Donald Bohan’s Memorial Website - Presents

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"The Bohan's and Family Website 

Pays Tribute To The

Extraordinary Martial Artist"

(** Click on the Martial Artist's picture for Biographies)

"Warrior of the Month"

Being called a "Warrior" by Sensei Bohan (Papasan) was by far the greatest compliment that he could give.  As a career U.S. Marine who served in combat during the Vietnam War and later retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, he spent a great deal of time around men and women who fit that moniker.  He survived the tough Okinawa weather and workouts in Soke Shimabuku’s famous Agena Dojo.  He trained alongside some other tough young marines who also were just starting their Isshin-Ryu career.  His dojomates included Mitchum, Armstrong, Harrill, Ewing, Advincula, all names that are synonymous with excellence.  He was a main staple in Grand Master Don Nagle’s early dojo and regularly fought amongst other well-known and feared fighters such as Ed McGrath, Ralph Bove, Rick Niemira, and a host of other Isshin-Ryu pioneers. The criteria for being selected, as “Warrior of the Month” is simple.  First be a person who tends to put others and their interests first (something Papasan did regularly). Be a fighter in every sense of the word by never giving up on what is right and proper (another Bohan trait). Set the example and the pace for others to see and follow (still tracking with Sensei).  And finally, be proud of whatever it is your doing and always remembering who got you there.  Selection is not limited to the aforementioned traits, but it is something that Papasan would have looked for first in each individual.