(1934-2013)
Upon return to the United States, I attended the University of Colorado, Majoring in Digital Electronics. During my service overseas, my First Martial Arts encounter was training in JuJutsu, with my first Martial Arts teacher (and Step-father) who was also a Military Man, SGT. HAROLD KEITH. During my travels to the Orient, Okinawa, I started seeking a school to continue training in JuJutsu, but could not find a suitable one. I found a School, and started training in the Art of Isshinryu- Chan Ma Gwa (1956) under the instruction of TATSUO SHIMABUKU (Founder of ISSHINRYU Karate-“Whole Heart Style”).
During my travels in Japan, I met Grand Master PETER URBAN who was studying GOGEN YAMAGUCHI’S Nippon Gojukai, and then later founded the USA GOJU RYU. On returning to the U.S met DON NAGLE and trained in the NY Chinatown Dojo, where I met the illustrious PETE SIRANGANO, MIKE DIPASQUALE, SR, and others. Continued Issinryu training and subsequently trained in the Art of SHITO RYU; upon returning to Japan 1955-1956 seeking and started formal training in Shito Ryu under SHIGERU KIMURA (CHOJIRO TANI’S most Senior student- Chojiro Tani was the Most Senior Student of KENWA MABUNI (SHITO RYU)-who was also a Senior student of CHOJUN MIYAGI (GOJU RYU) – Who was a Senior student of KANRYO HIGAONNA (NAHA-TE).
Upon return to the USA, I met and trained with Master MELVIN KLEIN in N.J. who made the introduction to Master KIMURA. GM MOSES POWELL allowed me to use his Dojo for training in the Bx. River Projects. Partnered up with REMY HANNIBALE, BUDDY MCRAE (Master Phil McRae’s father), and ABDUL MUSSAWIR HAQQ to create the BRONX SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB (BSKC). While studying Shito Ryu became associated with Master MASATOSHI NAKAYAMA – who was a handpicked student of Master FUNAKOSHI GISHIN (SHOTOKAN). SHIGERU KIMURA, Sensei (My Mentor and most influential teacher.)
