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MASTER JOE LANEY This is one of Isshin-ryu and life's real people. In fact, they don't get more real than Joe Laney. I think he was born years too late to be in the world he would have best fit in to. I see Joe as a western marshal, or the ram- rod of a big cattle ranch. His rugged, take no prisoners, persona would be ideal for any character of that era we read about. Joe has still been able to take advantage of his adventurous nature, by being a "bounty hunter" and true martial arts tough guy. If you've ever trained with him, fought any of his students, or stepped on his toes, you know what I'm talking about. Besides knowing what he can do martial arts wise, I pumped some iron with him at a local gym..... and this guy is strong!! If his martial arts ever breaks down, he is going to hurt you with sheer strength. When I came back from an Isshin-ryu hiatus, Joe I was told, was on the other side of the Master Long Linage issue. This I found meant that he was a "Hanshi Phil Little" supporter. And... against the IIKA promotions that he went on record as saying were bogus. Because I came back the way I left, IIKA all the way, I avoided him for awhile. This was an error in judgment on my part, because I almost missed out on getting to know him. Since then, I have come to know him as one who is not on anyone's "side". He is not a blind loyalty guy, and certainly not a yes man. Joe is on the side he himself believes is right. He doesn't care who believes what. He is a very intelligent guy who has keen powers of observation, and a ton of guts to back up his beliefs. I have found that if someone doesn't like him, it is either that they don't know him, or they are afraid of him for some reason or other. I have found him to be one of the people who's word you can take for anything. He is not a bs'er or a politician. He is a man who doesn't try to be careful what he says if you ask his opinion. I think that's called a straight shooter. Mr. Long would be proud of Joe and the way he has carried on the linage. Anyone could only hope, there are other people like Joe in our dojo's, that would honor our memory and goals like he has done for Mr. Long and Isshin-ryu. Sadly there are far too few Leaders like Joe to help develop these people if they are there. He's the total package, and works equally hard at everything he does. He runs his dojo like he runs his life; tirelessly, honestly, and fearlessly. He scares the hell out of his enemies, but looks after his family and friends with love and unswerving loyalty. If you don't know Joe Laney, you are missing an opportunity to have a friend you can trust. Below are some of Master Laney's accomplishments:
Instructor's
Biography Occupation: President of SSTAT, Inc. (Street Survival Tactics and Training) located at 5001 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN, 37920. 865-577-2229. An armed and unarmed personal defense training service for both the private sector as well as law enforcement and military personnel. Owner of Laney Steel Hand Dojo also located at 5001 Chapman Highway. Martial arts instruction. Co-Author of Gotcha, a non-fiction work published by The Lyons press. (September 2004) Co-publisher of Bushido Press, current publications include Point Blank, the Armed Martial Artist and The Encyclopedia of Combative Flow Background: Former Sergeant with Sevier County Sheriff’s Department. Drug Enforcement Unit Former Bail Enforcement Agent (Fugitive Recovery) with over 1000 arrests 9th Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate. Began study under Late Grandmaster Harold Long in 1977. Designated title of “Kyoshi” (Master Instructor). Inducted into World Family of Sokeship Council Hall of Fame, World Karate Union Hall of Fame, and The Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame. State of Tennessee Department of Safety Handgun Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, SigArms Academy Certified Tactical Concealed Carry Pistol Instructor.
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