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.