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In Memory
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HANSHI JODY GIBSON

 

( Joseph Paul Katz berg )

 

5th Dan Shotokan Karate-do, 7th Dan Shojukempo, 1st Dan Judo

 

 Hanshi Jody Gibson a great Martial Artist and Mentor has

 

More than 40 years of Martial Arts training in Shotokan Karate-do. His first Instructor was Master John Saviano of the Shotokan Dojo in Warren Rhode Island. His second Instructor was Sensei Walter Renshaw. His third Instructor was Maestro Giuseppi Guaraldi of the Kodokan Dojo in Newport, Rhode Island and the Kodokan Dojo in Bologna, Italy JKA. When the Maestro isn't teaching at the Newport Kodokan Dojo, Hanshi Gibson trains at Sensei McDermott's Dojo in Newport Rhode Island members of the Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association. Hanshi Gibson is the Technical Director for all 3 R.I.Shotokan Karate Dojo's, Cranston Hombu Dojo HQ., Nathan Bishop Middle School Shotokan Karate Club Providence, St. Peter's Catholic School Shotokan Karate Club Warwick. Hanshi Gibson is Shihan Larry S.L.Martin's Mentor. Shihan Martin and Shihan Dacey are students of Maestro Giuseppi Guaraldi of the JKA. All 3 Dojo's are members of the American JKA Karate Association and the JKA, Japan Karate Association, World JKA Karate Alliance, Hanshi Gibson has been a great help to all who have sought his Knowledge & help. this year Hanshi Gibson will be Inducted into the Shojukempo International Hall of Fame as a Grandmaster of Shojukempo Shotokan Karate-do 8th Dan Red & White Belt. Hanshi Gibson has trained in the Kempo System under Prof. Larry S.L. Martin for 9 years and at the same time Hanshi Gibson was Mentoring Prof. Martin in his Shotokan Karate-do and that was when Hanshi Gibson Introduced Mastro Giuseppi Guaraldi to Shihan Martin & Dacey. if it wasn't for Hanshi Gibson our Shotokan wouldn't be where it is today. R.I.Shotokan Karate-do Hombu Dojo is # 1 when it comes to Shotokan Karate-do. we all would like to say thank you Hanshi for the best years

 


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Tetsuhiko Asai

 

Of all of the JKA Instructors, there are few like Tetsuhiko Asai. When you watch him fight, there’s something quite mesmerising. He is incredibly nimble on his feet, and employs fantastic abilities to evade via ducking, jumping and spinning. Those who have trained with him comment on his deep, but very thoughtful personality and witness a mountain of knowledge behind his eyes.

 

            Born in born in 1935 in Ehime, Shikoku prefecture, Japan, Asai Sensei, the son of a policeman was always very interested in the Martial Arts, practicing sumo, but also becoming quite adept in kendo and judo.

 

            Despite beginning and training in karate, he once saw a man in a dogi and being very impressed by this man’s strength decided to also try to join the infamous Takushoku University, and although hating revision, Asai worked hard to pass the entrance exam so he could enter the University.

 

            In 1958, Asai graduated from the University, and upon the suggestion of M. Nakayama, former Chief Instructor of the JKA, he decided to enrol in the Instructors Programme and three years later he graduated.

 

            Asai Sensei also employed his impressive fighting skills in competition, holding several impressive titles to his name. He even became Grand Champion at the All Japan Championships in kata and kumite, impressively beating the likes of Shirai Sensei and Mikami Sensei.

 

            Asai has taught throughout the world, but he did spend a considerable amount of time teaching in Hawaii, and was made technical director of the JKA, and eventually being made Chief Instructor of the JKA.

 

            In 2000 however, Asai, followed his own path, creating the non-profit Japan Karate Shotokai, which has impressively spread throughout the world.

 

            All who train with Asai are mesmerised. He is one of the most dynamic fighters to have existed, and his movements are beautiful and full of energy. Of Asai, M. Nakayama once wrote ‘Tetsuhiko Asai’s ever-changing movements, sometimes resembling a dance performed in the air, leave spectators gaping with admiration. His inimitable talent has its source in training since youth, fostering powerful hips, a flexible body, deep technical skill, excellent reflexes and nerveless courage.’

 

Sadly, Asai passed away on August 15th 2006, after battling cancer. He was 71 years old. His legacy will live on.