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Maurice Msarsa has been a student of the martial arts for many years. His first exposure
to the martial arts was in New York City in the summer of 1952 when he enrolled in a Judo
class at the YMCA. Since that time, Master Msarsa received additional training in judo,
jujitsu, Modern Arnis, and karate. Master Msarsa started his Isshin-Ryu training under
Master Harold Long in 1965. Over the years, he served as instructor at Master Long’s
dojos, the University of Tennessee Karate Club, Knoxville Police Academy, and for the
Tennessee Valley Authority Public Safety Officers. In addition, he participated in and
conducted many seminars and training sessions. In the tournament circuit, he competed
and later served as coordinator for many of the area tournaments. Master Msarsa is one
of the Isshin-Ryu pioneers in Tennessee. Along with his wife Johnnie, and his son Steve
(both Isshin-Ryu practitioners), Master Msarsa has given about 500 karate demonstrations
for civic organizations, church groups, schools, clubs, television, and many other
functions. He has received the “Instructor of the Year” award, and was the first to
receive the “Spirit of Isshin-Ryu” award from the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame (IHOF).
He has served on the Board of Directors of The International Isshin-Ryu Karate
Association, as well as the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame. He is one of the founders of the
Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame.
He was inducted into/and recognized by the following organizations:
The Isshinryu Hall of Fame in 1995.
Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers, and Legends Hall of Fame in1998.
World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 1998.
Okinawa Isshinryu Karate, and Kobudo Association Hall of Fame in 2002.
Master Msarsa is the Karate Five Dojo Sensei and Mentor.
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