02/06/2026
Hello to all TMAA Family Members and Friends and Family. Finally getting caught up on another belated martial arts post for the New Year. April 1st, 2025, was the 50-year anniversary of my martials arts journey which began back in April of 1975. To celebrate and give back to all the students, over the many years the True Martial Arts Academy held its annual Beisho Association Seminar on May 31st. In attendance there were over 75 current and former students, instructors and family who came from across the United States, California, Oregon, Colorado, Ohio, Maryland, New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The Seminar guest instructor was Sensei Ed Kearney, 7th dan from Cleveland Oh. Sharing his knowledge of Silat, close quarter combat and knife fighting on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Saturday morning Professor Harry Curtis of Castoldi Ju jitsu and self defense shared his knowledge of locks and holds along with Sensei Steven Tuilimeri presenting skills and drills of ground fighting.
As the seminar came to a close late Saturday afternoon the dojo was now packed with all the students past and present as the group was led through an awards ceremony honoring all those that had helped me on my journey. One of the principles I spoke about was the concept of "Push and Pull" as it related to the people who helped push and pull me along the way, both physically and emotionally in both our lives. Too many to name, but a heart felt attitude of gratitude to my family members for their support and participation whether they wanted to or not… lol, my Instructor Papa Christopher Clarke and all the instructors I trained with over the years and the students that walked the path along the way, arigato gozaimasu.
What followed next were many rank promotions from 1st degree black belt, Shodan to 10th degree black belt, Judan. An amazing accomplishment for so many individuals spanning over 65 years of knowledge and training embedded in years of friendship, hard work, dedication, blood, sweat and tears, laughter and fun along the way!
I was honored with a promotion to Kudan (9th degree black belt) from my instructor Papa Chris, presenting me with his red belt that he has worn over his many years. I am extremely grateful and humbled to be honored with this promotion and acknowledgement of the many years of training, teaching and cultivating karate-do!
And it was only fitting to end the seminar with promoting the founder of our Beisho Association, Papa Christopher Clarke to the rank of Judan, 10th degree black belt. An amazing journey of over 65 years of training, teaching, leadership, educational and historical writings of karate and kobudo (weapons) that has inspired many students to continue their pursuit of the martial arts!
