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MASTER
FREDRICK (BUTCH) BRABSON In Butch’s own words, "it is interesting to me how a person can be so uniquely trained to act or react to a situation that requires control". So here we have a glimpse into the intellect of a man who looks way beneath the surface. Butch is a student of Isshin-Ryu and more over a student of life. A deeply religious man, Butch’s approach to his life has been a study of commitment. More interested in quality than quantity, Butch has been one of those rare people who have attained both. His beginnings in karate were like him and unlike him. It was unlike him because he quit. It was like him in that he quit because he wasn’t committed. Just going through the motions is definitely not his style; and this guy has style. In 1975 he started again, but this time under Mr. Long. This time around was far different. The committed met the committer. Just twenty-two months later Butch was a black belt. Lets all stop for a moment and remember that I said 22 months and Mr. Long in the same sentence. Some time later he began following the lead of Willie Wilson and Melbert Lee. Along with the leadership of these men Butch became a key instructor and member of the famous "Karate Five”. Butch’s role as team leader of martial arts instruction enabled Wilson and Lee to expand and develop the martial arts knowledge of the school and students by working with Moses Powell, Master V., Frank Edwards, Glenn Webb, and later Maurice Masarsa. Through the efforts of Wilson, Lee, and Brabson, the art of Sanuces Ryu and Vjitsu 75 were developed and expertly blended with Isshin-Ryu; making it one of the most complete and well balanced approaches to the Martial Arts. Some weeks ago the three Karate 5 Masters gave a seminar at the Dragon Den. It was the most physically demanding that we have been through. Two days, four hours each day, no breaks. What did I learn? I learned that I have a lot to learn. Butch is an excellent Sensei. He is patient, reassuring and very, very good at his craft. His calm cool exterior hides the heart of a lion. His chi will turn your head backwards with just a backhand tap. These three masters make a perfect team. Butch is the cruise control. Master Wilson is bouncing off the walls and ceiling, throwing you and himself in every direction. Master Lee scares the Hell out of you without meaning to with his physical proportions and a voice like the burning bush. Brabson soothes your tortured psych and then with a smile and a kind word, knocks you on you butt. Here is a guy who your hope rubs off on you. Class, strength of character and body, and as afore-mentioned, COMMITTED. If he has an ego it only shows in his ability to impart his vast knowledge. He gets inside your head and if you are smart you want him there. Master Brabson has become a new friend of mine and the Dragons. That alone was worth coming back for. Master Denny Shaffer, Ku-Dan |
