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I began training in Isshinryu Karate in 1978, at the
Isshinryu Karate Academy in Knoxville. The chief
instructor was Glen Webb, who had just returned from
Okinawa where he had trained under Master> Angi
Uezu. Sensei Webb instilled in me a life long
appreciation for traditional karate, particularly
the Isshinryu katas.
In 1980, Sensei Webb retired from actively teaching
and the school was taken over by Phil Little, who
placed a greater emphasis on competition and sport
karate. I studied under Sensei Little until early
1983. I also trained briefly at the East Knox
County Karate school, under chief instructor Vance Page.
Early in 1990, I joined the Karate 5 Association,
where I continue today under the guidance of
Master Willie G.Wilson, and Master Melbert Lee Sr. In
addition to continuing my training in Isshinryu, I was
introduced to the arts of VeeJitsu and Sanucesryu.
I learned that these arts blended well with
Isshinryu and I was promoted to the rank of ShoDan
in the spring of 1991. I was made a Sensei with the
Karate 5 Association in the fall of 1994. I also
participated in a pressure point seminar group at
Master Allen Wheeler's school from 1993 until
1997, with my close friend the late Clarence Allen,
under the instruction of Grand Master Rick
Moneymaker.
Early in 2002, the Karate 5 Association became
involved in Modern Arnis, under GrandMaster Jeff
Delaney and Professor Lisa Macmanus. I currently
hold a basic instructor's certification in this art.
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