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Found out the secrets of being a sport karate animal in the 60’s, 70’s 80’s 90’s and breaking the 2000 mark with retirement and a whole new journey with the Sport Karate Museum Archives.
Every story starts with a virtue of the Samurai which relates to the moment!
Memoirs of An American Samurai has the “WOW FACTOR”!
I am not a reader and have not read a entire book in the past 8 years…until now. Chapter 1 grabbed me and enthralled me untill the end. Each chapter thereafter engrossed my mind and fasinated me with each word I read. Professor Gary Lee shares his experience in great detail of how he gained wisdom and knowledge in the martial arts world. Taking you on each of one his journeys from the little grass hut, hitchiking with strangers to meeting life long friends in a park.
Professor Lee has trained and competed with the “best of the best”, the true “Blood and Gut” legends of Martial Arts. This book gives you a insight from a competitors edge with a champion’s mind.
Memoirs Of An American Samurai is a book that every martial artist’s and non martial artist’s alike will not be able to put down!
Master Jamie Cashion
6th Degree Black Belt American Karate
6th Dan American Tae Kwon Do
Rokyn 6th Degree Black Belt/cross trained Hawaii Kosho Ryu Kenpo Jiu Jitsu
2011 Inductee to The Masters Hall of Fame
Click on to purchase !
http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-American-Samurai-Warriors-Journey/dp/1463698062/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1311059329&sr=8-2
The 70’s in the new nightclub business was tough ,add to the fact I was young and had no business experience and thrown into management , i did not have the maturity as of yet , however this story reminds me how I matured quickly and I feel proficient in business because of moments like this. ,,,
My love for my country , fellow Americans and our flag,
Osu
I believe America was still remembering Vietnam and was not ready for this Hostage thing , just my opinion,,,,,,,
It is 1979 and I am planning on moving to Texas to pursue my Karate Journey and in my mind I am closer to home , Hawaii,
I missed aloha everyday .
The club is busy as ever and on college night we would get all sorts of groups, alumni and makes and models ,right after the Hostage thing ,we had a group of Iranian students start coming in ,sitting together ,dancing ,drinking ,have a good time. .
It was a very delicate situation and time in history , Americans were mad ,pissed off and confused , the younger generation was radical about it.
Then one night I was in the cock pit or DJ Booth and I could see the whole club and I saw something that really upset my sense of history of what I had in me .
Four of the college men had a table next to the other two Iranian College students table and they had put a American Flag as a table cloth and set their pitchers of beer and drinks on , I went nuts !, call my guys ,approached them ,took the flag off the table and asked them to leave and then it as if they planned next few moments ,,,all three table got up ,even the ladies /girls,and went after me ,I had six guys on that night plus two or three bartenders that jumped in ,still there was at least thirty or forty Iranian students we had to control quickly , the rest wasn’t pretty .
The two months later at the deposition when we in front of authorities discussing our case .
My boys all walked in wearing American Flags on their sleeve and I had my folded American Flag and then our lawyer said his thing and then I shared what I felt that night when I saw whomever disrespect our /my American Flag that represents all of us, then I started saying name after name after name that I had copied from the Memorial Wall .
I was well into the hundreds of names when I was stopped by the opposite lawyer and said “We need a break for a moment”
They came back and dropped all charges against the Electric Warehouse, my guys and me ,,,I remember , I started to read the names again as they all were getting up and leaving , I kept reading names until everyone from that group was out of the room , they never came back !
Later that week,Griffin, Lassitor and Segal ,the other owners, let me put a twelve foot by twelve foot American Flag in the front entrance ,,,Well off to Texas!
Fortune Son
https://youtu.be/CvwQmxLaknc
The Electric Warehouse Chronicles / BLOG
https://www.facebook.com/groups/596622640504076/
I enjoyed this very easy to read book. The book chronicled Professor Gary Lee’s life from a boy in Hawaii, to travelling through the United States and competing all around the world.
Professor Gary Lee is a very accomplished Martial Artist and a great story teller.
I really enjoyed the comparison to the Samurai quotes of attitude to the stories he has lived, it is a “one of kind reading!”
From a boy who lost his parents at a very young age,to becoming the curator of the Sport Karate Museum Archives
Professor Lee is an inspiration to many.!
I encourage you to get the book.
Lt. Colonel William L.Roberts ,Retired .
Anchorage ,Alaska USA
Click to purchase
http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-American-Samurai-Warriors-Journey/dp/1463698062/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1311059329&sr=8-2
Living Legends Celebrity Roast and KATA WARS
October 7th and 8th
Hilton Southwest
Houston , Texas
Always remember to have a good time , Osu
Cherish life and hug someone today , tomorrow and smile
Thank you for the Support
Sport Karate Museum Archives
TICKETS ON SALE
713-483-0476
281-221-2145
https://www.facebook.com/gary.lee.1420/videos/vb.100001577225134/1144287385633825/?type=2&theater¬if_t=video_processed¬if_id=1466048677286965
Happy Fathers Day Toshiro Sensei
Teaching me Karate and how to surf ,these are things I will never forget.
I miss you everyday and this little short story is dedicated to you , sir
Love and miss you deeply
Gary San
The first and last time I got arrested.
In the 70’s I hitch hike everywhere , it was what I liked to do ,seeing the country .
I ended up in Florida and my friend, Royce Livingston were adv id surfers,
We stayed on the coast just chasing waves!
We ended up at Daytona Beach Florida and it was great !
He was surfing a air craft carrier , 7 foot ,single Fin Mako brand and I ,a Gordon and Smith ,five foot -seven ,twin fin cream la cor finish with my Karate Symbol on front ,
I carried that board everywhere.
It was my connection with home , Hawaii
The waves were four to five foot on a good break, we started to move down the beach toward the end where there is a large canal directly at the beach that separates Daytona Beach from New Symrna Beach where the Coast guard station was.
With out us knowing ,years ago they dug out the beach forty to fifty feet out for the Canal for the Coast Guard Ships to come though easliy and there was a shelf underneath the breaking waves that made the waves at that end of the beach two to three more feet.
Now we are talking about seven foot waves on a normal day ,just because of that underwater deep shelf.
We had found a Honey Spot !
The weather was changing , however we were in Hog Heaven and did not notice ,except the wind was kicking up pretty strong.
.
First Warning!
Royce had forgotten the “Frog Wax” for the boards and mine was needing a fresh batch of wax , it was getting slippery ,so he left to get some at a convenient store a Seven Eleven,
I was alone.
We did not know a Hurricane watch had been issued and everyone was to get out of the water.along the beach , both beaches !
Now the waves are almost ten feet ,breaking , a storm is coming but I didn’t care,,,then I heard the siren and LOUD SPEAKER!,, You there GET OUT OF THE WATER ,NOW!!!!!!
I did , got scolded and warned and I left the beach until he was out of site , mind you I was young and stupid , so I go back out in the water, first wave , second cut , cool ,,,then again the LOUD SPEAKER ,this time he was upset , he treated me as if I was a vicious criminal ,threw my board in back of his trunk ,handcuffed me and put me back of the seat,.
I was scared to death , he asked my age and I said “Sixteen”
Then he explained to me the reason I was treated in the matter he used to understand authority of a policeman ,we are here to help , however I warned you and you went back , What I am I going to do with you ?,
I told him about Royce and the Frog Wax and he had no idea what I was talking about , however we found Royce walking back to the beach .
When Royce saw me in the Sheriff’s car he freaked out and asked , “Hey Gary what did you do ?
I answered “I got arrested for surfing, did you get my Frog Wax ?
Big Waves of Hawaii and Sharks
https://youtu.be/INbs0gj6Y3A
Samurai spirit lives in a larger than life Warrior, Gary Lee!
The first time I encountered him he was practicing his Bo Kata along with all the other people in my division!.
I had a mishap with my Bo and snapped it in two. I thought that this very strong character wouldn’t have a problem with me borrowing his. Without hesitation he replied in a very loud and guttural OUS!!
Well as it turned out I beat him with his own Bo and our friendship was begun!
We where both in the stage that good martial Arts excited us. We met at every tournament and had lengthy talks well over 20 years ago of his dream to keep the history and those that made it alive!
I’m proud to be a History General to the Museum of Sport Karate!
I was the National arbitrator to the NBL back in the day and I got to see Gary from all sides, the best word to describe him is passionate!
I remember being badly abused at one competition that offered Cash.
Gary and I had worked out a skit that put me to the ground with a leg sweep, then he ripped open my shirt, placed a banana on my hairy belly while wielding a samurai sword!
Next thing you now he sheathed the blade and bit the Banana! “sorry about the hair in the teeth Gary”
! Needless to say he won!
Since then we’ve become Brothers by Choice!
We have seen the passing of great people within the Martial Arts realm, wonderful friends and fantastic artists!
We talked so long ago about the many sad and many joyous moments that we need to remember!
Gary and his unlimited energy have made his dreams and our discussions a reality!
Bless him and his Endeavour
! He has my support and the support of everyone I’ve talked to.
Scott Hogarth Kyoshi
Fighting Griffin Martial Arts
Canada
My memory of Mr. Geis 1979 – 2014
Last night teaching some Judo reminded me of my friend ,
Good memory!
The great martial artist Professor Gary Lee ,Gary has taken the gift of Life and though his great character , dedication and ethical standards built a wonderful educational institution that carcasses the entire legendary history of sport martial arts before the legends are gone. He is a tireless worker for the sport karate history that should be told and shared, I will support his efforts what ever it takes .
12 / 26 / 09
Karl E. Geis
Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame
Kudon Judo
Kudon Aikido In 1978
I was leaving California back to South Carolina and then to Texas ,one of my friends Mr. Gene Lebell said ” if you go to Texas , Gary ,especially Houston ,look up my good friend Karl Geis. I will call him and let him know your coming , he’s as good as me ,maybe a pinch better”, Mr. Lebell hug me without choking me out and I was gone to Texas. The fearsome four I called them, these were my first encounters in Texas , Linda Denley , George Minshew, Jimmy Tabares and Mr. Geis .
I am a youngster ,early twenties and I am in Texas, I found the Dojo in the phone book , before the internet , I hitch hike to Long point , then to Butter crest and there it is , bigger than life Dojo and home ,together, it was cool ,he lived on this huge piece of land ,Dojo and home ,engulf by trees and beautiful landscape . I walked up to the door , bowed and saw about twenty Judo and Aikido animals working out, saw a stool and sat down , nobody came up to me or acknowledge my presence and I just sat there and sat there, finally I got up ,went to bathroom ,changed into my Gi , bowed on the floor and started working my Kata , back then I was running Sepei and Unsu, Kan Ku Dai, ,
I was getting looks and still know one had came up to me and even said Osu or hello and then it hit me not all Dojos are Karate friendly.
I had learned that from my travels around America, maybe I had stepped in the wrong Dojo, so I went into Hawaii mode and I saw a bunch of brooms , I grabbed one and started sweeping, still no one acknowledge me , after about a hour the class had thinned out to just Black Belts and then he walked in! Everyone stop what they were doing and said ” Osu” and his presence was pure and real ,
Now there were two only Black Belts left so I went to put the broom back in the corner, I had been sweeping for almost two hours when I heard a gruff but soft voice say ” Please you missed a spot over there and when you finish run those Japanese Katas again ,
I like Unsu the best, Osu”
This is how I met Mr. Geis , we sat though the night and talked and I knew I had made a dear friend . Garett was introduced to Mr. Geis at four years old and would go with us on many lunches at Mr. Geis’s favorite Korean restaurants , go back to the Dojo and work on sweeps, take downs, joint locks ,roto seganigi,ippon seginati, attitude, attitude, attitude,
Osu
I really believed the reason Garett was so tough on his Black Belt test was because of that training,
Osu
1999, Mr. Geis never came to events ,however he did come to the first Living legends and watch Garett ,
I remember he sat next to Kim Soo.
Though the years it was a visit here and there ,always asking his advice on the Museum, he had given me some personal items and his blessing ,his love though the years and help my son be the martial artist he is today
There is something special I remember , when ever we would have lunch and if a policeman or first respondors was in the restaurant ,he would pay for their meal , I saw this dozen of times , one day at a Korean Restaurant he bought eight policemen lunch and mine , he was ptretty cool,,,Osu
Thank you in so many ways , Good bye my friend ,Osu,,,here is song for you sir I remember one of our lunches ,you liked this song and wanted me to play it twice,,
Osu
Love Gary and Garett
https://youtu.be/cf0BGdmmtAI
Sensei Karl E. Geis, Judan, passed away this April 18th. Karl E. Geis, 10th Dan Professor of Aikido, 10th Dan Professor of Judo, and 9th Dan Professor of Jodo, had been a significant martial arts figure in the United States since the late 1950s.
He began studying Judo at the Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan, in 1955, while stationed there as a member of the United States Air Force, and was introduced to Aikido the following year.
Upon his return to the United States, Mr. Geis continued his studies, both at home and on a number of extended sabbaticals to Japan throughout the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, expanding his training to include Jodo (short staff fighting art), as well.
His extensive martial arts experience covers an impressive fifty years, and for over fifteen years, until his passing, he headed an international association of martial artists nearly a thousand strong. His individual blend of Western analytical thought and Eastern understanding, will continue to make his technical styles unique and valuable to martial artists throughout the world.
Mr. Geis was known for his vast technical knowledge of Aikido and Judo, along with his ability to demonstrate this knowledge, but he was, also, known for his ability to teach the martial arts.
He pioneered the positive reinforcement method of teaching the martial arts in the early 60’s, long before the effectiveness of this approach was recognized and accepted. His work with children remains a model for successful schools everywhere. Over the years, Mr. Geis touched the lives of literally thousands of people, and his life was an outstanding example of a generous and unselfish man.
Protecting the History , One Warrior at a Time
http://www.sportkaratemuseum.org
You know after all the fussing,lying,two face backstabbing bull crap ,all the negative criticism and constructive criticism, the suggestions, the manipulation of one’s words and the deliberate decisions to hurt or have bad intent toward someone or some group that exist.
You have forgiveness and after all when you think about it ,…….
We are all just passing though,,,,,,,.this life of moments!
Learn to forgive…….
.
Professor Gary Lee
9th Dan
Sport Karate Museum Archives
http://www.sportkaratemuseum.org
The “LIVE INTERVIEW”
September 8th, 2016
Listen to the new episode Interview With Professor Gary Lee Founder of The Sport Karate Museum Archives!
This show will remind you of your sport karate roots and how all of us were mesmerized by our heroes who were Asian influence with Karate , however sport karate was born in America!
Enjoy the Show !
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theamaa-martialartsshow/2016/09/09/interview-with-professor-gary-lee-founder-of-the-sport-karate-museum
Protecting the History , One Warrior at a Time
http://www.sportkaratemuseum.org
A Texas Sport Karate Christmas Story
We are so blessed to have our everyday lives and to be in the surroundings we have built our lives around and yet we are surrounded by the sadness that a child is hungry or without shelter and they are hundreds ,maybe thousands in America.
I will never forget all those years on the road of life ,homeless
I believe in one person and they may make a difference and people are generally good with good intentions ,
We can make a difference!
I was near the George R.Brown convention center visiting one of my favorite restaurants today and I notice a little boy selling American Flags on a stick, he had about ten of them and I asked him “How Much”
He looked at me and said “Just a donation, sir, my Dad needs a new stick for his Karate and I want to buy him one for Christmas”
I asked him “Where is your Dad ?
Then a gruff voice spoke and said ,” Abel, I told you not to talk to strangers unless I was present”
Obviously it was the boys father and because I was curious I mention Karate and then I see the patch , a early 1980’s Karate Olympiks Competitor patch that was given to fighters at the Houston event almost forty years ago .
I am freaking now!!! and asked him who what ,when and where and we sit down and talk. .
Thirty years ago, he was very successful in his consulting business , married ,two kids and he took karate on the north side of town.
He remember me distinctively, he said I was loud , wore a Black Uniform and broke a lot of boards .
In the nineties he lost everything , family ,home , job and he has been living on the street ever since , all those years ,,,I was blown away that he was not bitter and with what he remember of his karate days.
He asked me to meet his new family and it wasn’t to far ,down by the bayou in the small neck of woods ,tents were set up and three or four families were there together ,his home was two tents ,one for his young boy Abel ,his two sisters and the other was for him and his lady, he offered me a cup of coffee and we talked for another hour and then I asked Abel ,,,
Hey little brah,,,,can I still make a donation for the flags?,,,except I want to get all Ten of them and the big stick you meant earlier was a staff? ,,,right
Yeah I was right his Dad would practice with a Bo after all these years and he had broken his Bo defending against a bunch of hoods one night . .
I told them to stay put and I would be back in a couple of hours.
I went to the Karate Studio and got a six foot bo /staff , wrapped in a ribbon and two Gi’s ,one for him and one for Abel.
Then I went to Toys R Us and took care of Santa Clause for Abel and the girls,got a tree and decorations , five stockings and filled them up with simple necessities ,lots of Hard Candy and gift cards of some local dinners and cafeterias and of course McDonald’s gift cards for Breakfast ,,,
Thank goodness for the dollar stores and Five and Under , Toys R Us Manager and the Walgreen’s Manager that helped.
My last stopped was LaQuinta Inns by the Convention Center , the Manager was a dear friend of mine and I had a few events there and he owed me a favor or two ,,so I asked him to give this Old Karate Warrior a two night stay for Christmas , Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
When I pulled up ,Abel was the first to come up to me and said “You came back , you came back !!, you still want the flags ?
Of Course I do , however a donation is just not enough and My day was blessed again because of my faith to believe when your passionate about somethings ,you must always give back .
We spent the afternoon making their little camp a little Christmas spirited flavor and I told them I will pick them up Saturday morning Christmas Eve take them to the hotel and take them back to their camp Monday morning
Thank you Lord for making Karate my way of life ….Osu
Hard Candy Christmas
https://youtu.be/bvK1F6bUrzU
LOST RADIO SHOW WIT Professor Gary Lee
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sidekick-talk-radio/2013/01/20/sidekick-talk-radio
We are not a Martial Arts or Black Belt Hall of Fame,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,
We are a Who’s Who of Sport Karate in America,
We are all influence by Asian Culture and history , however Sport Karate was born in America !
It is not a circus show of Jugglers , dance routines or theater acts and we will constantly and be aggressive to protect the History ,One Warrior at a time
The Sport Karate History Generals
Giving back and understanding what the pioneers did for all of us ,60 years Sport Karate has been here in America
Asian Influence ,however created in America, Sport Karate was destine to grow ,how lucky we were to be in the likes of Joe Lewis R.I.P, Chuck Norris,Allen Steen ,J.Pat Burleson ,Jim “Ronin”Harrison,Sid Campbell R.I.P, Mike Stone and watch them become American heroes before our eyes .
Pioneers Radio Blog Show Legends and Pioneers “Parts Unknown” digs into the deep interviews and we want you to call up ,e-mail ,write or call a pioneer in martial arts and tell them “Thank You ”
We are is losing an entire generation of fine Black Belts, men and ladies who laid the foundation for, and developed the strongest system of martial arts in the world.
The passing of each saddens me greatly. .
We suggest that you seek out, and talk with as many from that generation as possible.
When they pass, there will never be the likes of them again. Never.
The time is not to Run Away ,but to embrace our Sport Karate History.
Hug a Sport Karate Pioneer Today !
Running away ,
Pablo Cruise
https://youtu.be/FLNsVXr5zlk
Protecting the History ,One Warrior at a Time
http://www.sportkaratemuseum.org
I went tonight to the American Legion $2.00 Spaghetti dinner and met some incredible people , however a group of special guys were there ,
Real American heroes!
They were part of a special combat group from Nam ,who after all these years, get together and share .
Reserved ,but serious folk ,
When a loudmouth across the room just started talking crap , not a soldier ,just a loudmouth !
I walked over and asked him to show a little respect and remember where he is and the heroes that were in that room ,
He was arrogant and rude and had no clue what he was blabbering about .
Finally ,one of the Vets ,Old timer, maybe 70 plus years old who had his computer with him said to the loudmouth pecker head,Sir ,,
May I show you something ?
He then brought this picture up on his computer and then kinda started to cry and said” You know young man , I hear you talking about War and Combat ,but do you know why we did what we did ,it was for the man next to you and the self protection of loyalty to one another !
That is a fact that no one understood except the man beside you.
That is why I,,we went out sometimes twice ,three times what ever it took to get the job done and the most important fact ,,,,,,
Never leave no one behind , not one person, not ever.
We always thought this war was going to end soon and it never did.
I hope you never have to experience true Hell , young man .
Then he went to the little bar in the hall and sat and cried
,
I put my arm around him and cried a little myself and thought what a honor being here and hearing that witness of this American Hero!
He looked up at me and said “Thank you for confronting that guy” ,
You know I should be on that wall but a few of those guys save my life ,so I am here instead ,they didn’t leave me behind.
When the RPG hit ,I was hit pretty bad , couldn’t walk or crawl and I will never forget the grunts who came back and got me to the copter
I said Sir , you are the one who put him his place and I thank you
Thank you for your service ,Osu
What a night!
“Rambling Cousin Eddie”
I remember our first Dojo, it was less than a thousand square feet!
No wait ,lets go back farther in memory.
It was a small two bedroom apartment and we converted one 10 x12 room into a working Dojo ,holes in the wall ,neighbors calling the police for the loud noises every Tuesday and Thursday night.
Whats funny three of the policemen that came to the complaints became students,,anyway ,,we moved to a little strip center and I remember we had a big huge square stilt in the middle of the small studio and we had to wrap it with blankets so we wouldn’t get hurt hitting against it.
Sensei would knock us into it on purpose because he said ‘that was the guy you didn’t expect and probably would hurt you the most”
The built wooden brace to hang a old canvas heavy bag ,I remember the rolls of duck tape we went though to keep that Bag alive , one table and one chair for sign ups ,one bathroom for changing your clothes and do your business , the Bamboo curtain , two mirrors side by side ,cracked in places from fight nights and a wooden silhouette of a man with holes in it ,that was for the Star throwing that we use to do with Rice Chex Cereal targets,,
Sensei would take Elmers glue and glue these Rice Chex Cereals all over the Man silhouette and for every one we would hit,we didn’t have to the push ups and all the calisthenics and go straight to fighting,
Sensei was kinda weird ,but it worked we had focus ,he called it Kime.
Fights nights would consist of anyone!
I mean anyone ,Sensei would put a add in the local community newspaper and it would say “Fight Night ” at the Pashou school of Self Defense, that’s all and they would flock in like seagulls eating popcorn!
I mean all kinds , some with attitudes ,some wanting to workout ,some just wanting to watch for it was that crazy, Karate people Bikers,Cowboys ,Ninja’s high ranking wanna be fighters and my favorite Boxer’s , anytime a real Boxer would come in we would all get the crapp beat out of us!
Sensei would put everybody’s name in a bowl and two names would be drawn and they would fight , period ,,
The only problem is those guys above had no idea who they were fighting ,sparring or getting it on with Sport Karate fighters that Sensei was friends with and would be there on a regular basis was Louis Vazquez, , Al Garza, Steve Fotenote, Linda Denley, Kevin W. Scott,Ernie “Radar” Smith, Jeff McRae, Cocky Fotenote, George “Lighting “Sorrell, Chris Klecka,Kevin Roy, James Vernon,James Sparkman, John Sparkman, Hippiie.
I also remember three kids that was Sensei’s kids and they were tough.
They came from that little apartment Dojo , Stacy Love, Kevin Roy, Troy Smith.
I could never figure out why Sensei would put those Kids in with all those fighters, now years later I understand, fighting adults made them mentally tough so if they could do this ,when they grow up they could do anything!
So many others walked though that little Dojo !
All I remember the next day ,maybe for two days afterward,
I couldn’t walk and and it was extremely hard moving around in my RV.
“Rambling Cousin Eddie”
A martial arts Fan
“Rambling Cousin Eddie”
Opinion of a Martial Arts Fan
I remember our first Dojo, it was less than a thousand square feet!
No wait ,lets go back farther in memory.
It was a small two bedroom apartment and we converted one 10 x12 room into a working Dojo ,holes in the wall ,neighbors calling the police for the loud noises every Tuesday and Thursday night.
Whats funny three of the policemen that came to the complaints became students,,anyway ,,we moved to a little strip center and I remember we had a big huge square stilt in the middle of the small studio and we had to wrap it with blankets so we wouldn’t get hurt hitting against it.
Sensei would knock us into it on purpose because he said ‘that was the guy you didn’t expect and probably would hurt you the most”
The built wooden brace to hang a old canvas heavy bag ,I remember the rolls of duck tape we went though to keep that Bag alive , one table and one chair for sign ups ,one bathroom for changing your clothes and do your business , the Bamboo curtain , two mirrors side by side ,cracked in places from fight nights and a wooden silhouette of a man with holes in it ,that was for the Star throwing that we use to do with Rice Chex Cereal targets,,
Sensei would take Elmers glue and glue these Rice Chex Cereals all over the Man silhouette and for every one we would hit,we didn’t have to the push ups and all the calisthenics and go straight to fighting,
Sensei was kinda weird ,but it worked we had focus ,he called it Kime.
Fights nights would consist of anyone!
I mean anyone ,Sensei would put a add in the local community newspaper and it would say “Fight Night ” at the Pashou school of Self Defense, that’s all and they would flock in like seagulls eating popcorn!
I mean all kinds , some with attitudes ,some wanting to workout ,some just wanting to watch for it was that crazy, Karate people Bikers,Cowboys ,Ninja’s high ranking wanna be fighters and my favorite Boxer’s , anytime a real Boxer would come in we would all get the crapp beat out of us!
Sensei would put everybody’s name in a bowl and two names would be drawn and they would fight , period ,,
The only problem is those guys above had no idea who they were fighting ,sparring or getting it on with Sport Karate fighters that Sensei was friends with and would be there on a regular basis was Louis Vazquez, , Al Garza, Steve Fotenote, Linda Denley, Kevin W. Scott,Ernie “Radar” Smith, Jeff McRae, Cocky Fotenote, George “Lighting “Sorrell, Chris Klecka,Kevin Roy, James Vernon,James Sparkman, John Sparkman, Hippiie.
I also remember three kids that was Sensei’s kids and they were tough.
They came from that little apartment Dojo , Stacy Love, Kevin Roy, Troy Smith.
I could never figure out why Sensei would put those Kids in with all those fighters, now years later I understand, fighting adults made them mentally tough so if they could do this ,when they grow up they could do anything!
So many others walked though that little Dojo !
All I remember the next day ,maybe for two days afterward,
I couldn’t walk and and it was extremely hard moving around in my RV.
“Rambling Cousin Eddie”
A martial arts Fan
I had a letter the other day come in and I try to read all the fan mail I can, we get hundreds ,I do not throw away one piece of mail that is handwritten ,for that is a rare moment now in the old age of e-mail and internet communication and I feel if some one takes the time to sit down and write a letter
I will take the time to read it and I am glad I did
It was a letter from a retired Doctor , a surgeon who had his practice in St. Louis, Missouri and in his early years of the 60’s ,he was a Practitioner of martial arts under Hanshi Sid Campbell in Oakland, California, a Shorin Ryu master teacher who was one of the first of his kind to introduce traditional martial arts in America.
The letter read ” I have been keeping up with all the positive and negative response to whether or not people care about the History of Sport Karate and the archives that people are having questions about things that hapen 50 ,40 ,30 years ago when the sport was created and I feel people do give a #%*^# about the history.
I want to know and most of all I would like to see more people care , I know people forget and they get invovled with other things in life ,however as a retired professional I will never forget what sport karate did for my focus and concentration to be a Doctor, now I feel I want to know every thing, how, when, where and when things happen , so I follow men and hard core karate historians like Professor and I know even though we will probaly never meet I appreciate the history gathering , Osu
Thank you
Dr. Stanley Provost ,retired
Fan of the Sport Karate history archives.
A Statement from Sid Campbell, an American Sport Karate Pioneer
Aloha and welcome,
The Sport Karate Museum Organization under the guidance of founder Gary Lee is a major step forward in preserving the past, unifying the present and strengthening the future of the sporting aspects of our art. It is also the official home of the history, traditions and accomplishments of great martial artists that pioneered the way in bringing these exciting sport-oriented martial traditions to the United States and spreading it throughout the western world.
What we see today in the vast expanse where the martial arts have entrenched itself in American’s culture and social fabric is a plethora of positive human qualities that was spawned by the martial arts sport movement. Through venues like karate tournaments, major action-adventure motion picture productions, professionally sanctioned televised events, martial arts schools, law enforcement agency defense tactics curriculums, Internet connectivity, seminars, magazine publishers, equipment supply companies, instructional books, educational DVDs, video arcade games, etc. — can all, in one way or another, trace its roots back to the sport martial arts competitors of the early 1960s when the Asian martial traditions were being introduced to the world. More specifically, it was the martial arts competitors, tournament producers and the fans of that bygone era that we today call the “golden age” of karate in America is of where this expansive and phenomenal growth evolved from in the first place.
Being fortunate enough to be one of the first Americans to teach Okinawan karate in the United States and western world during karate’s “golden age” of the 60s, I was blessed to be a part this cultural evolution. To be a small part of this dedicated cadre of this movement which now touts tens of millions of practitioners on a global scale still humbles me beyond the scope of words alone.
In my wildest dreams I could not have imagined that the martial disciplines like karate, kung-fu (gung-fu), judo, jujitsu, ninjitsu, tae kwon do, kempo, escrima, kendo, aikido, iaido, kali, capoeira, savate, sambo, kobudo, pankration, bugei, wushu, mixed martial arts and eclectic martial arts would have reached that level of popularity in the past forty some odd years. And, to see the art I love so much endure these sometimes tumultuous times and undergo so many innovative changes along the way while still retaining the quintessential essence of its original purpose and traditional values is truly astounding. Perhaps what is just incredible about this form of physical expression that emphasizes moral and ethical values is that it has helped develop some of the finest human beings that these past four decades of growth can produce. I must attribute this, at least in part, to the exceptional martial arts educators that have dedicated their life and energy to elevating the spirit of the warrior and teaching the arts that has been a way of life for a select few for the past fifteen hundred years.
The Sport Karate Museum was created and founded on the premise that the efforts, dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm of these early practitioners would be preserved and passed forth for posterity sake. A noble cause in deed when we stop to think that many future generations will know who was responsible for this phenomenal growth and worldwide popularity from a sport perspective. Again, I must reiterate that this worthy endeavor to document, archive and house the sporting aspects of these myriad of martial disciplines that were, in part, responsible for this global popularity of the martial arts is the righteous and just action to take so that future generations will be able to share in the excitement, enthusiasm and camaraderie that was unwittingly nurtured in karate’s “golden age” of karate in America. And, as with any endeavor that attracts the interest of millions of avid devotees, preserving the past, unifying the present and strengthening the future needs a strong foundation to insure existence.
I believe Gary Lee has set the cornerstone in place through his unceasing efforts and true love for the martial disciplines to guide this endeavor into the future. His insightful perception will undoubtedly insure that the sports aspects of the martial arts will be preserved and passed forward for many, many generations to come. For that, we will all be deeply indebted.
As you visit the Five House you will step back in time to when America and the western world was embracing the cultural traditions of Asia and forming an international bond that is stronger today because of his many years of hard work.
Essentially Gary Lee has captured time in a bottle so that others can share these moments and drink from that same fountain of knowledge that America’s karate pioneers enjoyed from its introduction in 1945 in Phoenix, Arizona.
With great respect and Aloha,
Malama pono,
Sid Ka’imi Campbell R.I.P
10th dan, hanshi, kaicho
Founder, the World Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do and Kobudo Association (WOSKKA)
Once in a while, when I’m alone, I think about my age. I think, How many more years do I have on this earth?
But I can’t really conceive of dying. Somehow, in my head, I don’t think I’ll die. I know that everybody dies, of course.
I just think that it’ll never come to me.
It’s crazy, but there it is.”
Don Rickles
Don Rickles said “It takes many years to perfect your craft being a Comedian,,,,,,
Dean Martin responds and says , Yeah your time hasn’t came yet !
and Don Rickles responds ,,”Thank you Jerry” (inside joke)
And you will Mr. Rickles , when I was growing up I had three comedians that I copied things about them to make me a better actor and just funny for the Six Flag Shows.
They were Red Skeleton because of his wisdom ,improvisational skills , love of country he would say regulary before and after his shows and always saying “God Bless”
Then there was Robin Williams who I opened for at the Houston Actors Conservatory of Texas for the MENSA FOUNDATION, he was so funny I would cry so hard laughing on and off camera and his smartness overwhelmed me and now we have loss Mr. Don Rickles Comedy royalty.
I loved him the first time I saw him live in Las Vegas and then in 1997 the Sport Karate Museum created the Celebrity Roast after Dean Martins Celebrity Roast and I studied every clip of all those Roast and 25 Roast later
it has been a great ride!
.
Mr. Rickles from you I learned to be funny without ever cussing being vulgar and if I dId become tenacious, still going for the throat to take someone down verbally,
It was always a fact I was entertainer, not racial , not predious , just funny you were smart ,extremely humble and a role model for anybody that wanted to be your kind of funny ,,yes you will live forever and in my mind and I thank you and cherish the moments you gave us .
Don Rickles R.I.P
A loyal fan
Professor Gary Lee
Founder
Sport Karate Museum Archives
https://youtu.be/ZblPwNLH6hg?list=RDv-oItsU_l4c
Tonight at a gathering some of my Black Belts asked me how many?
I came back and asked How many what ,,,lol
They said,,,, Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductions and nominations?
and I said
“ALWAYS REMEMBER ,,,,IT IS NOT THE AWARD ,NOR THE NOMINATION ,IT IS THE THOUGHT OF SOMEONE OR GROUP APPRECIATING YOUR WORK IN THE INDUSTRY and SPORT .
Work hard and you will be bless,,Osu
I have never paid for any of these great honors and moments and stood my ground on the pay for fame thing going on in American martial arts even my expenses have been taken care at most of the events and each producer one by one is special in their own way,too,,,Osu
Very Honored , lucky Hawaii Boi
Professor Gary Lee ***Hawaiian Martial Arts
Who’s Who in the Martial Arts 1st edition 1982
Who’s Who in the Martial Arts 2nd edition
Okinawan Kobujutsu Association & Martial Arts Federation.
Historian Award
Nominated 1997 “Competitor of the Year
Black Belt Magazine
NBL Texas Hall of Fame
AOK “Golden Greek” MVP Hall of Fame
World Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame
Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Nominated 1998 “Man of the Year
Black Belt Magazine
Hawaiian Martial Arts Hall of Fame
AFKA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Masters Hall of Fame
Karate Masters Hall of Fame
International Black Belt Hall of Fame
Black Dragon Fighting Society “The Gate Keeper Award”
Kumite Hall of Fame Scholarship fund
United States Black Belt Hall of Fame Historian Award
International Ryukyu Karatejutsu Research Society
Honor Roll
Martial Arts USA Alliance Hall of Fame
All Pro Tae Kwon Do Hall of Fame
Who’s Who in the Martial Arts 2016 edition
AMAA Who’s Who Living Legends Award
Four Seasons Samurai Hall of Fame
Kenpo International Black Belt Hall of Fame
Who’s Who in the Martial Arts 2017 edition
Revisited —Building the Sport Karate Museum ,one mile at a time,,,,
A two week “Old School Road Trip ” visiting 10 cities and over 25 martial art studios teaching Tae Kwon Do to Shotokan and stuff I never heard of , that’s OK ,
I have learned that this is a new era and many people teach many things ,however it is still a muddy glass of water in some of the studios I visited, some schools did not Kia!!! , said it was a waste of time and energy, I left that studio fast, lol
Then another studio I visited was just point karate INSTRUCTION ,no foundation ,just trained for tournaments ,a trophy mongul,,lol, Then all those MMA schools charging $160.00 to $200.00 a month ,it’s crazy!
I did get rejuvenated visiting Grand Master James Toney R.I.P and his wife Connie ,what was a suppose to be a short pick up of something special for the Sport Karate Museum ,turn out to be a six hour visit down memory lane and the Special gift ” the first protege Safety Gear Jhoon Rhee gave to the karate schools to test market BACK IN THE 70’S ,it looks like a coffee cup with holes in it”,, he signed it and I was off to Sherman Texas to hang out with Rick Arnold , World Champion Troy Dorsey ,Mike Ashwood and Youth Minister Brian Ulch to share “Champion’s Day “, after cutting many cucumbers, zucchini ,bananas and breaking two -ply toilet paper with my new buddy Grayson .
I fished the Arnold’s stock pond with the girls and Colton and caught 12 Bass ,,,cool ,
Then a COOL PHONE CALL !!
Century Fitness my longtime Sponsor from the beginning in 1999 called and they would like the Sport Karate Museum to have a booth this year at the SUPER SHOW!
Jim Harrison representing the 60’s, Jim Butin representing the 70’s, Keith Vitali representing the 70’s and 80’s and myself representing the 70’s 80’s and 90’s and World Champion Eric Loveless will represent the Sport Karate Museum Non Profit at the SUPER SHOW in Las Vegas ,July 1-3
Then I was off to Fort Worth, Texas to drop off Living Legends Roast Tickets with Jamie Cashion and the Wiltfong brothers , had a special Okinawa Karate Class with my sister school ,taught a Sword class to my private students David Collins and Jason Wigley , then off to Lake Fork , Lake Ray Roberts and Big Sam Rayburn to pre – fish for upcoming tournaments , after wards hooked up with Huntsville School of Karate Animal Jerry Nuiez to sell a Living Legend Roast Table too, also stopped by our sponsor for Scott Messina’s Super Roast “Tokyo Grill” Great Sushi and Sake !!
Got refreshed again seeing my “old school” buddy and fight partner Curtis Bodiford from Toshido Karate , he was a Animal but today he was working the Micro Super Peewees, they were three and under ,maybe pushing four , it was great to see him being abused by those micro animals, osu ,, we had some great wars back in the 80’s ,in closing I miss the communication on the computer ,however I enjoyed not banging on that plastic addictive keyboard for two weeks “Old School Road Trip”,,Osu