My journey in the Martial Arts began February, 1973. I began training under
Master William Mason in Shorin Ryu. It was the first art from Master Mason.
He then went to the Kajukempo System and Dragon Cobra-Te. Going very
consistently for many years of my life, I was fortunate to have other Masters take
me under their "wing". Thank you Johnny Sims, Sr. and Richard Stone. Having
these 3 men as a part of my life as a young adult, helped me to take Life and
the Arts seriously.
From the Filipino Stick Fighting, Sanuces Ryu, Vee-Jitsu-Te, Isshin-Ryu with
Ralph "Snake" Smith, Jerry Sullivan, Kelly Marcum and 10 years on the
Amateur-Body Building Circuit, was "The Good Ole' Days". Training 4 days
a week in Karate and Body Building made me a very disiplined person.
I broke away from Master Mason in 1990 and started teaching Self Defense
at my home Church. There were 50 individuals in the first class. We had a blast!
In 6 months, I joined the Black Belts of Faith International and taught
Christian Martial Arts under the Kempo System. In 2005, Master Mason,
his wife, Naomi and I decided to gather all of Master Mason's black belts
together and train again. Master Mason and his students went on into the
Isshin-Ryu System.
October, 2012, I caught up with the "old gang" and started training again.
I am looking forward to learning all that I have missed in the last few years.
As a young student in the '70's, I quickly learned that Master Mason was truly
a Master. I would have never had a chance to accomplish what I have in the
Martial Arts without the training from Master Mason, Naomi Mason,
Johnny Sims, Sr. and Richard Stone. I love them all dearly. They have all
been a true Blessing in my life. Also, I would like to thank, my wife Sherry,
for a wonderful life with her by my side through our journey, as well as our
children and grandchildren. God has truly Blessed me.
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