ARTICLES AND COMMENTARY

 

ISSHIN-RYU  HALL OF FAME
2008

 

   I’ll lead out with this statement. Personally and according to many others, this year was the best ever. I’m sure like me, there were portions of others that stand out more in your mind, but as a whole this was the best. I have to attribute it to my fellow hard working board members and especially Tim McGhee who work all year in preparation for this event. The week end for us is a work weekend. But when it turns out like this, no one minds. Another group that deserves a great deal of credit are the officials. These people did as good a job Saturday as you could ever get and still keep the human element in the decision making. Our arbitration team of Toby Cooling, Jay Burris, Carl (The Bear) Martin and me, received very few complaints considering the size and diversity of the crowd. There were some faux-pa’s but they were normal and run of the mill tournament type situations and complaints. Even the complainers were reasonable and made the best of it. As most of you know, officiating is a very difficult job. As the day wears on and competition continues, we all wear down a bit. This is why it is so important to get the help of ALL qualified black belts not just a few dependable and unselfish ones. I admit I got frustrated over some of the black belts and even masters that declined to help. Guess it was ok for other masters to provide judging for their students and they provide nothing for anyone else’s. Others on the board were frustrated and resentful of that very thing and it was a topic at our meeting Sunday morning. From now on, these wall flowers are going to pay like every other spectator if they want to come in and sit on their gi pants all day.

 

   I was particularly proud of our grand championship judges. I wanted a new twist for the ladies grand kata and kumite and selected an all ladies, Masters judge group. It paid dividends and as Masters; (center ref)Marilyn Fierro, Diane Ortinzio, Sandra Strong, Ruth Ann Shamblin and Julie Gabbard, handled a flawless ring. It also brought additional and deserving attention, to the ladies grand.

 

   Side note: Master Carol Burris was supposed to be in this group, but could not due to the last treatment for daughter Lindy. We missed you Carol and are glad to hear that Lindy is doing well.

 

   The men’s grand ring was handled equally well by the team of Center ref, Toby Cooling, Dan Holloway, Carl Martin, Phil McElroy, Nick Adler and Scott Shamblin. Master Wayne Wayland shared the duties with Nick Adler when Master Adler’s student was participating.  Great judging makes for great grand’s and we had both.   

 

At the end of the day the best still standing were;

Theresa Barnett:                   Ladies Grand Kumite

Stephanie Huskey:                Ladies Grand Kata

Brandon Henderson:            Men’s Grand Kumite

Brian Cheek:                         Men’s Grand Kata

 

Congratulations Master Kelly Markham (Kelly’s Hero’s dojo) for having both men and women’s Grand Kumite Champion as students.

 

   Our group was small but representative. Wear and tear, plus expense of many tournaments and events this year, whittled down our group of eligible travelers and participants. We had enjoyed our two year run of winning the grand (Leon Scott 2006, Austin McAdams 2007). But it came to sudden stop when Brandon Henderson beat Austin in the grand finals. Brandon was terrific, although he narrowly escaped my guy Rahyel Wiley in the middle weight finals. But win he did….. and kept on winning.

 

   More importantly two dedicated people were rewarded for their contributions. Jason Anzur was promoted to Ni-dan in Dragon Sen-I Jutsu, our own martial system. Uriah (Woody) Woods was promoted to San-dan in Isshin-ryu.  

 

   One kind of humorous match was some hot dog and Brandon Bard. Oscar Myer was actually a very good fighter but made whooping crane sounds and posed after points constantly. He won his first match but was personally selected by Brandon for his next. Although the theatrics began with him right away, they soon ended as Brandon, thumped him. Though Brandon lost the next match to Austin, I don’t think he really cared having accomplished what the crowd wanted. 

 

   I had recommended to the board and got approval by a popular vote, to implement the five points, three minutes, for regular bouts (black belt only), and  five points no time limit, for the grand. I also eliminated the “no see” call as any contribution to a point. If three people saw it and vote yes, it is a point…period. We also kept five judges in all rings all day. Again, thanks to a bunch of hard working souls.

 

   My toughest job as chief referee was keeping spectators off the floor. It wasn’t all their fault, as they were not use to it being so strictly enforced. Most were very cooperative but there were some bone heads who had to get their feeling hurt to catch on. Carl (Bear) Martin was a great help and deterrent to much back talk…lol.  He would scatter them like a grizzly going after salmon. Man I don’t blame them. Give this Bear a hug some time. He’ll let you! It is like hugging a large solid cement column. As I said, The Bear had no trouble. A little less intimidating but no less determined were Masters Jay Burris and Toby Cooling.

 

   Note to all tournament directors. If you can get Toby Cooling for an arbitrator or Center ref; get him!! Even if you have to pay expenses. He’s that good. If I could have Jay Burris explain and interpret all rules, Bear Martin deal with rules infractions and conduct, Toby Cooling do a ref clinic and Center ref all finals, I would be glad to stand at the microphone and just scream at spectators.

 

   After the tournament we went about the business of what any Isshin-ryu gathering should be about; honoring friends. We took care of our promotions and then joined Master Joe Laney’s group to take part in theirs. Old friend Robert Porterfield was promoted to Hachi-dan. Robert was out for a while but has since returned. He has for a time been teaching and training at Joe’s dojo. He has been a welcome site at all tournaments and events since his return. This is another former star of the ring who was always one of Mr. Longs favorites. Actually Robert wears one of Mr. Longs Black Belts and received Mr. Longs red and white belt when he was promoted. Mr. Long took it off himself and personally wrapped it around Robert. What does the return of Icons Cas Cox and Robert Porterfield and their choosing Joe Laney’s dojo say for Joe? If I were Joe I would take it as the ultimate compliment to your dojo and he himself. I know he does. It is a clear indication of what these two long time pro’s think of Joe’s ability. It is further a tribute to Joe putting the education of his students first before his own ego. Most dojo instructors would have been too intimidated to have them around. Or too concerned that he would have to compete with these two for the popularity of his own students. It has been a great fit foe all.

 

 

   We were all also honored to be a part of Master Wayne Wayland’s promotion of two students to Ni-dan. You have to know that they really earned those when it comes from Master Wayland.

 

   We were also joined by other dojo’s and other Red Dragon Tab family members for the presentation of the Red Dragon Tab award to: Cas Cox, Theresa Barnette, and Ron Honeycutt. Is like adopting an extended family for us and we were honored to do so.

 

 

 

 

   Side Notes: In the midst of all this Master Dave Park was sorely missed. One of the most popular guys ever and a darn good ref, is recovering after a near death wreck awhile back. Please get back with us soon Dave. It’s not the same without you.

 

   We also missed Master Willie Wilson, who is recovering from very serious surgery. He is also on the mend but the absence of he and his group were felt in many ways.

 

   Digressing back to Friday night, I’ve saved the best for last. The banquet was a success from beginning to end. The room was loaded to the hilt with people who seemed especially glad this year to see each other. Perhaps it signifies that most of the things and people who have tried to divide Isshin-ryu have failed. The Isshin-ryu Hall of Fames goal is to give a non partisan non political event that is a neutral ground for all. The only thing you have to be is a full fledged Isshin-ryu person. That seems to set the tone for the whole weekend. I observed some people who make no secret that they don’t like each other at all, being civil over the weekend. Now that’s progress.

 

   At the beginning of the banquet, the Hall of Fame board set aside some time for Gary Long (son of Mr. Long) to define the goals and ideology of the Harold Long Foundation. There was also a display of Mr. Longs memorabilia at the banquet as well as the tournament. It is a walk through history to view this display. This display is available to all tournament directors who are members or donors of the Harold Long foundation. It is the primary function of the foundation, to travel and display these priceless memories of our sensei’s honored career, that we would otherwise never get to see. The opportunity to speak at the banquet along with the display, produced a number of donors and a huge number of visitors to the display. Most had never seen Mr. Long much less his most valued Isshin-ryu items.

 

   Last but not least was the giving of awards to many deserving Isshin-ryu karate ka. The crescendo is the presentation of the new Hall of Fame inductees. Each presenter had a personal as well as Isshin-ryu relationship with the person they introduced. This made the introductions even more special. First; was Master Scott Shamblin presenting Dan Holloway. Scott is a good speaker and did a fine job for Master Holloway. Master Holloway got most of his acceptance speech out before succumbing to the emotion of the occasion. It was memorable.

 

   Next was Master Bud Ewing, who has known his inductee Master George Iberl, for a long time. Bud laid out Master Iberl’s many accomplishments and long years in the service of Isshin-ryu. Master Iberl was a man of few words in his acceptance speech, thanking Master Carl Martin.

 

   Master Clyde Stanley had the honor of introducing his former sensei and still close friend, Master Harvey Kennedy. Clyde recounted meeting Master Kennedy for the first time and went on to tell about his success in Isshin-ryu. Clyde’s down to earth style always makes the guy next to him the important one. He did a great job. Master Kennedy matched Clyde’s style with his down to earth acceptance speech. Nice guys really do finish first.

 

   Last was my introduction of Master Wayne Wayland. I had wife Bet accompany him to emphasized the importance of spousal support for success. This is the poster couple for Isshin-ryu. I was mostly glad for the opportunity to say good things about Wayne and give him the recognition he is so reluctant to give himself. He took it well being both flattered and embarrassed at the same time. He was superb in his acceptance speech giving credit where he felt credit was due and in his usual style, deflecting the attention and credit to everyone else. I will always remember the thrill of being able to present such a good friend and great guy.

  

   The night could have only been better if more of the HOF members had attended. I get a feeling of incredible pride when I see each of them walk to the viewing stage where the people take our pictures. It becomes more of an honor each year and I always say to myself when I am walking to my place in the HOF group, ”Thank you Mr. Long!!! Had you not been there 43 years ago when I had my original group of 12 ragamuffins and we had had no where to go, where would I be?” Where would we all be? The answer is obvious and too sad to consider.

 

   Hope to see all of you and more at the next one. It is the 30^th year anniversary of the Hall of Fame... We are planning now to make it extra special.

 

   Oh yes the party Saturday night. I am not submitting any pictures as we all needed the party it to relax. Lets just say we really relaxed. A good time was had by all and the fellowship of the weekend certainly deepened with the opportunity to kick back with friends and reflect. Man oh man….how many days till next year’s Hall Of Fame.