Marty Manuel passes away.

Osu!
What can I say? He was a friend of mine. He was one of the original Professional Karate Association full contact champions. He was a fantastic practitioner, teacher, inspiration to many, and a really nice guy.
Because of his illness, he went from being one of the fastest, most graceful technicians on the full contact scene, to being paralyzed and wheelchair bound for all too many years. Yet he still taught, and participated in the arts, more and better than most.

Sensei Urban loved him, and endearingly called him "The Coach."
I was honored to be nominated by him to receive the GoJu Leadership Award, through the World Head Of Family Sokeship Council.

He was a fantastic teacher, as seen through so many of his students, including my dear friend Sensei Alexis Cardona of Florida. He was also once again. a really nice guy. What else can I say?

Fred Miller passes away.

Osu!
For those of you who do not know, Fred Miller was one of the best GoJu tournament fighters that I had the privilege to know, watch and be inspired by in my youth during the 1970s.

Fred was a cut above the best. He lived in Harlem NYC, was a tall lean lanky technician, who's fighting ability was awesome to say the very least.

What I remember most of all is that to me as a youth, he was approachable, humble, friendly and helpful to those of us that were up and coming fighters.

All kidding aside, he was better than most. Nicer than many, and will be truly missed by me.

If you missed knowing him, or at least seeing him compete, you missed a lot.....