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MASTER WILLIAM MASON It is my pleasure to write about a guy who is the very essence of what the martial arts should be about. In describing him, one might risk making him sound fundamental and uncomplicated. This has the danger of sounding like patronization or generalization, instead of the ultimate compliment it is meant to be. I say this because Master Mason's approach to everything is fundamental and uncomplicated. When I asked him to send his bio information, his only comment about himself was as follow: "I guess you could say that I have been in the martial art for 40 years and still don't know anything." This statement is not an attempt on his part to be humble or self effacing. It is the way he goes about his life...keeping the basic fundamentals of life and success, uncomplicated. Actually, there is more to his statement that pertains to Master Willie Wilson; but more about that later. Obviously he knows a great deal, more than most. I think it is his way of saying, "you stop learning when you stop working."....And Master Mason "Never" stops working! So where has this hard working top grade martial artist been all this time? One look at his activities below will tell you. He has been very busy! ! ! Mostly he has been busy being a doer, not a talker. He has been busy making a name for his art and his students, rather than himself. He has chosen to teach without the aspect of individual gain or self promotion. At this writing he is a sixth dan. This is the same rank after 40 years, that some are wearing around after fifteen. If you were to ask Master Mason if he would rather be good or famous, you would be lucky to get the full question out before you got that sly grin, and a firm answer of "GOOD". One look at the physique of a thirty year old (a thirty year old in shape) and you can tell he is a guy who spends a lot of time practicing what he preaches. Thus, another in a series of a "working master" these bio's are about. If all that Master Mason has already accomplished isn't enough, he is in the process of changing over to Isshin-ryu. A few months back, Master Mason hooked up with Master Willie Wilson, and decided to change styles. This is a great tribute to both men. At a time and stage in life when most of us are capping a career, he is beginning a new journey. Talking to Master Wilson, I understand the transition is going extremely well. They have spent hours, usually four each day, on just the charts and kata. Then throw in some Arnis for good measure. I can imagine these two titans, in there working to the max, with the energy and enthusiasm of young sho-dans. If you have ever trained with Master Willie you know that it is rough. If you know Master Mason, you will know that rough is all he knows. What also makes these two perfect for each other is; Master Mason wants nothing given to him and knows Master Wilson is really going to put him through it. At our "Dragon Jam," he presented me with a warrior stick he made. I value it so much, I keep it at home in my bed room, for fear something will happen to it. It was an honor from a "REAL WARRIOR." Now, thanks to Master Wilson, and the credibility and leadership, Master Mason saw in him; Isshin-ryu has a great addition to its family of leaders and Working Masters. Here is a new resource of information, whether it be martial arts or real life experiences. So rather than this being the end of a story, it is the beginning of a new one. Let me be one of the first to welcome you Master Mason into our midst. I know that we will all benefit by your presence and example. I would also be remiss if I didn't thank Master Wilson, for recruiting someone who is actually in it for the knowledge, and not the rank. Each of us will now all have to challenge ourselves, to augment our art with someone of Master Mason's caliber. You have set the bar high Master Wilson, and maybe we won't be able to do it. Point being.... like you and Master Mason, we should be giving it our max effort. Below are some of Master William Mason's accomplishments.
William Mason 6th Degree Black belt William Mason earned his first black belt on the island of Okinawa in 1965 having trained there with Grandmaster Zenryo Shimabukuro at the Seibukan Dojo. The Seibukan Dojo was one of the premier dojo’s in the far east having had the top fighter in the All Okinawa- All Japan free style tournament for 3 consecutive years, 1963-1965. After having trained in Shorin-ryu for 12 years, William trained in Kajukempo, with Master Johnny McCurry. Kajukempo became the basis for the eventual Dragon-Cobra-Te system. William also trained briefly with Master John Boone in Chinese Filipino Red Dragon Gung Fu, and with Master Khenshu Benu Ra in Cobra-Taek. In 1977, his system was enhanced by training for 2 years with Master Moses Powell. In 1979, the system was further enhanced by training with the late Grandmaster Florendo Visitacion. Master Garry Mullins of Shaolin-Do shared his knowledge of Shaolin, Tai Chi, Hsing-i and Pa-Kua. All of these elements were responsible for the System known as Dragon-Cobra-Te. Master Mason ran a dojo in Morristown, Tennessee for 25 consecutive years before taking a sabbatical to grow in other areas. In February 2005, Master Mason was accepted into the prestigious KARATE FIVE organization. Quoting him, "To date, this is the highest honor I have received." Master Mason teaches a Black Belt class in Morristown. Master Mason was the first Afro-American Deputy Sheriff and the 2nd Afro-American City Policeman in Morristown and Hamblen County in the late 60's.
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