Sadly, it must be announced that we lost one of our esteemed members today.

At 8am this morning, my friend and senior, Grand Master, Lou Angel passed away.

GMstr. Angel was one of Maestro Urban's first black belts.

For more about GMstr. Lou Angel : http://thatsmysatori.blogspot.com/2009/06/osu-recently-hanshi-lou-angel-founder.html

Arakaki No Kon!

My Friend, Peer, and Student, Shihan, Russell Bianca performs Kata Arakaki No Kon as per my direction. Excuse me for being prideful,but im proud of this man...

Hello!

So It has become necessary for me to clear up some misconceptions, and once and for all make the following a matter of record.

Who were my Sensei's?

Now firstly most people who knjow me or of me know that I was a student of Maestro Peter G. Urban. That is a given.

I started my life long journey in the martial arts under my Father Victor J. Malanoski, Kaiden in the ShoBuDo Ryu JuJitsu style. A classical Japanese system that I stayed with my entire life.

Over the years, as a youth, I was exposed to many of the great teachers in NY and NJ, and had the opportunity to train with many of them. Some at length and some sporadically. But I would not call them my Sensei in the true context of the word.

When I was 15 years old, my parents had divorced and my Mother relocated to Jersey City NJ, where incidentally I was born. It was then, at a time when I was very active on the Ny NJ tournament scene, that I joined the dojo of GMstr. Ron Jeter. and I joined his team. So, yes, he was my Sensei. He coached me as a competitor, and for quite a few years I excelled under his guidance.

I joined the US Marine Corps in 1979, and after founding my own school at 2nd Force Reconnaissance HQ building at French Creek, Camp LeJeune North Carolina, I was later stationed in Okinawa Japan for three years. Also traveling to Mainland Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Hong Kong Singapore and Thailand.

While on Okinawa, and throughout Asia, I trained with quite a few prominent masters. But my actual Senseis, who I spent much time with, developed serious relations with, and learned so much from, were GMstr. Hanso Arakaki of Naha Te Kempo, and Arakaki KoBuDo, and Masaaki Ikemiyagi of Meibukan GoJu Ryu.

After being discharged from the Marine Corps, and founding various DoJo in NY and NJ during the 80s, I relocated to Florida in 1992. I originally went there to open a school with my Father who had been living there, however he passed away while I was travelling to be with him.

Once in Florida I opened a DoJo, and after a while brought my students to a tournament in Miami where I ran into my old friends and seniors GMstr. Frank Ruiz, and GMstr Manny Saavedra. I joined up with the Martial Arts Congress which was founded by them, and as a fifth dan, later joined The World Sansei GoJu KaraTe Organization under Hanshi Saavedra, where Saavedra mentored me, promoted my career in Florida, and as I went up in rank, made me a member of the Board Of Directors of his organization. I traveled internationally with him as a coach and member of Team Sansei, as well as having had the opportunity to teach KaraTe and KoBuDo at Florida International University with him. So, Yes, I can definitely say that Manny Saavedra was my Sensei.

I also befriended and began studying with KyoShi Joe " Hanokami" Bass, in IaiDo. I attained my IaiDo yudansha grading under him, and yes, he was my Sensei.

Years later when Maestro Urban requested that I help him with kata standardization in the southern states, Sensei Saavedra graciously allowed me to demit my membership in Sansei in order to continue with Maestro Urban and become his representative in Florida and the Southern States.

Over the years Maestro Urban gave me his blessing and encouragement as the Supreme Instructor of my own system.

So ladies and gentlemen, there you have it.

Once again, over the past 53 years, I have trained with many people. But unless you see them named in what you have just read. Although they may have been great, they were not MY SENSEI.

A tribute to Hanshi, Charles " La Pantera " Bonet

It is with deep regret, that I announce the passing of an old friend and mentor, Hanshi, Charles Bonet.

I had the good fortune to train and spend a good deal of time with him back in the 1970's. The movie that he made with Shidoshi Ron VanClief had just come out in NY, and NJ theaters.

He was having some trouble with the land lord of the building in which he had a dojo in the Bronx, so after a conversation with, and an offer by my friend and senior, Kenkojuku ShotoKan instructor, Cecilio Ortiz, he wound up relocating his class across the George Washington Bridge, to the dojo that I was apprentice teaching at. The name of this school was The Ridgefield Self Defense Academy.

      Angelo Gomez, Charles Bonet, and Cecilio Ortiz, at The Ridgefield Self Defense Academy

                          Charles Bonet and Cecilio Ortiz, at the Ridgefield Self Defense Academy

 I had the opportunity to befriend, train under, and socialize quite a bit with Hanshi Bonet during this time. As a matter of fact, he chose The Ridgefield Self Defense Academy as the location for the filming of the dojo segments of his next movie Death Promise. I had the honor of being present on set for all of that filming. In another segment of the movie, throwing stars are used. Another one of my claims to fame, is that when asked if there were any martial arts supply stores in the area as for them to purchase the stars that would be used in the filming, I took Hanshi Bonet and the others to a Chinese gift shop / Kung Fu supply store in Union City N.J., where the stars were obtained.

 Here you will see a scene that was filmed at our dojo.

Considering that Hanshi, Bonet was pretty much a Chop Sockey Movie Star at the time, he was also very friendly. On the dojo floor, he was extremely strict, but after class he was very cool, and often would drive miles out of his way to give me a ride home in his sporty Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.

                  Hanshi, Bonet served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam war.

Although he was already quite versed in the arts, while on Okinawa, he trained extensively with GMstr. Eizo Shimabuku in the ShoBayashi style of ShoRin Ryu KaraTe. It was because of this, that I knew to seek out GMstr. Shimabuku on Okinawa in Kin Village across the street from Marine Corps Base Camp Hanson.

                                     

                                        GMstr. Eizo Shimabuku and Hanshi Charles Bonet.

                         Charles Bonet on Okinawa.

                    He was also very active with the Martial Arts For The Handicapped Organization.

During his travels as a Martial Arts film star along with Shidoshi Ron VanClief, Hanshi Bonet was accepted and recognized for his mastery by the likes of Wing Chun GMstr. Leung Ting.

                  He later became the head of his own organization ShoRin Kai International.

Hanshi Bonet left quite a legacy of students, such as Hanshi Luis Fernandez, and Kyoshi Stephen Rittersporn just to name a couple of the fine BuDoKa that he taught.

It was a pleasure to know him.

He will be missed.

                                 

Recently, an acquaintance of mine made a statement about the imperfection of his master’s persona. This gave me pause, and some real food for thought, as to thoughts that I’ve been thinking for many years.

The examples that I site here, are to be nameless, as to protect the guilty. As no one is innocent…

Often we put expectations on the teacher, that are unrealistic to say the least.

Personally, I have been very close to quite a few luminaries in the martial arts throughout the course of my life, and martial arts career. Having started my journey in the arts, at 5 years old in 1965, and with a father that was quite well known in the arts, I was not only exposed, but excepted within the inner circle since I was a child.

I was classmate to so many that would become well known, and accomplished masters. I trained with, and under these people, and was intimately involved in the ongoing history, and development of the arts throughout my life.

I trained not only in the United States, but as a United States Marine, had the opportunity to live on the island of Okinawa for three years, and meet, train with, and often become personal friends with quite a few famous masters.

During my time over seas, I was also able to travel to Mainland Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore. I’ve met, trained with, and competed against some of the best, and some of the worst.

As martial artists, we are brought up with the concept of Do = The Way.

The Japanese ideology of BuShiDo, the Chinese Tao, or the originally Indian Buddhist teachings, that supposedly mold the persona of the martial artist, often lead us to the expectation that the master is the personification of such ideals.

In a perfect world, I suppose this would be fact. But as you know, we do not live in a perfect world.

Only God is perfect.

We as martial artists, often strive for perfection, but will always fall short. That keeps it interesting, I suppose…

On another note, but very similar, we put these divine expectations on the Priest, the Pastor, the Rabbi, the Imam and the Monk. To look at any human being as being the personification of The Way, is to set oneself up for immanent disappointment.

Look at all of the things that happen within the various religious factions, and organizations. From Pedophilia, to Terrorism. This is what causes people to lose their faith, or maintain their atheist or agnostic disbeliefs.

As a FreeMason, I have been raised, and brought through the steps, to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Masonry is a fellowship who’s goal is to make Good men Better. Does this make me a shining example of the light that we seek in Masonry? I think not. My rough ashlar is far from smooth. I just have a level and plumb bob to use as a reference, however I am far from the Great Architect of the Universe, that is for sure = understatement…

In KaraTeDo, we have The Way.

But if you look at the life of a gentleman that most think of as the epitome of KaraTeDo, you will find that he abandoned his family in order to bring KaraTe to Japan, and often spent way too much time combing his hair.

Another great master and Patriarch of the martial arts in the west, had so many skeletons in his closet, that Walmart could easily use them as inventory for all of their stores, each and every Halloween.

However both of the afore mentioned masters made great contributions to, and were responsible for what we know as KaraTe here in our lifetimes and understandings.

As I mentioned before, I have had the pleasure of quite intimately knowing many masters throughout my life. Both American, and Asian.

I could be here all day telling you horror stories.

Although for the most part, the good, at times, outweighs the bad, but none of them are, or were perfect in any way, shape, or form…

I am a 59 year old HanShi = it is December of 2019 as of this writing.

HanShi literally means exemplary person, or one who sets the example.

My life has gone from good, to terrible, to great, to mediocre.

I’ve made so many mistakes, that I can easily be used as a templar for what not to do.

I often say the same thing about my first instructor = my father. I suppose that the apple falls not far from the tree…

Thankfully, we learn from mistakes made, either by ourselves or by others.

As for myself, my story is not over, and I intend to do great things, that will overshadow my shortcomings past.

So, where am I going with all of this you may ask?

View the master as a compass.

The compass points the way.

The compass is not the way.

No person is greater than the art or style that they represent.

Someone much greater than I, yet still imperfect, once said:

“ It is like a finger, pointing at the moon. Don’t look at the finger! Or you’ll miss all of that heavenly glory!!!!”

All fall short of the glory of God.

Keep Punching!

An interview with Maestro Peter Urban.

Here is part of an interview, done with with Maestro Peter Urban in Puerto Rico circa 1986.

The Ultimate Bruce Lee Collection!

The Mother Load of Bruce Lee pictures. Very rare and unseen by most. I also included audio with an interiew with Lee Jun Fan. If you have an interest in Bruce Lee, give it a look. 

KaraTe Beneath The Surface, A Book by Roy Kenneth Kamen

I'm pretty prejudice when it comes to writings and publications on the martial arts. 

I've been reading martial arts books since I was a little kid in the 1960s. My teacher wrote a very famous book about KaraTe, and encouraged us to read everything available, as to broaden our prospectives. 

Reading martial arts books enhanced my reading comprehension to the point that in 7th grade, my reading comprehension level was that of a college sophomore. 

With that said, and considering just how many martial arts books I have read, and reread over and over, I just may know what I'm talking about when it comes to this subject. 

My martial arts library has always been very large, and varied. Recently, I relocated back to Florida, and had to leave much of my belongings with my son until I establish myself. I took only one book with me. That book is KaraTe Beneath The Surface, By Roy Kamen.

Roy Kamen is a personal friend of mine, and fellow GoJuKa. Like me, he began his martial arts training in 1965. He started out in IsShin Ryu KaraTe under his brother Rob Kamen, who incidentally wrote and produced the movie The KaraTe Kid. Both brothers later moved over to ShoreiKan GoJu Ryu under Seikichi Toguchi. 

                                                          

    Seikichi Toguchi and Roy Kamen

Later both brothers would come under the direction of Dai Sensei Kow Loon "Kayo" Ong, in the Chi I Do International Organization. 

    Kow Loon Ong, Marina and Roy Kamen

Roy Kamen is not just a physical type of KaraTeKa. He is deeply involved in the spiritual and holistic aspects of the art. He is also an accomplished music producer, and applies this same spirituality to both his martial arts and his music.

KaraTe Beneath The Surface is not a book about punching and kicking. It goes way deeper than that. Roy breaks down the original premise behind the Embusen or performance line of the kata of GoJu Ryu, as they are actually Mandalas. 

                                                                     

 San Chin

                                                                

TenSho

      

                                                                                  

KaraTe Beneath The Surface exposes the actual purpose of the breathing done in our kata, which are actually and originally Mudras associated with the afore mentioned Mandalas.

When I say that Roy Kamen is very much into the Spiritual and Holistic side of the arts, I don't mean to say that he neglects the physical. Quite the contrary, his KaraTe is very practical and effective. This book serves to enhance ones understanding of the art, and the physical can only be strengthened by a deeper understanding of the Spiritual.

The book contains stories of Roy's early years, and the way various experiences shaped his life, and outlook on the arts.

The feelings and emotions that the kata represent are very well explained.

Some books you can read a chapter or two, put them down, and continue another time.

This book is hard to put down. 

If you are a serious martial artist, or just have a serious interest in the martial arts, I highly recommend this wonderful work by Sensei Roy Kamen.

If I had to rate it on a scale of one to ten, this book would definitely be wearing a RED BELT...

Double click on the video to enter full screen.

Dai Sensei, Kow Loon "Kayo" Ong explains Da Na Kow.

The art of Naha Te / GoJu Ryu, is actually the Okinawan version of Fukienese Chuan Fa = Southern Chinese Gung Fu.

Throughout the years, much of the substance of the art has been lost, omitted, or just not learned, by those who practice for competition, and or hobby.

There are intricacies that few actually know, but if one looks deeply enough, and is willing to do the research and foot work, they are still there for the taking. 

A few years back, while visiting my old friend and Older Martial Arts Brother, Dai Sensei, Kow Loon "Kayo" Ong, Chairman of Chi I Do International,  at his home in New York City's Chinatown, I had the opportunity to video tape a part of our long and detailed conversation. In this rare video, Dai Sensei, Ong explains the concept of Da Na Kow.

Dr. Ernest Hyman

Osu! Today is the One Year Anniversary of the passing of my old friend and senior, Dr. Ernest  Hyman. It seems like only yesterday, that I watched this demo at Aaron Banks' Oriental World of Self Defense, at Madison Square Garden... RIP

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Styles, Systems, and Ryu Ha. A look at the development and metamorphosis of KenShiKai KaraTeDo.

There are many styles and organizations of KaraTe these days. Far too many to list here. However, I thought it may be interesting to take a look at the development and metamorphosis of one of the newer ones...

This is far from a complete history of this style. If anything, this is the abridged version.

Having recently featured our own Shihan Russell Bianca here on That's My Satori, I thought it apropos to write a piece about the fine group that he comes out of, and how it began.

When KaraTe was originally practiced in Okinawa, it was referred to as Te, meaning Hand.

Okinawa Te consisted of 3 separate entities, which were named after the location that they were practiced, Naha Te, Shuri Te, and Tomari Te.

Later, when KaraTe became more established, and was being introduced to Mainland Japan, these 3 types of KaraTe were given more distinct and descriptive names. Naha Te became GoJu Ryu, Toon Ryu, and Ueichi Ryu. Shuri Te became ShoRin Ryu, and Tomari Te became Okinawa Kenpo.

Once introduced to Japan through College KaraTe Clubs, Naha Te / GoJu Ryu was promoted by Gogen Yamaguchi and the GoJu Kai, while Shuri Te / ShoRin Ryu was promoted by Gichin Funakoshi and the ShoToKai.

The RitsumeiKan University KaraTe Club "GoJu Ryu" Captain, was Nei Chu So, a native of Korea, who became a Japanese national.

The Waseda University KaraTe Club "ShoToKai" Captain was Geiko Funakoshi, son of Gichin Funakoshi.

This was the beginning of the popularization of KaraTe in Mainland Japan.

Having been recognized by BuTokuKai as a legitimate Japanese Martial Art, KaraTe was thriving now in Mainland Japan, and being promoted through competition between the College KaraTe Teams.

A Korean born, now Japanese national, named Masutatsu Oyama studied KaraTe under these two afore mentioned Team Captains, first under Geiko Funakoshi of ShotoKai and later under his fellow Korean expatriate Nei Chu So.

After years of training in both ShoToKai and GoJu Ryu, Masutatsu Oyama formed his own brand of KaraTe that he named KyokuShinKai.

Proving his new style through many challenge matches, and demonstrations, Oyama's KyokuShinKai became very popular all over the world.

Oyama had two champion students, Shigeru Oyama, and Tadashi Nakamura, that he later sent to the United States to teach, spread, and promote his KyokuShinKai. They developed many champion students of their own, often bringing them back to Japan to fight in their teacher's tournament.

After many years of serving as Oyama's representatives, these two men made the decision to branch off on their own, respectively. Nakamura forming his own SeiDo Juku Organization in 1985, and Oyama forming USA Oyama KaraTe.

Both Organizations and teachers became quite successful in the West.

Nakamura had a student named William Oliver, who became a very well know champion of both the Oyama events, and on the New York tournament scene. He was also Nakamura's Chief Instructor.

Many will remember him being showcased in the movie Fighting Black Kings, which was a vehicle for Oyama's KyokuShinKai, and tournament.

After many years, serving as Chief Instructor at Nakamura's DoJo, William Oliver decided that it was time for him to do as his teacher did, and as his teacher's teacher did, and in 2001, moved on to form his own organization, KenShiKai KaraTeDo, with the help of his classmates / students, Monte Allen, Leighton Barker, Leroy Bennett, and Paul Sookdar.

On November 20, 2004 William Oliver passed away in his DoJo.

KenShiKai KaraTe Do is now prospering in the various DoJo in New York, and South Africa, that belong to this organization.

One of these DoJo, is The Brooklyn KenShiKai DoJo, headed by Shihan Russell Bianca.

Shihan Russell Bianca, Kata Arakaki No Kon

Shihan, Russell Bianca of KenShiKai KaraTe Do, has been training in KoBuDo with me for quite a while now.  He is ranked 6th Dan with KenShiKai under Shuseki Shihan Monte Allen.

Having originally began his KaraTe training in USA GoJu, I recognize his 6th Dan with KenShiKai, and gave him the USAGA Fight Schools Network GoJu Hall # 280-6, as a member of my ShobuDo GoJu Jitsu Kai.

Shihan Bianca teaches at The Brooklyn KenShiKai DoJo in Brooklyn NY. 

A professional in many ways, he is an editor for The American Kennel Club Magazine, An accomplished musician, family man, and Sensei.

I am very proud of his progress in our KoBuDo training.

Here he performs the kata Arakaki No Kon.

On the topic of Martial Arts literacy, and literature. This video is about books...

The Zen Staff.

Here is a commercial video that I did for The Zen Staff. This is a weapon that was designed by my friend GMstr. Hui Cambrelen. 

Malanoski Seminar at Daniel San Nisei GoJu School Miami Shores Florida

Osu! It's been a long time since I made a new post, but it seems apropos to begin posting again. So here goes... My seminar at Daniel San Nisei GoJu DoJo, went quite well. Shihan Daniel Lemus is a fine instructor, and his DoJo is full of very good students. I taught 2 separate classes last night, and a wonderful time was had by all. I look forward to returning to this fine DoJo in the near future.

GMstr. Ernest Hyman passes.

Unfortunately, we lost another GoJu brother. At 3:30 this morning, GMstr. Ernest Hyman passed away. He was an articulate gentleman of quality, and an extremely tough KaraTeKa. A carreer Sensei, a champion fighter, a community activist, and at one time billed as the fastest man in the world with the nunchaku. I personally have known him since the 70s and as a young teen, regularly attended his nunchaku clases at The New York KaraTe Academy. He leaves behind a great legacy.

Joe Lewis vs Ron Clay.

The other day, I was looking around on YouTube, and just when I was thinking that I'd already seen it all, up pops a video of an historic occurrence. I felt obligated to write an article about this newly found precious piece of history.

I have written and rewritten this article numerous times. Why you may ask? Well, the fact of the matter, is that one of the people in the article is no longer with us, and although he could come off quite arrogant at times, he was one of the most accomplished fighters in the history of American KaraTe. So I find myself trying not to be too disrespectful of the dead.  

Also, because I have a personal history with both people that I am writing about, I found myself writing too much about me, instead of them. So I have omitted most of the self gratifying material. I hope that the reader will bare with me, as I do have a dog in this fight. In this case, a "Devil Dog." That moniker was given to the United States Marines during WW2. Actually all three of us are former Marines.

Having been in the martial arts since the 60s, like so many of my generation, I came up in the ranks looking up to, and following the career of California's Golden Boy, the late Joe Lewis. Pretty much, the undisputed king of the ring, Lewis had a very animated personality. Much like a Championship Wrestler, he had a knack for making comments that would really upset people. But it was all part of his persona, and as a youngster, I emulated his style of fighting, his look, and yes, often his off color commentary. I often would see him at tournaments in New York back in the day, and because my teacher was often one of the people running the show, I had the opportunity to be able to hang out and talk with him on quite a few occasions. He was funny! Some of the things he would say, made me look around to see if anyone else was hearing this stuff, and when there was, I was glad that it was him that said it, and not I... Don't get me wrong, I was only a kid, and if it wasn't for my teacher, I probably would not have had that opportunity. 

As a matter of fact, many years later in the 90s, a young black belt that used to train with me occasionally, went to one of his seminars, and although he brought me back an autographed picture of him, Joe Lewis didn't remember me. I was later in communication with him and he invited me to a workshop, but unfortunately he passed away that year.

With a reputation like Lewis had, it was always big news whenever he won, but especially when somebody got the better of him. That didn't happen very often, but when it did, you could bet that it would be in the magazines, and all over the KaraTe grapevine...

I remember reading in 1975, about a no holds barred full contact event that had been held in Hawaaii in which the unthinkable happened. Joe Lewis drew a KaJuKenBo purple belt as an opponent, and got the surprise of his career. As the story went, the purple belt really pummeled Lewis for the first part of the first round. I remember thinking that this couldn't be possible. Pummeled by a purple belt??? But I also read that the purple belt was a US Marine, which made it understandable as far as how tough the purple belt must have been...

Four years later, I joined the Marine Corps. After a year of training, I was stationed in Okinawa Japan for the next three years. This gave me many opportunities to advance my martial arts knowledge and experience, both in my parent style of GoJu / Naha Te, and in many other styles as well. 

Whenever I was at Camp Hanson for school or rifle range, I made it a point to visit GMstr Eizo Shimabuku's DoJo, which was right across from Camp Hanson, in Kin Village. I got to know Shimabuku, and made friends with his students, so I was able to learn even more about Joe Lewis' exploits. You see, Lewis came from that dojo. As a matter of fact, I was part of the group of Marines that took Sensei Shimabuku and his wife on base to see the newly released Joe Lewis Jaguar movie!

Okinawa of course, is the Holy Land of KaraTe. But there are two different martial arts scenes there. If you are in the military, you have access to the On Base scene. Beyond the numerous martial arts classes taught on base, there was a never ending influx of some really talented martial artists from all over the States. They came from every style imaginable, and some where as good, or better than the mainstream personalities that one grew up watching or reading about, even though one may have never heard of them. 

The Okinawa KaraTe Referees Association was formed in order to run tournaments on the various bases. When I was not training at a dojo somewhere off base, I took the opportunity to utilize the on base facilities. The Field house Gymnasium was a large building with a basketball court, and an actual dojo replete with mats, hardwood floor, heavy bags, etc... Needless to say, this attracted martial arts types like flys on the stuff that flys like...

Picture it: One day I was at the field house dojo working out, when a large individual that I had never seen before walked in. He was wearing a gi with a black belt, as was I and most of the folks that had been there that day, but he was different. He had a few years on me, so I knew that he had to be pretty high ranking Marine Corps wise. I was a corporal at the time, and he turned out to be the newly arrived First Sgt. or Master Sgt. attached to one of the Battalions on Camp Foster. Then the inevitable happened. He asked me if I wanted to move around a little. It was very much like moving around with a Volkswagen... 

He was very fast for his size, and his version of moving around was a bit harder in contact than I expected. After he landed some pretty hard shots on me, I got off the floor and kicked him in the face with a round house kick. He laughed... As a matter of fact, this guy laughed the whole time we sparred, and after getting to know him, I found that he always laughed when he fought someone. This is very nerve wracking for the opponent, "It pissed me off...," and worked for him very well.

The next time I saw him, he was with a friend of mine from the Okinawa Referees Association, who mentioned that my new friend had fought Joe Lewis in a full contact match in 1975, as a purple belt! That is how I met Ron Clay.

As I mentioned before, it is of historic record that although Lewis knocked Clay out later in the round, he obviously was not expecting or prepared for the initial onslaught of what turned out to be the shot heard around the world as far as what was written and spoken about on the martial arts scene. 

Fast forward to the other day: I am watching this video of the match between Joe Lewis and Ron Clay, which is narrated with Lewis being asked questions about the fight. What Lewis says pretty much lives up to the persona that I described before. However, regardless of the lack of credit given during the narration, here you can see the action for yourself.

I have not seen Ron Clay in over 30 years, but thanks to the wonders of modern technology, he is my friend on Facebook and a member of the Satori Martial Arts Study Group. I look forward to his chiming in here, with his side of the story...

Good by to a friend...

Grand Master Certificate.

Osu! I have not posted anything here for quite awhile, as we have been actively and interactively operating from Facebook. However, I feel that this is an appripo time to commence once again.

12 years ago today, we said "Fare Thee Well," to our Spiritual teacher, Maestro Peter G. Urban.

Osu! Rest in peace my Mentor, Teacher, Father, Friend...

Ok! Check it out! My older brother and dear friend Hanshi Manny Saavedra is running his yearly event. I would most definitely advise you and your's to attend. Time was when I helped run this thing, and I can assure you that Manny has a quality = underststement event. If you would like to compete in a tournament that placing in has meaning... then this is the one! No bullsh!t, REAL people judging and officiating, and a guy, who has been around since before your parents met. So... If my word means anything to you, do support GMstr. Manny Saavedra's event, or be the square that you are... 

Happy Birthday Maestro P. G. Urban 2013

Enter The Dragon's Jim Kelly passes.

Haisai!

Chopsocky / Blacksploitation movie icon Jim Kelly died yesterday. Originally a semi pro athlete, he began his KaraTe training with Gordon Doversola in a style that Doversola named Okinawa Te. He later joined up with the BKF = Black KaraTe Federation, under Kenpo's Steve Sanders "Muhamed". Jim Kelly won the middle weight division at a tournament that Bruce Lee attended, and the rest is history...

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