Shaffers Red Dragons - Greenville, SC

ARTICLES AND COMMENTARY

MASTER PETE MILLS
A WORK IN PROGRESS

The title of this article may seem a little strange for one who is such an accomplished martial artist. For those who know Master Mills, know that it is “all about” progress to him. His and the people around him! He is a diligent worker and trainer. When he joined the ICA team as board advisor, I was elated. I knew we were getting a guy who was the real deal and would give us stability and credibility. I had not been around Pete in training for awhile, so I was unprepared to see his fitness level and ability to train at such a high level. From the start, when he said. “Let’s hit the floor,” he meant himself first. He was the hardest worker/trainer at the Jam. That has remained for the subsequent Jams. He is good, not just because he knows his stuff. It is because he can tell you and... show you!

He has been doing cross training long before most of us even thought about it. He is the maverick who flew in the face of tradition long ago. He had several instructors and cross training endeavors while Mr. Long was alive. He was never underhanded or timid in his pursuits of personal knowledge and knowledge for his many fine students. He was willing to stick his neck out and it all paid off. From the first time I met Pete, he has not changed at all. He is an out going, always a smile on his face, deeply spiritual man. He is an astute business man with a wide background.

To sum him up, I want to impart a personal story about him told to me by Master James Ogle. Of course everyone knows Master Ogle. One of the most accomplished martial artist, fathers, husband, friend, business man and all round decent guy, on the planet. Many years ago when James had just begun with Pete, he ran into some medical problems which left the hospital demanding 500.00 for admission. This was before today’s laws. James was a very young man and 500.00 at that time as like 5,000.00 now. In the hospital door to just check on James, came Pete. Without hesitation Pete took out his check book and paid the hospital. Pete was not exactly financial flush at the time either. Is it any wonder that these two men have become inseparable. Pete was there for James in a way few people would even consider. James has not only repaid him financially, but in ways that only a Sensei would understand. Is it any surprise either of these two men have prospered both financially and spiritually?

The good news is: this is not about a guy who is gone or unable to train any longer. And if you want to meet or just rub martial arts elbows with Master Mills, as well as some of his kindred spirit associates, visit us at the Knoxville Cross Training Jam February 27th. Bring your camera and your questions. This group is a collective martial arts treasure.

BELOW IS A BRIEF BIO OF MASTER MILLS

THE JOURNEY OF A MASTER

In 1959 my father, who was a former golden gloves boxer, started teaching me how to box. This endeavor led me to the Knoxville Golden Gloves gym at Chilhowee Park for three summers. John Forgety was over it at that time. Ace Miller was still a young man 19 or 20 years old at the time.

In 1962, I started studying Savate “French Foot Fighting” and some pressure point studies. In 1963, I met Harold Long, a young marine, who was teaching an Okinawan style of karate called Isshin-ryu at the Continental Health Spa in Western Plaza. I was not able to study with him on a regular basis until July 17, 1965 after graduation from high school.

There were several good fighters at his school. In October 1966, Mr. Long brought his instructor, Tatsuo Shimabuku to America to be a houseguest in his home for four months. I remember the excitement of training under the highest-ranking karate instructor in the world. I learned all of my empty hand Isshin-ryu kata from Master Shimabuku.

I was drafted during the Vietnam War and trained with the Korean Ranger Group in Cam Ranh Bay. I met other Isshin-ryu instructors and received my San-Dan (3rd degree black belt) and Yo-Dan 4th degree black belt) ranks from Steve Armstrong.

Mr. Long started the International Isshin-ryu Karate Association and invited me to be on the Board of Directors. I also served as Vice-Chairman of the International Isshin-ryu Karate Association Hall of Fame. Mr. Don Bordinger was the Chairman.

I have been fortunate to have many fine champions to train under my supervision: James Ogle, Mike Acuff, Harrison White, Leo Cooper, Jim Phillips and my son, Todd, who won several tournaments as a junior competitor.

I obtained the master rank of Roku-Dan (6th degree black belt) on February 1, 1979. I received my Ku-Dan (9th degree) on August 26, 1994. A panel of master black belts tested me from our system with a total of over 75 years martial arts experience. I had my rank recognized by the United Martial Arts Association and the IIKA. That same promotion panel gave me a rank certificate for Ju-Dan. (10th degree), which I refused because my former sensei was still alive at that time. This promotion has been certified by the International Sokeship Association.

My greatest joy in the martial arts has been the friendships that I have been able to develop. I am now doing several national seminars with people like Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Michael DePasqualey, Editor in Chief of Karate International magazine, Dr. Jerry Beasley, Chuck Norris, through the Educational Funding Corporation Convention. These four people are movie stars and former martial arts champions. Joe Lewis and Bill Wallace are world champion kick-boxers and hold the rank of 10th dan. These two gentlemen, along with Jerry Beasley, (featured on Black Belt Magazine cover a couple of months ago) have an organization called AIKIA (Association of Independent Karate Instructors). They have also volunteered to sign my 10th dan certificate.

Several interesting things have happened in the Isshin-ryu circle since the passing of Mr. Long. Mr. James Ogle and I met with Mr. J. C. Burris in Athens, TN in early December 1998 and discussed how we could work more closely. It was his suggestion that I form an association (Universal Isshin-ryu Karate Association) and work together as two associations. We have that structure in place. I have over 100 black belts that look to me for rank now and I want to do what is best for them.

Mr. Burris and Mr. Phil Little (Mr. Little is 15 years my junior in the martial arts) started their training after I did and have accepted the rank of 10th dan. I have decided to accept this rank that was given to me nearly 5 years ago and validated by all these associations and high-ranking martial artists.

Master Mills has been inducted into nine different Hall of Fame organizations and is recognized as a Head Founder or Soke by International Sokeship Association. He has nine dojo’s looking to him for support and rank.