ARTICLES AND COMMENTARY

 

JU-DAN
August 09

 

   On August first 2009, I was promoted to Ju-dan in both Isshin-ryu and Dragon Sen-I Jutsu. I knew it was going to happen, but for the life of me, I could not come up with an acceptance speech. I must have said something right when I received it, because no one seemed disappointed. I spoke so deeply from the heart, my head was on automatic.

 

   A few months earlier, Willie Wilson called and told me he was going to recommend me. At the same time, Ron Honeycutt had emailed Joe Laney, also recommending that the ICA board promote me to Ju-dan. Initially, I was just flattered and intended to say no. When I talked to Joe, he had already polled the ICA board, as well as a couple of others, and they were unanimous in their support. I accepted the idea of the Ju-dan in Sen-I. I am the founder and am confident enough in my command of it, (along with the 45 years of related experience), to accept and represent it as a Ju-dan. Isshin-ryu was another matter. After some calls to and from people I respect and have confidence in, I agreed to accept the Isshin-ryu Ju-dan also. I will not relate any of the conversations, as it is up to each individual to quote themselves if they wish. Wayne Wayland took on the responsibility of generating an Isshin-ryu certificate. Jason Anzur and Dennis Thomas, the Sen-I certificate. Geographic’s being what they are, much of the signing had to be done at the Hall of Fame tournament. I stayed out of any of the preparations and arrangements. Willie Wilson wanted to reserve a meeting room at the hotel, have a drop in and a presentation there. Willie is first class all the way, and likes to do things right. But I said no. I want to do it in the gym after the tournament for who ever wants to attend.

 

   I asked that no one be asked to sign my certificate that hasn’t had a direct affect on my career and that of my students. Unfortunately some were asked that I would not have asked, and some signed one without the other, due to freeking politics. Of those who declined, no one declined due to any reason other than freeking politics. I regret giving those three people a chance to turn me down, if only indirectly. Butch Hill and Wayne Wayland did not see it coming. It is not their fault for asking people who previously had been friends until their associations and politics meant more to them.  However it didn’t prevent it from being a defining moment in my life. I kept looking at the people who had so much faith in me while underwriting my entire Martial arts career with their signatures and confidence, that I was deserving.

 

   After I got home, the Isshin-ryu thing hit me again. I kept thinking that I was carrying the same rank as Master Shimabuku, Master Long, Master Nagle, Master Armstrong and Master Mitchum. I also have had a thing about Ju-dans  in Isshin-ryu. There seemed to be enough already.  I got cold feet and decided against it. I then told the people why and they chose not to accept my reasoning. I’m sure they were on the verge of loosing patience with me but helped me over the last hump. I don’t expect people to look at me in the same light as they do Master’s Mitchum and Toby Cooling. I don’t do that myself. But I did measure myself against the rest and I feel I am as equal or in some respects better. I decided that I can wear my rank comfortably with that in mind. I can say with appreciation and humility, that Master Toby Cooling name appears on my certificates.

 

   I know promotions causes controversy to almost hysteria. I’ve never seen anything like it except in a beauty pageant, or in a corporate office, full of suits and talking heads. There is often a rush to judgment, and an opinion that it was not deserved.  I know that some people see themselves and others, by what rank they are. Maybe ultimately, it is all they have ever accomplished and it defines them. Or maybe they are just judgmental a-holes. But what ever the case, I promise to do the best I can with the rank, and live up to what I believe to be its qualifications and requirements. I hope even the nay-sayers, will be fair enough to judge me by deeds, not words. If you judged people by words there would be some 15^th dans out there. They are usually the promotion police and have appointed themselves the judge for every one who is worthy.  I promise never to become a big fish in a little pond. I will reach beyond my own borders and encourage others to do so.  I will not become a poor imitation for Harold Long, or any other pioneer that has left it to all of us to build, not just maintain. I will use my position if allowed, to educate and reward people irrespective on their affiliation or politics.  I will not try to bring all Isshin-ryu people together, or unite Isshin-ryu. That has been tried and frankly; I am of the opinion that there are people who deserve to be disenfranchised, and don’t belong in the company of people still moving forward. I will never become a “slot taker” on any board or group, by denying younger, more deserving people, their opportunity to serve. When I can no longer be a part of progress, I surely will never use “all I did in the past” to qualify me for leadership.  I will not sit on my rank and try to hatch it like a golden egg. I will use it if allowed, to motivate and inspire younger people to see that their dream is a reality.

 

   Basically, I want to again thank those who signed my certificates and those who have written or called to congratulate me. I would like your signature also if you are comfortable with signing it. You know who you are.

  

 

   I want to thank Willie Wilson and Ron Honeycutt for initiating this incredible honor. Thank you to the ICA board. A group of outstanding Masters and sensei’s who’s own accomplishments are what success books are written about.

 

   Thank you to the Long Family who were so instrumental in my decision. They confided their desire to have a 10^th dan they could get behind and support, in the memory of their Dad, Mr. Long.

 

   In no small part, thank you to Joe Laney who has demonstrated how to ignore paper dans who criticize working one’s. I admire his grit and “in your face” honesty. I trust him.

 

   Thank you, Joe Laney, Butch Hill, James Ogle, Clyde Stanley, Wayne Wayland and Toby Cooling who finally got it through my thick head that this was the right decision. You have been there with and for me every day since I have known you.

 

   And the incomparable Willie Wilson who has taught me perseverance and being true to who you are. To face your enemies and never shrink from your obligations to your students. He also convinced me to go public with Sen-I. He had been there before and helped me prepare. He has seen me through a lot.

 

   The patience of Clyde Stanley, Butch Hill, and James Ogle for helping and teaching the Dragons and me, Jujitsu. I was honored to receive a sho-dan certificate from Clyde. It is the center certificate on my dojo wall. Without the above there would have been no Dragon Sen-I Jutsu.

 

 

    There are so many people to thank, I fear I have left someone out. Please forgive me if I have. I wish when I received my certificates all the people who touched my life, could have been standing  in the same spot I was standing in. I was physically accepting the honor, but you were all just as responsible for my being there.

 

   Thank you Mr. Long, who took me in as a student so long ago (1967) on faith alone. He enabled my students and me for years to come, to have an infinite wealth of knowledge and friendship. I consider serving him on the board of the Harold Long Foundation, a rare honor. I will indeed, give him a tenth dan to be proud of.

 

   Most of all, thank you to all former and existing students. My old Nashville group (seven who are in the Hall of Fame) were the spring board that gave me the reputation and recognition that in reality belongs to them. They were, will and always be a huge reason why I have this Isshin-ryu certificate. The early stalwarts, Jim Lindsey, Gary Earhart,  Roy Vaughn,  Jim McDonald , and Phil McElroy, were my first stars and the heart of the “Nashville school of Karate”.  Butch Hill came later and kept it all together for years to come. He is now my senior student. David Gabbard and Tony Williams were a much younger and lesser part of my time, but were huge in helping me transition back into Isshin-ryu.

 

   Kelly Markham is a former student and has been a confident and friend for all these years. I accept a big chunk of this on your behalf. The friendship of Kelly, Jerry Sullivan and Snake Smith, has been an immeasurable bonus to me and my students.

 

   For present day support and leadership examples for my students, look no further than the “Red Dragon Tab” group. They are the gold standard of what I want for my students. Please take time to look at the page and you will and see our extended family.

 

   Also, just a thank you to Tommy True who has been across the table from me in many disputes and philosophical differences. One thing that has never been in dispute is our friendship and his tireless contribution to Isshin-ryu. He serves from the heart. I love the tough old coot!

 

   Thank you Maurice Msarsa whose hand is always the first extended, whether it is politically popular or not.

 

    Thank you Toby Cooling who mentored me when I returned and still does. His chin-na and Kata instruction to me was another early inspiration for Sen-I.  His dedication and his students class and proficiency, was a bench mark for me to aspire to.

 

   Thank you Cas Cox; technically my first sensei. You labored hard and long with me and my Nashville group, getting us introduced to Isshin-ryu. Teaching me the kata is deserving of a medal.  

 

   Now for a thank you to my Dragon family. They are a group I’m not sure anyone deserves. They have given me trust, loyalty, devotion and many intangibles that only a group like them can give. I asked Jason Anzur to sign both my certificates. He is but a 5^th dan but he represents all that is good about the Dragons and is my right arm. They dedicated themselves to become virtual lab rats to help me develop Dragon Sen-I Jutsu. They are by far my most significant contribution to the martial arts in general and Dragon Sen-I and Isshin-ryu in particular and have demonstrated a willingness to befriend all who have sought them out. They are the metal and the heart behind the Red Dragon Tab. They have been singled out for recognition and friendship, by some of the foremost people in Isshin-ryu cross training. They enabled me to put the cross training Jams together that have resulted in forming the ICA. This entire article could be devoted to them. Associating with them has been the single most important event in my career and will always be.

                                  

   Last but not least, A heart felt thank you to my wife Reese. She has been involved for only seven years. It is no coincidence that it has been my best and happiest seven of my career and life. People that don’t care for me speak and associate anyhow with me, because they like Reese. She is the positive side of my personality.

 

   Thank all of you who have been so prominent in my life during this 45 year odyssey. I hope this didn’t come off like an academy award, “thank you” session. But thank you, is the least I can say to so many fantastic friends and martial arts super stars for lifting me up.