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Karate Five Dojo Knoxville, Tenn.
For many years we heard about the Karate Five Dojo. We met some of the Dojo masters and karate-kas at shiais and at tournaments. The skills, discipline, and character they displayed at those events were exemplary. Also, we were curious about the name “Karate Five”. Most dojos have an oriental slant attached to the dojo name. We wanted to learn more about this dojo. We want to share the information we learned about this unique dojo.
Dojo History The Karate Five Dojo was founded by five of Master Harold Long’s first generation students. These were Willie Garfield Wilson, Melbert Lee Sr., Frederick Brabson, William Faulkner, and Linda Wilson (Willies spouse). The Dojo was founded with the blessings and encouragement of Master Long “to promote and teach Isshinryu to the inner city youth of Knoxville, Tennessee.” The “Five” have evolved through the years whereas Clarence Allen replaced Linda Wilson and Jon Whitehead replaced Frederick Brabson. After Clarence Allen passed away, Daryl Cox was elected to replace him. The Dojo is located in a community center. The Dojo doors are open to all that are willing to be a part of a program that is not only physical, but also teaches hard work, honor, loyalty, discipline, and commitment. Students that cannot afford to pay dues are as welcome as those who do pay. The presence of the dojo in the inner city presents a very positive impression to the community.
Training The Dojo foundation is Isshinryu. During the last three decades, and in order to enhance their martial arts expertise, the Dojo karate-kas cross-trained in other disciplines. This included Sanuces Ryu under the late Grandmaster Moses Powell, Vee Jitsu under the late Professor Florendo Visitacion, and Modern Arnis under Grandmaster Jeff Delaney and Professor Lisa McManus. The Dojo has hours, however, it is not unusual to find people at the Dojo working out and training during any hour of the day and on weekends. Dojo members routinely participate in training sessions, shiais, and tournaments. The karate Five Dojo sponsors annual Modern Arnis camps. Practitioners from many other states usually participate.
(Melbert Lee Sr. and Willie Wilson)
Personnel / Experience Dojo Sensei Until his death in 1998, Grandmaster Harold Long was the Dojo’s sensei. Since then, Master Maurice Msarsa (9th Dan) is the Dojo Sensei and mentor. Master Msarsa (40 years in Isshinryu) is a first generation disciple of Grandmaster Long. The “Five”/Isshinryu Dan Rank Master Willie Wilson---------- 8th Dan Master Melbert Lee Sr.------ 8th Dan Master William Faulkner-----6th Dan Sensei Jon Whitehead-------4th Dan Sensei Daryl Cox-------------- 4th Dan
Other Black Belts Master Frederick Brabson- 6th Dan Instructor Melbert Lee Jr.-- 4th Dan Instructor Lee Sloan---------- 4th Dan Instructor Barry Houchin---- 3rd Dan Asst. Inst. Anston Wilson---- 1st Dan Associate William Mason-----6th Dan Associate Naomi Mason------1st Dan
A quick review of the Dojo Black Belts adds up to over 300 years of martial arts knowledge / experience. Masters Msarsa, Wilson, and Melbert Lee Sr. have been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame. Other individuals have achieved honors in competition. This includes the 2003 IHOF kumite Grand Championship by Melbert Lee Jr. The karate kas from the dojo are well trained and very competitive. They routinely place in the winning brackets at tournaments.
The Dojo In The Community The Karate Five Dojo leadership has been instrumental in helping establish a neighborhood watch program in the community where the dojo is located. The presence of the dojo has been a major factor in keeping a family atmosphere in an area that could have easily been over come by illicit activity. The Dojo regularly sponsors workshops and seminars. Also, karate demonstrations are conducted at church, private, and civic functions. During the first few weeks of the school year, karate demonstrations are integrated into the back-to-school celebration in the inner city schools. Over the years, the dojo was influential in directing many of the youth away from the harmful ways of the streets. The dojo also played a big part in the lives of many young men and women in the community…some of them have grown to be government, private sector, and church leaders. The Dojo was recently featured during three different half hour programs on the community TV channel. Through 2004, instructors from the Dojo taught Isshinryu at the National Fitness Center in Knoxville. They were chosen by the Center over three other martial arts schools. Individuals from the Dojo routinely provide assistance and aide to senior and disabled citizens. Also, this summer, the Dojo is planning a community picnic and social gathering for the community. Kids and families will be invited to enjoy a day of games and food at no expense to them.
Dojo Web Page:
Mail Address: The Karate Five 8503 Sunrise Rd, Corryton, TN 37721
GOD BLESS THE USA ISSHINRYU…ONE HEART
(Members of the Karate 5 Dojo pay a visit to Grand Master Harold Long ) |
