Karate 5 Association of Tennessee chose to make its presentation
in a way that is relevant to what's happening now. When we looked
at how  we can  tie our connection to Grandmaster Harold Long's 
legacy we came up with the conclusion that, if we can show how
we have maintained the  Isshinryu roots that we got from Grandmaster
Long and show what we are currently doing to advance our people
and the art, that would do the trick. In other words, we will kill two birds
with one stone.

In 1975, Grandmaster Long presented a challenge to, then Black
belts Melbert Lee, Sr. and Willie G. Wilson, to open a Dojo in the
inner city, to further the art of Isshinryu. Not only did they accept
and fulfill that challenge, but both of them are Grandmasters in
their own right. 

Karate 5 gives a party for students when:
1. They make Shodan
2. They make Rokudan
3. They make Kudan

How appropriate it is that Melbert Lee, Sr. ( the first Black Man to make
Black under Grandmaster Long ), would be in line for a party during the
same time frame as we salute Grandmaster Long's legacy during the
month of October.

Also, Sarah Martin becomes the 2nd female student to make Shodan
in the Karate 5 system since it's inception. The 1st one was Ms. 
Linda Wilson ( Grandmaster Willie G. Wilson's wife).

We also tied in a promotion at the same time, which shows that we are
still working to keep the legacy alive and we are still growing in the art.
Instructors Naomi Mason, Anston Wilson and Melbert Lee, Jr, were
awarded their certificates as "Certified Karate 5 Instructors", in
appreciation for the hard work they have put out to keep alive the long
established tradition of excellence that was started by Grandmasters
Lee and Wilson. At the same time Instructor Naomi Mason was promoted
to Sandan and Instructor Anston Wilson was promoted to Yodan. I'm
sure that Grandmaster Long would appreciate the fact that Karate 5 runs
a no frills, hardworking Dojo that respects the past but embraces the
future.