became the youngest 4th Dan ever promoted in Okinawa. In December 1968, Frank returned to Okinawa to test for his 5th Dan. The Okinawan Board said that he couldn't take the test because no American had taken it before. With the encouragement of Jiro Shiroma, Hargrove decided to stay until he could take the test which wasn't until 3 years later, at which time he was given the name Otetsu-Cho (The Iron Butterfly) for his iron will and soft nature. By 1973, at the age of 29, Hargrove returned to America with a 6th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Goju-Ryu, a 2nd Degree in Omori-Ryu Iaido, a 1st Degree in Kodokan Judo, and a diploma in Shindo Muso-Ryu Jodo. In 1983 Master Nakazato made a special trip to the United States and promoted Frank Hargrove to 7th Degree Black Belt and Kyoshi, becoming the first non-oriental in the history of Shorin-Ryu Karate-do to become Kyoshi, 7th Dan. Kyoshi Hargrove made further history in 1989 when he traveled to Okinawa to test for 8th Dan, becoming the highest ranked Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate-do practitioner teaching outside of the Orient.
In 1964, Frank Hargrove entered the USAF and was assigned to Okinawa. He was introduced to Shugoro Nakazato and after training for a year he was promoted to Shodan in December 1965. He rose through the ranks under Nakazato quickly and was promoted to Nidan in September 1966, Sandan in March 1967, and in December 1967, at the age of 22, Frank Hargrove became the youngest 4th Dan ever promoted in Okinawa. In December 1968, Frank returned to Okinawa to test for his 5th Dan. The Okinawan Board said that he couldn't take the test because no American had taken it before. With the encouragement of Jiro Shiroma, Hargrove decided to stay until he could take the test which wasn't until 3 years later, at which time he was given the name Otetsu-Cho (The Iron Butterfly) for his iron will and soft nature. By 1973, at the age of 29, Hargrove returned to America with a 6th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Goju-Ryu, a 2nd Degree in Omori-Ryu Iaido, a 1st Degree in Kodokan Judo, and a diploma in Shindo Muso-Ryu Jodo. In 1983 Master Nakazato made a special trip to the United States and promoted Frank Hargrove to 7th Degree Black Belt and Kyoshi, becoming the first non-oriental in the history of Shorin-Ryu Karate-do to become Kyoshi, 7th Dan. Kyoshi Hargrove made further history in 1989 when he traveled to Okinawa to test for 8th Dan, becoming the highest ranked Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate-do practitioner teaching outside of the Orient.
Kyoshi Frank Hargrove, Sensei Gravelin and Renshi Mattix with Author at USSKA training camp (1988) - shortly before his promotion to Hachidan
George Dillman (Matsumura Orthodox 8th Dan under Hohan Soken)
George A. Dillman, 10th Degree Black Belt in Ryukyu Kempo Tomari-te, honored by Black Belt Magazine as "1997 -- Instructor of the Year". Dillman was four times National Karate Champion (1969-1972). Dillman began serious martial arts training in 1961 with Harry G. Smith. He went on to study with Daniel K. Pai, Robert Trias and Seiyu Oyata. Dillman reportedly was given Oyata's secret knowledge of tuite and Kyusho Jitsu pressure point techniques. In recent years, controversy has risen over Dillman's claims of Chi/Ki energy and it's supernatural projection toward an opponent. Such claims are unfortunate as they obscure the real value and usefulness of Kyusho Jitsu, as a martial arts tradition that carries both biomechanical and electrical advantage over an adversary as well as the potential for healing and restorative properties.
George A. Dillman, 10th Degree Black Belt in Ryukyu Kempo Tomari-te, honored by Black Belt Magazine as "1997 -- Instructor of the Year". Dillman was four times National Karate Champion (1969-1972). Dillman began serious martial arts training in 1961 with Harry G. Smith. He went on to study with Daniel K. Pai, Robert Trias and Seiyu Oyata. Dillman reportedly was given Oyata's secret knowledge of tuite and Kyusho Jitsu pressure point techniques. In recent years, controversy has risen over Dillman's claims of Chi/Ki energy and it's supernatural projection toward an opponent. Such claims are unfortunate as they obscure the real value and usefulness of Kyusho Jitsu, as a martial arts tradition that carries both biomechanical and electrical advantage over an adversary as well as the potential for healing and restorative properties.
Kyusho Jitsu specialist George Dillman and Author (1990)
Kyoshi Terry Gravelin (American Martial Arts Institute)
Terry Gravelin began his training in the early 1970's under Ernie Estrada and was promoted to Shodan in 1977 and Nidan two years later in 1979. After leaving Sensei Estrada's dojo, Gravelin started training with Bill Mattix (a student of Tadashi Yamashita) and was was promoted to Sandan in Shuguro Nakazato’s style of Shorinkan Shorin-Ryu in 1985. Kyoshi Gravelin operated his karate school within both Kyoshi Frank Hargrove's association and Kyoshi Doug Perry's association. He was promoted to 5th Dan by Hanshi Nakazato in 1990 and ultimately earned the rank of 7th Dan/Kyoshi in 2000. Terry has trained in a number of different martial arts systems to include: Ryukyu Kobudo (5th Dan), Kenshikiryu Goshinho Jujitsu (3rd Dan), Chi Yui Judo and Yoshinkai Aikido. A natural fighter, he has competed in the All Okinawan Kumite Tournament and remains an active member of Hanshi Nakazato's Kyoshikai in North America.
Terry Gravelin began his training in the early 1970's under Ernie Estrada and was promoted to Shodan in 1977 and Nidan two years later in 1979. After leaving Sensei Estrada's dojo, Gravelin started training with Bill Mattix (a student of Tadashi Yamashita) and was was promoted to Sandan in Shuguro Nakazato’s style of Shorinkan Shorin-Ryu in 1985. Kyoshi Gravelin operated his karate school within both Kyoshi Frank Hargrove's association and Kyoshi Doug Perry's association. He was promoted to 5th Dan by Hanshi Nakazato in 1990 and ultimately earned the rank of 7th Dan/Kyoshi in 2000. Terry has trained in a number of different martial arts systems to include: Ryukyu Kobudo (5th Dan), Kenshikiryu Goshinho Jujitsu (3rd Dan), Chi Yui Judo and Yoshinkai Aikido. A natural fighter, he has competed in the All Okinawan Kumite Tournament and remains an active member of Hanshi Nakazato's Kyoshikai in North America.
AMAI Dojo testing group (Sensei Mattix, Dave Chester, Sensei Gravelin, Susie, Bud, Dave, and Author) - 1990; Bud, Sensei, Dave, Susie, Kim, Tim, Author, and Ken - 1992
San Dan testing with Kim, Author, and Kyoshi Gravelin (2002); Author and Sensei Gravelin after student's Shodan test (2004)
Kuk Sool Won
During a military assignment to Altus AFB, OK I had the opportunity to train with Sensei Pamela Steverson in the Korean Kuk Sool system. Kuk Sool Won has become increasingly popular in the United States for its emphasis on pressure point and joint lock self-defense system techniques.
During a military assignment to Altus AFB, OK I had the opportunity to train with Sensei Pamela Steverson in the Korean Kuk Sool system. Kuk Sool Won has become increasingly popular in the United States for its emphasis on pressure point and joint lock self-defense system techniques.
Pamela and Mike Steverson with author after Kuk Sool belt test in 2001 (Altus AFB, OK)
USAFA Karate Club
I was privileged to work as the USAF Academy Karate Club Instructor. During my tenure at the Academy, two of my students distinguished themselves in their ability and perseverance. John Oberle and Terry Garrett remained faithful and diligent in their training, culminating in their test and promotion to Shodan in 2004 in the Shorinryu Shorinkan (Chibana-ha) system.
I was privileged to work as the USAF Academy Karate Club Instructor. During my tenure at the Academy, two of my students distinguished themselves in their ability and perseverance. John Oberle and Terry Garrett remained faithful and diligent in their training, culminating in their test and promotion to Shodan in 2004 in the Shorinryu Shorinkan (Chibana-ha) system.
USAFA Karate Club testing and training pics (2001-2002)
Author and USAF Academy Karate Club; Kyoshi Gravelin and former students John Oberle and Terry Garrett at their Shodan Test (2004)
Grandmaster Fusei Kise was born on May 4, 1935. He began his study of Karate in 1947 from his Uncle Master Makabe. In 1955 Master Kise became a student of Master Nobutake Shingake and receive his Shodan. In 1958 Master Kise began studying under Grand Master Hohan Soken, the third successor of Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate-Do. In 1960 he was a student of Grand Master Shigeru Nakamura, Okinawan Kenpo Karate-Do Federation and qualified for his 7th Degree Black Belt. After five years of training, Master Kise passed the 7th Dan examination under Grand Master Shigeru Nakamura (1965). At that time Master Kise taught and practiced Shorinji Ryu Karate-Do. Also during this time he was studying Shorin Ryu under Grand Master Hohan Soken.
On January 1, 1957 Master Kise switched completely over to the Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito (Orthodox Karate- Do). On January 3, 1972 Master Kise qualified for the Hanshi title by passing the 8th Dan examination held by Grand Master Hohan Soken and Master Makabe. In 1976 Master Kise qualified for his 9th Dan by Grand Master Hohan Soken and in 1977 Master Kise founded the Shorin Ryu Karate Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Federation. He was promoted to 10th Dan in 1987 by Master Shigaru Tamaiya. He holds a 10th Degree Black Belt in Kenshin Kan Shorin-Ryu and is the President of the All Okinawan Shorin Ryu Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Federation. He is also a 9th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kempo and a 10th Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Ryu Karate.
On January 1, 1957 Master Kise switched completely over to the Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito (Orthodox Karate- Do). On January 3, 1972 Master Kise qualified for the Hanshi title by passing the 8th Dan examination held by Grand Master Hohan Soken and Master Makabe. In 1976 Master Kise qualified for his 9th Dan by Grand Master Hohan Soken and in 1977 Master Kise founded the Shorin Ryu Karate Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Federation. He was promoted to 10th Dan in 1987 by Master Shigaru Tamaiya. He holds a 10th Degree Black Belt in Kenshin Kan Shorin-Ryu and is the President of the All Okinawan Shorin Ryu Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Federation. He is also a 9th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kempo and a 10th Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Ryu Karate.
Master Fusei Kise of Matsumura Orthodox (Saito) Shorinryu with Author, Ader sensei, Shipes sensei, and former student John Oberle (2003)
Meitatsu Yagi (Meibukan Goju ryu)
Oldest son of Meitoku Yagi, Metatsu's lineage can be traced back to the 36 Chinese families that immigrated to Okinawa in 1392 (Kumemora). His family can also be linked to Jayana Ueekata, who was highly respected as a budoka in the Ryukyu Islands in the 17th century. Yagi is the 22nd generation from that family.
His father began training under Miyagi Chojun, the founder of Goju Ryu, when he was 14 years old (1926). After Miyagi's death in 1953, Yagi opened his own dojo in the Daido district of Naha. He was given Miyagi’s black belt upon his death by Miyagi’s family. In 2003, at the age of 91, Meitoku Yagi passed away.
Oldest son of Meitoku Yagi, Metatsu's lineage can be traced back to the 36 Chinese families that immigrated to Okinawa in 1392 (Kumemora). His family can also be linked to Jayana Ueekata, who was highly respected as a budoka in the Ryukyu Islands in the 17th century. Yagi is the 22nd generation from that family.
His father began training under Miyagi Chojun, the founder of Goju Ryu, when he was 14 years old (1926). After Miyagi's death in 1953, Yagi opened his own dojo in the Daido district of Naha. He was given Miyagi’s black belt upon his death by Miyagi’s family. In 2003, at the age of 91, Meitoku Yagi passed away.
Author at Miguel Serrano's Goju ryu dojo during training camp with Meitatsu Yagi of Meibukan Goju ryu (2002)
Kyoshi Sam Ahtye
Chief instructor of the San Francisco Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Dojo (Kumemura Dojo). Sensei Ahtye has been practicing since 1967. He has trained directly under some of the most senior martial artists in the world, instructors like Master Clarence (Taiju) Lee (a previous student of Chibana Chosin and Richard Kim). Kyoshi Ahtye also studied traditional Chinese Martial Arts with Master Kwan Sai Hung (of “The Wandering Taoist” fame) for four years. He became the teaching assistant to the late Professor William Paul (Kodokan Judo) for nine years. Dr. Paul taught self defense and bio-mechanical efficiency. Kyoshi Ahtye remains most active in Shugoro Nakazato's Shorinkan Shorinryu system.
Chief instructor of the San Francisco Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Dojo (Kumemura Dojo). Sensei Ahtye has been practicing since 1967. He has trained directly under some of the most senior martial artists in the world, instructors like Master Clarence (Taiju) Lee (a previous student of Chibana Chosin and Richard Kim). Kyoshi Ahtye also studied traditional Chinese Martial Arts with Master Kwan Sai Hung (of “The Wandering Taoist” fame) for four years. He became the teaching assistant to the late Professor William Paul (Kodokan Judo) for nine years. Dr. Paul taught self defense and bio-mechanical efficiency. Kyoshi Ahtye remains most active in Shugoro Nakazato's Shorinkan Shorinryu system.
Sensei Ahtye with Clarence Lee (Top L), Hanshi Nakazato (Center/Top R), senior student Sensei Steve Curley (Bottom L), Kyoshi Doug Perry, Kyoshi Yonemine (Bottom center)
Kyoshi Sam Ahtye, Sifu Clarence (Taiju) Lee, and Author in San Francisco (2003-2004)
Kyoshi Ahtye in Kobudo practice; Sifu Taiju (Clarence) Lee with Chibana Sensei (1968)
Kyoshi Ahtye and Author training Yakusoku Kumite; Sensei Curley and Author training with Kyoshi Hayes
Hanshi Doug Perry
Perry began his fighting career in 1946 as an amateur boxer in Charlotte, NC at the age of nine. He won state, regional, and national titles. Hanshi Perry started his martial arts training in 1956. He has trained under Tatsuo Shimabuku in Isshin Ryu and Kyoshi Bill Hayes of Shobayashi Shorinryu. While stationed in Okinawa Hanshi Perry studied with Kyoshi Jiro Shiroma and Hanshi Shugoro Nakazato. Inn 1997 Sensei Perry received the rank of Hachidan (8th Dan) from Nakazato and was appointed to represent the Shorinryu Shorinkan Kyokai in North America.
Perry began his fighting career in 1946 as an amateur boxer in Charlotte, NC at the age of nine. He won state, regional, and national titles. Hanshi Perry started his martial arts training in 1956. He has trained under Tatsuo Shimabuku in Isshin Ryu and Kyoshi Bill Hayes of Shobayashi Shorinryu. While stationed in Okinawa Hanshi Perry studied with Kyoshi Jiro Shiroma and Hanshi Shugoro Nakazato. Inn 1997 Sensei Perry received the rank of Hachidan (8th Dan) from Nakazato and was appointed to represent the Shorinryu Shorinkan Kyokai in North America.
Hanshi Perry and Author at 2010 - 20th Annual "little Okinawa" camp and San Francisco Kumemura Dojo participants (Author, Gowain, Sam, Steve, and Robert)
Kyoshi Hayes and Author at Kyoshi Perry's training camp
yoshi Bill Hayes
Sensei Hayes was born on May 15th, 1945, in New York City and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August of 1964. While on active duty he served at a number of major posts including three tours on the island of Okinawa, where he was able to continue his karate training, which began in 1960. Hayes his teaching certificate (shihan license) and promotion to Kyoshi by his instructor, Grandmaster Eizo Shimabukuro, 10th Dan, of Okinawa, world-wide head of the Shobayashi-ryu Karate system.
Bill Hayes has been inducted into both the Karate Masters' Hall of Fame and the American-Okinawan Karate Association Hall of Fame. Major Hayes is currently the Director of both the Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do Research Society and the Shobayashi-Kan training group.
Sensei Hayes was born on May 15th, 1945, in New York City and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August of 1964. While on active duty he served at a number of major posts including three tours on the island of Okinawa, where he was able to continue his karate training, which began in 1960. Hayes his teaching certificate (shihan license) and promotion to Kyoshi by his instructor, Grandmaster Eizo Shimabukuro, 10th Dan, of Okinawa, world-wide head of the Shobayashi-ryu Karate system.
Bill Hayes has been inducted into both the Karate Masters' Hall of Fame and the American-Okinawan Karate Association Hall of Fame. Major Hayes is currently the Director of both the Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do Research Society and the Shobayashi-Kan training group.
Takayoshi Nagamine
Soke Takayoshi Nagamine was born in Naha City, Okinawa on August 12, 1945, the son of the late founder of the Matsubayashi-ryu style of Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do, Shoshin Nagamine. Sensei Nagamine was in a generation that had been schooled by many of the great martial arts masters with his most influential teachers being Ankichi Arakaki, Chotoku Kyan and Choki Motobu. Before Nagamine’s passing away in 1997, he was named a ‘living intangible cultural asset’ by the Okinawa Prefectural Government.
Sensei Takayoshi Nagamine was the Soke (inheritor of style) of the Matsubayashi-ryu system, and the headmaster of the World Matsubayashi-ryu (Shorin-ryu) Karate-do Association (WMKA) in Okinawa, Japan. On April 25, 2012 Soke Nagamine unexpectedly passed away at the relatively young age of 66. The new Association President, Kaicho Yoshitaka Taira, (Hanshi 10th Dan) was also a direct student of the style’s founder, Shoshin Nagamine.
Soke Takayoshi Nagamine was born in Naha City, Okinawa on August 12, 1945, the son of the late founder of the Matsubayashi-ryu style of Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do, Shoshin Nagamine. Sensei Nagamine was in a generation that had been schooled by many of the great martial arts masters with his most influential teachers being Ankichi Arakaki, Chotoku Kyan and Choki Motobu. Before Nagamine’s passing away in 1997, he was named a ‘living intangible cultural asset’ by the Okinawa Prefectural Government.
Sensei Takayoshi Nagamine was the Soke (inheritor of style) of the Matsubayashi-ryu system, and the headmaster of the World Matsubayashi-ryu (Shorin-ryu) Karate-do Association (WMKA) in Okinawa, Japan. On April 25, 2012 Soke Nagamine unexpectedly passed away at the relatively young age of 66. The new Association President, Kaicho Yoshitaka Taira, (Hanshi 10th Dan) was also a direct student of the style’s founder, Shoshin Nagamine.
Matayoshi Nagamine (son of Soke Shoshin Nagamine of Matsubayashi Shorinryu) and Author in front of family dojo in Naha (2011). Nagamine sensei passed away unexpectedly months later.
Visit to Goju ryu master, Morio Higaonna's dojo in Naha (2011)
Author receiving testing feedback and Yondan certificate from Nakazato sensei in Okinawa (2011)
Hanshi Nakazato, Kyoshi Ahtye, and Author; Hanshi Genka, Author and Hanshi Nakama (2011)
Nakazato's Kyoshi class performing Chinto in Honbu Dojo (2011)
Kyoshi C.D. Williamson
Kyoshi Williamson has been a student of Okinawan karate for over 40 years. In 1981 he began training under Frank Hargrove in Hampton, VA and excelled as a competitive champion in kata, kobudo, and especially kumite. In 1984 he made the USA/AAU Karate Team and competed in South America in the Pan-Am Games. In 1986, C.D. traveled to Okinawa and was promoted to Godan in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate-Do by Hanshi Nakazato.
In 1990 C.D. opened, "C.D. Williamson Karate" which quickly became a thriving karate school with over 150 students. In 1993, Renshi Williamson founded the Okinawan Shorinryu Shorinkan Winter Camp in Hampton, VA. Then, in 1998, he moved his dojo to Florida. During his fourth trip to Okinawa (1998) he was promoted to 7th Dan (Kyoshi) in Shorinryu by Hanshi Nakazato and 5th Dan in Okinawan Kobudo.
On May 6, 2011, Kyoshi Williamson traveled to Okinawa for training with Hanshi Nakazato and was subsequently promoted to 8th degree (hachidan). Kyoshi Williamson is one of only a handful of Westerners promoted to both hachidan in Shorinryu and nanadan in Kobudo. Recently, Kyoshi Williamson was inducted to the United States Karate Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio. USA Karate is the only Karate organization recognized by the International Olympic committee.
Kyoshi Williamson has been a student of Okinawan karate for over 40 years. In 1981 he began training under Frank Hargrove in Hampton, VA and excelled as a competitive champion in kata, kobudo, and especially kumite. In 1984 he made the USA/AAU Karate Team and competed in South America in the Pan-Am Games. In 1986, C.D. traveled to Okinawa and was promoted to Godan in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate-Do by Hanshi Nakazato.
In 1990 C.D. opened, "C.D. Williamson Karate" which quickly became a thriving karate school with over 150 students. In 1993, Renshi Williamson founded the Okinawan Shorinryu Shorinkan Winter Camp in Hampton, VA. Then, in 1998, he moved his dojo to Florida. During his fourth trip to Okinawa (1998) he was promoted to 7th Dan (Kyoshi) in Shorinryu by Hanshi Nakazato and 5th Dan in Okinawan Kobudo.
On May 6, 2011, Kyoshi Williamson traveled to Okinawa for training with Hanshi Nakazato and was subsequently promoted to 8th degree (hachidan). Kyoshi Williamson is one of only a handful of Westerners promoted to both hachidan in Shorinryu and nanadan in Kobudo. Recently, Kyoshi Williamson was inducted to the United States Karate Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio. USA Karate is the only Karate organization recognized by the International Olympic committee.
Kyoshi Williamson's karate/kobudo dojo during a visit from South African Shorinkan
Okinawa (2016) Trip - Kyoshi Williamson, Kyoshi Bethea, Kyoshi Stolsmark & Kyoshi Ahtye with students at Hombu Dojo with Shugoro Minoru Sensei
Picture with Nakazato Minoru, Hanshi JuDan during 2016 trip to Okinawa
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Kyoshi Williamson and Kyoshi Ahtye with author
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Yakusoku Kumite instruction
Kobudo night - Eku kata practice