On Jun-24-2006, Master Brabson was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame as Master of the Year.
Frederick Brabson, Shichi-Dan (7th Degree Black Belt)
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For me martial arts started out as an inquisition into an area of performance that was quite intriguing.
It was interesting to me see how a person could be so uniquely trained to act and/or react to a situation
that required control. For me martial arts began in 1974 and an extra empty bedroom was my first dojo.
After a few knocks and bruises I discovered that the horizons had to be broadened in order to appreciate
the art. In January of 1975 I joined Master Harold Long’s School of Isshinryu Karate and achieved the
rank of black belt in twenty two months. I am told that this was rare for Mr. Long to do such things.
This involved five days a week workouts. I have truly been blessed down through the years. My greatest
moment came when I surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ as my Savior. This has put everything in proper
perspective for me. After several years of training I was invited to become a part of a unique group of
martial artists. In the late 1970’s I became a part of the Karate Five team of black belts. This team was
responsible for heading up the Karate Five Dojo. I was asked to lead the team in the area of training
martial arts participants. I feel that the people that I have trained with have been instrumental in my
ability to perform. Masters Willie Wilson and Melbert Lee have been very helpful because they took the
time to teach me from the very beginning. Later Master Wilson introduced me to the late Professor
Moses Powell. This Jujitsu giant challenged me to add to my style the power and grace that he so
superbly demonstrated. I remember working out with him days, nights, weekends; you name it!
Professor Powell brought diversity to my skills.
While every artist has his own forte, I began to discover that systems can compliment systems. For me it
was transitional to change movements/techniques and at the same time challenging to add to my skills.
Professor Powell introduced me to his master the late Professor Florendo Visitacion, commonly known
as Professor V. A phenomenal martial artist master, Professor V was a delight to train under because of his
knowledge and humility. One had to be very attentive because he gave away so much in his training sessions
with us. Later I was privileged to train with other masters of Sanuces Ryu and the Vjitsu system including
Master Frank Edwards Jr. A prolific floor specialist, Master Edwards shared with me secrets of aerials
and high wire acts that are so devastating. His mat work was superb. Since that time I have adapted and
developed my skills to become simply and uniquely me. I have been blessed to work out with the great ones
over the past 31 years. Most recently I have had the pleasure of incorporating Modern Arnis into my repertoire.
Grandmaster Jeff Delaney has graciously shared his vast knowledge of Filipino stick fighting and in my
estimation it is well worth learning. Master Wilson, a truly phenomenal martial artist, has been my personal
friend and trainer for my entire martial arts career. I am grateful for his insight and ability to take things to
a level that demands the best out of anyone. When I think of training sessions with such martial arts pedigree
as Master Harold Long, Professor Moses Powell, Professor Florendo Visitacion, Master Glenn Webb,
Master Frank Edwards Jr., Grand Master Jeff Delaney and Karate Five, I have been blessed to train with the
great ones.
Sincerely,
Fredrick E. Brabson Sr.; Roku Dan On Jun-24-2006, Master Brabson was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame as Master of the Year. |
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