Biography of - Sensei Russell Peter F. Best, Sr.

     Russell Peter F. Best, Sr.,  an African-American,  was born in Long Branch, New Jersey.  He attended Long Branch Senior High School.

     Mr. Best enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 11, 1957.

     He met and married Catherine L. Best, on April 18, 1959.  Their marriage produced four (4) children; Monica, Russell Jr., Ronald and Varonica, all of whom have earned a Black Belt ranking.

     Mr. Best was stationed in Okinawa, Japan in June 1964, where he had the honor and privilege to receive training in the Isshin-Ryu System of Karate under the direct instruction of Grand Master Soke Tatsuo Shimabuku.

     While undergoing his karate training on Okinawa, he was also studying the Japanese language.  Sensei John Bartusevics and Soke Shimabuku asked him to answer the various letters sent to Okinawa with questions about Soke and the Isshin-Ryu system.  These letters came from Isshin-Ryu Students around the world.  Sensei Best thereby became the Staff Secretary of the American Okinawan Karate Association.

     Twelve (12) months after the start of his Isshin-Ryu training Russell Best, Sr. was promoted to the 1^st Degree Black Belt Rank of Sho-Dan from Tatsuo Shimabuku himself.  Soke Shimabuku presented him with a black belt that he had worn a few times, himself.

     In June 1967, Sensei Best was transferred to San Juan, Puerto Rico.  While residing on base in military housing, his practicing Isshin-Ryu was noticed by some of the local youths who indicated they wanted to learn.  He was granted the use of an empty barrack and converted it into an Isshin-Ryu Dojo.  Sensei Best thereby introduced Isshin-Ryu Karate-Do to Puerto Rico.  He taught Isshin-Ryu Karate in Puerto Rico for two and one half (2 ½ ) years, until he received orders to the Vietnam War.

     While serving in Vietnam I provide Isshin-Ryu instructions of a few military personnel, when time permitted.  During this period, the magazine OFFICIAL KARATE, selected me as the Karate-Ka of the month. The Official Karate magazine issue is April 1972, Volume 4,  No. 18.

     When Mr. Best returned to the USA he was stationed at several Marine Corps Bases until he retired with twenty-two (22) years of service.

    Sensei Best then became a Maryland police officer and  earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Law Enforcement from The Prince Georges Community College in Lanham, Maryland then retired from this second career after twenty-two (22) years.