William Mason earned his first black belt on the island of Okinawa in 1966
having trained there with Grandmaster Zenryo Shimabukuro at the Seibukan Dojo.
The Seibukan Dojo was one of the premier dojos in the far east having had the
top fighter in the All Okinawa- All Japan free style tournament for 3 consecutive
years, 1963-1965.
After having trained in Shorin-Ryu for 12 years, William, trained in Kajukempo,
with Master Johnny McCurry. Kajukempo became the basis for the eventual
Dragon-Cobra-Te system.
William also trained briefly with Master John Boone in Chinese Filipino Red
Dragon Gung Fu, and with Master Khenshu Benu Ra in Cobra-Taek.
In 1977, his system was enhanced by training for 2 years with GrandMaster
Moses Powell in Sanuces Ryu. In 1979, the system was further enhanced
by training with the late Grandmaster Florendo Visitacion in Vee-Jitsu-te.
Elder Master Garry Mullins of Shaolin-Do shared his knowledge of Shaolin, Tai Chi,
Hsing-i and Pa-Kua. All of these elements were responsible for the System
known as Dragon-Cobra-Te. Master Mullins' Instructor is Grandmaster
Sin Kwang The, whose teacher was Grandmaster Ie Chang Ming (1880-1976).
Grandmaster Sin became the head of Shaolin Do in 1968 and still trains and
teaches today. Master Mason ran a dojo in Morristown, Tennesee for 25
consecutive years before taking a sabatical to grow in other areas. In February 2005,
Master Mason was accepted into the prestigious KARATE FIVE organization.
Quoting him, "To date, this is the highest honor I have received." Master Mason
operates a branch of Karate 5 Association of Tennessee in Morristown.
Master Mason was the first Afro-American Deputy Sheriff and the 2nd Afro-American
City Policeman in Morristown and Hamblen County in the late 60's.
On Jun-24-2006, Master Mason was inducted into the World Karate Union
Hall of Fame, as a Golden Achievement Award winner.
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