6th
Degree Black Belt
My twenty-plus years of karate study and practice have been primarily focused on Okinawan martial arts.
· 1973 to 1975
Studied Shorinryu Karate under Shihan Frank Hargrove in Hampton Virginia.
· 1980 to 1981
Again studied Shorinryu with Shihan Frank Hargrove. Advanced to second kyu.
· 1982 to 1986
Studied Shorinryu Karate with Sensi Gilbert Rodriguez in Emporia Kansas. Advanced to first Dan.
· 1986 to 1987
Studied Shotokan with Master Joe Ruiz in Akin South Carolina.
· 1987 to present
Studied Isshinryu Karate with Master Bill Wright and Master Allen Wheeler. Life time member of the Okinawan Karate Do Union. Advanced to fifth dan in 1996.
· 1989 to present
Taught Isshinryu Karate to small private groups in my home. Conducted seminars on self-defense techniques as developed from traditional katas.
· 1996 to 1997
Completed the Chinese Cultural Center’s Sports Medicine Training Certificate Program. This program is based on the principles and methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Attended numerous seminars on pressure point fighting techniques by Master Rick Moneymaker and others. Studied QiGong techniques with Sifu Richard Mooney through his seminars at Master Wheeler’s dojo.
Inducted as Instructor of the Year into The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Later that same year advanced to my current rank of Roku dan.
Moved to Oak Ridge TN, to study with Masters Bill Wright (9th Dan) and Allen Wheeler (10th Dan) at Wheeler’s School of Karate in Powell TN. Honored to be selected to become a member of the Okinawan Karate Do Union Board of Directors. Advanced to third level Reiki Therapist by Master Bill Wright.