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ANOTHER YEAR GONE,
AND WHAT DID WE ACCOMPLISH
PLUS
A TRIBUTE TO ISSHIN-RYU’S
LIFE TIME ACHIEVERS.

  The first part of this is primarily about the Dragon dojo accomplishments for the year. So you may wish to jump to the next story line after this one.

  This is not a brag session, but an effort to recognize some very deserving hard working people. In fact, a lot of what we did was for that single purpose alone. Early on I noticed there were no web sites involved in giving recognition to people other than those in their own dojo or organization. So the “Master profile and Bio’s” were the first to single out very deserving “Life Time Achievers” of Isshin-ryu despite their political or regional affiliation. I have since hit the wall on that one as I have run out of people I know well enough to write about. Later, Master Willie Wilson and Wayne Wayland brought their excellent sites on line, devoted to the progress of the martial arts and the recognition of others. In retrospect I almost wish we had overlooked a few. For some strange reason, some people who were being recognized and the hard work it is to get it right, never even said thanks. I never realized what prim Donna’s they were, as if nice things were written about them so often that they didn’t notice. Willie and Wayne experienced the same thing. Now that some of them have sites of their own, they just write about themselves.  As I said; to my knowledge we were the only ones for a while that recognized anyone, for positive recognition. No matter how it turned out it was the right thing to do at the time.

  A couple of years back we formed a Red Dragon Tab Award. The explanation of how we choose those recipients is explained on the page dedicated to it on this site. It has been a source of great satisfaction to my students and myself to recognize the accomplishments of our recipients as well as more closely align the friendships. We have added to that list this year with some great people and regrettably removed two.

  As a member of the Hall of Fame Board, I was involved in an effort to better run the tournament portion and joined in the decision to relocate the tournament to a more travel friendly place (Knoxville). In addition, I was blessed with being a part of inducting some Isshin-ryu giants into the Isshin-ryu Hall of Fame. I was an advisor to the IIKA board but felt my time was more needed to assist in forming two new endeavors. The first was the Harold Long Foundation, which you can also find information on, on this site. It was an honor to be asked to join the already formed board of Gary, Rick, Mike Long and Joe Laney. We have since added Wayne Wayland and Cas Cox. Not the smooth sailing I thought it was going to be. I found that even here, that politics and personal feelings were to be a hurdle to get over for Foundation success. As a resource for support and donations, Joe and I formed the “Isshin-ryu Cross-Training Alliance.”  The format came from our ”Dragon Jams” that we held each year. So the name Jams, just stuck in naming our training gatherings. This was the catalyst to bring together people interested in training in mixed martial arts, or cross training skills. It was an instant success and provided both; revenues for the HLF and an opportunity to broaden the scope of Isshin-ryu training and it’s related disciplines. I predict the ICA will further glorify the memory of MR. Long by instituting aggressive training habits and information, that will continue to make Isshin-ryu people better martial artist. It will also enable the HLF to carry on its work uninhibited by financial stress.

  On a personal dojo side we, had a giant tournament season complete with multiple grand championships, an average of two trophies per student per tournament, dojo awards and cross-training Jams. I am very proud of the leadership and class my guys displayed in each of these events. They illustrated modesty in victory and tolerance in defeat. They are all the total package.

  My personal pride and joy is our new system, Dragon Sen-I Jutsu. Only the name is new as we have been working on it for years with the help of Clyde Stanley, Butch Hill, Willie Wilson, James Ogle and every “Working Master” that ever graced our dojo or us theirs. It was a large and controversial decision made easier with the help and encouragement of many friends and colleagues. It now has a name and system identity. I have had the opportunity to develop it with the best students anyone could ever ask for. They gave a lot of themselves and chose to believe in me and my dream of my own system. In the meantime, they helped us all stay true to Isshin-ryu and it’s principles. I was given the opportunity to demonstrate a bit of Sen-I Jutsu at a seminar prior to Wayne Wayland’ tournament. The room was filled with who’s who Masters, Sensei’s and students. The good news is they came with an open mind and gave me a fair hearing. I felt it went well. The cherry on top was when Master Mitchum put his arm around my shoulder and said, ”you are doing good things”. “Keep up the good work.” I said, can I quote you? He just smiled and said, “I said it.” 

ISSHIN-RYU’S LIFE TIME ACHIEVERS

  This is prepared irrespective of personal feelings or political persuasion. The people mentioned here are in no particular order or without thought of partiality. No doubt it may surprise some that they are even mentioned or are not mentioned. There is no deliberate intent. Any omission of anyone is either an oversight or their rank and time served. Most will be of upper rank from eighth dan on, as this article is about people who have demonstrated longevity and contributed the most years, or some special contribution that goes beyond mere senior status. Additional qualifications are: 

  They must still be active. This is not a memoriam. 

  They are people I personally know, have been around for a good number of years and can personally vouch for in this article. 

  There are many good people whom I just don’t know well enough personally and professionally, to voice a judgment of this nature. 

  They in my opinion have been at the leading edge of Isshin-ryu for years; have achieved some measure of success for themselves and others and have made a noticeable difference.
 

  Harold Mitchum: Senior to us all and the poster boy for what an Isshin-ryu person should be. He is a living legend and Isshin-ryu treasure. He is the gold standard for ju-dans.
 

Cass Cox: Mr. Longs right arm and master instructor. Still the guy to see about anything Isshin-ryu. He is a member of the ICA board and was one of the main stays of the IIKA for years. I had the privilege to be inducted into the HOF with he and JC.
 

JC Burris: He has held every major office in the IIKA as well as being an original Hall of Fame board member. He is the only person to serve on both boards since their inception. He has contributed countless hours to Isshin-ryu karate.
 

Tommy True: May have been Mr. Longs favorite. Has a habit of turning out good tough students. He was always tough and gritty and he is still going strong. He is the heart of the IIKA and serves as it’s president and emotional leader. He is also a HOF inductee.
 

Maurice Msaursa: For years, strong man in word and deed. Mr. Longs go to guy and best ever tournament director. Maurice is still an important advisor to the IIKA and welcome member of the ICA. Maurice is an unofficial historian of “Long Isshin-ryu”. He is the ranking ninth dan in the system.  
 

Phil McElroy: was the other beside JC that had served on both boards from the start. He retired from the HOF board this year, but is still running a good dojo (Dojo of the Year last year) in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Another favorite of Mr. Longs, and certainly one of mine. He was my first black belt and initially helped me start the Nashville dojo. Phil was the heart and soul of Nashville for years and still is. He is also a HOF inductee, giving our small school a total of six.
 

Jim McDonald: Has been involved in more first than anyone. First full contact tournament winner in Knoxville; first winner of an Isshin-ryu full contact match given by JC Burris. Has served on the IIKA board for years. A Nashville legend and Hall of Famer.
 

Willie Wilson: Lots more first here. First cross-trainer in Arnis and jujitsu. Originator of the Powerful Karate 5 organization. Served on the IIKA board and is presently vice president of the World Karate Union Hall of Fame. He is also an Isshin-ryu hall of fame inductee. An innovator and Master trainer/coach who has produced several HOF grand champions, as well as many other well know martial artist. He is a member of the ICA as well as unofficial board member. His martial arts knowledge is without end.
 

Melbert Lee: The first black man to serve in the IIKA. Has served two stints as an IIKA board member. Melbert was one of the original founders of the Karate 5. Melbert was a popular and fierce fighter at tournaments. He is also an enormously popular person with all the Isshin-ryu community. Mr. Long teased Melbert constantly. Mr. Long would always say,”man I would hate for him to hit me”.  He is a valued member of the ICA and personal friend. He, like his Karate 5 partner, is an Isshin-ryu Hall of fame inductee.
 

Butch Hill: another great tournament organizer and innovator. He was one of the first to launch into jujitsu and other forms of martial arts. He’s good, he’s real, and he is as knowledgeable a martial arts man as you are going to find. He is a member of the ICA board and still can get it on, on the mat. He is another Nashville guy who is a HOF inductee. Butch teaches gun safety in Nashville and jujitsu to some out of town dojo’s. A nice guy who carries a bible, a picture of his family, and a gun and knife at all times. He is a former President of the IIKA.
 

Joe Laney:  Joe has always been a builder of people. A busy guy who teaches gun safety, trains dogs, and hunts run away bad guys, Joe never shirks his dedication to his students. He is a maverick of the first order and that is the main thing that makes him good at what he does. I have worked out with him and beside him. He ranks up there with anyone as far as useable street knowledge. He held out for a longtime before he would allow safety equipment. Only the pressure of tournaments and insurance made him give in. He still runs one of the most physical schools in the country and gets right in there during it all. Joe helped the Long family organize the Harold Long foundation and was responsible for retrieving Mr. Long’s personal items for the family. He also helped me organize the Isshin-ryu Cross-Training Alliance or ICA.
 

James Ogle: Another ahead of his time instructor. James can make you a winner in MMA, karate or just in life. He is a solid individual who was carved out of a pine knot. He is a member of the ICA board and is out of the Pete Mills group. James is a cut above most people I have known in the martial arts. He always has his priorities in order. He is a great family man, business man, citizen, and martial artist. A HOF inductee that makes me proud to serve with him.
 

Pete Mills: Another cross trainer from long back. I grew up in Isshin-ryu with Pete and he was a huge asset. He was one of the first IIKA board members and served as treasure. He comes to our Jams occasionally and helps out. He is always a welcome site and Harold Long original.
 

Toby Cooling: one of the truly qualified ju-dans. He opened up his already progressive organization to cross training or anything else that would make better students of them. He has the toughest but fairest black belt test I have ever seen. No craziness! Just you know it or you don’t. He befriended me when I came back and helped me understand the games some were playing. A savy guy who knows his Isshin-ryu. A master negotiator Toby was an icon on the HOF board for years. He is still ambassador at large for the HOF and the best tournament referee I have ever worked with or watched.  
 

Clyde Stanley: The most under rated, understated, master in Isshin-ryu. Why? Because he is modest and could care less about attention or titles or rank. He developed his own jujitsu style and it is one of the best. He awarded me a black belt in it and I wear his patch on everything. He is a masters master. He trains many law enforcement groups to include, the DEA.  He is also my friend of who I am very proud. He also saw fit to join and be on the board of the ICA. He has his own association (Tatsuo kan) but he said he did it to honor Mr. Long and support a friend. Fortunately that friend would be me!!
 

Kelly Markham: no one builds better fighters than Kelly. He was one himself and he knows how to pass it on. His school has always been solid but of late, stands out from all the rest. He has a wealth of talent, present and future leaders. Kelly is a member of the ICA and will be handling the kumite portion of our next jam. Kelly hosts one of the not to miss tournaments every year. He is an IIKA board member and Hall of Fame inductee. I was Kelly’s original sensei and will always maintain bragging rights on him.
 

Carol Burris: Carol came along when it wasn’t much fun to be a girl in Isshin-ryu. Still she persevered and made her own bones. She is a Hall of Famer and a long time IIKA board member. She is the long time partner of JC Burris in both their private and personal lives. They have been a power team in Isshin-ryu during and since the initial building years.
 

Joel Chandler: One of the real pioneers of earlier Isshin-ryu. His accomplishments are too numerous to mention. One accomplishment is his development of student Clyde Stanley. He also encouraged Clyde to cross train as Joel is Mr. All Round himself. An untimely illness cut short his career but he still has the knowledge and background to advise and supervise any activity. His council is always worth seeking. His book, ”Isshin-ryu karate/History and Kata” is a great read. He is a true Isshin-ryu legend.
 

Wayne Wayland: Wayne falls under the category of outstanding accomplishments. His devotion and support of his deceased Sensei (Master Don Bohan) is what motivates me to do the same for Mr. Long. His Don Bohan site, has served as the catalyst of communication for the entire Isshin-ryu community. It is the single best of all the martial arts sites. Wayne has recently been elected to the Hall of Fame board. He presently serves as board member to both the Harold Long Foundation and the ICA. His expertise will be a tremendous asset. 
 

Ralph Passero: Another guy who has made sure his sensei (Don Nagle) is not forgotten. Ralph was also a favorite of Mr. Longs and just about everyone else. He cast a giant shadow over Isshin-ryu and it is all positive. Ralph is a straight shooter who will give you a straight answer whether you like it or not. A total up front guy with a vast knowledge of Isshin-ryu and street fighting. 
 

David Gabbard: although younger than most on this list, his accomplishments are none the less impressive. A long time board member of the IIKA, David is a legendary point fighter and trainer, of others. He was a young phenomenon out of the Nashville school that went on the make his mark in his own dojo’s. He is a IHOF inductee.
 

Scott Shamblin: More or less like Gabbard in his fighting skills but he expanded them to weapons and jujitsu. His all round talent and leadership ability catapulted him to the top of the Allen Wheeler organization (the OKU). He is a member of the IHOF board. He also is a seminar demonstrator and instructor that few can equal.  
 

Phil Little: Though junior to most on this list, received a Ju-dan directly from Mr. Long. Phil was a partner and organizer in Mr. Longs Okinawan weapons books. He also served on the IIKA board for several years. Upon Mr. Longs death, he formed his own association the USIKA. Phil is a HOF inductee and serves in various capacities in other martial arts organizations. He has demonstrated the ability to develop excellent students. 
 

Sandra Strong: Sandra has more outright tournament titles to her credit than any female and most males I know. More importantly, she has a lot of dojo hours to her credit helping others. She is an inspiration to every woman competitor that has ever worked with or against her. She is dedication personified and has made a name for herself in a male dominated activity. If you awarded rank based on hours spent in the dojo she would be a ju-dan plus. She presently serves on the board of the IIKA and is a member of the ICA. Our lone female Nashville Hall of Famer, we are all doubly proud of Sandra. 
 

Ron Honeycutt: Everyone’s top cop! Ron has been around so long he can’t even remember when he wasn’t. A former student of Kelly Markham and Devoid Wright, Ron has quietly served Isshin-ryu in every aspect of his personal and professional life. Ron has developed within his own family, some top Isshin-ryu people. He now has an opportunity to use himself as more of an example with his appointment to the ICA board of advisors and instructors. His street smarts and real life defensive techniques will serve all the people smart enough to take advantage of Ron’s willingness to teach them. 
 

Chris Spruiell: Another in the mold of James Ogle and Butch Hill. A God fearing, family loving, friend helping, A—kicker deluxe when needed. Smooth, fast, strong, and painful, this guy can do all his good stuff and do yours too if he wants. He’s soke of his own style which he has demonstrated and taught at several of the jams. The only guy at the jams tougher than him is his dad “Mr. Spruill.” Big Mr. started Chris out by having him fight professional boxers at the age of eight. 
 

Danny Glover: Danny was the first jujitsu seminar I went to and took my students to on my return to Isshin-ryu. From then on I was hooked. Danny is another of a small select group that can do it all. I’m not much on weapons or weapons kata. Just personal. I do them but just out of respect for the art. But when Danny runs Chiefa tonfa kata I become a fan. Danny is a HOF inductee and an Ordained minister. He’ll beat you goofy and save your soul all in the same session.  

  The above are the ones that meet the aforementioned criteria.

  Certainly as I pointed out before, there are others that I have not been lucky enough to know or work with as long as the above. I have known them long enough to go on record as saying that they have made significant contributions to Isshin-ryu. I would be proud to have any of them as a sensei. Just to name a few: Carl Martin, H. P. Henry, Isham Latimer, Tom Lewis, Karl Hovey, Albert Madey, Chester Holubicki, Steve Young, Reese Rigby, Bud Ewing, Harvey Kennedy, Sam Santilli, Marilyn Fierro, Arnold Sandubrea, Bob White, Nick Adler and Willie Adams.  

  There are a whole group, that I would like to mention as the next group of future master achievers. I’m sure they will continue their unselfish contributions to Isshin-ryu. I will be sure to recognize these young up and comers, as time and deeds permit.