|
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.

|