Isshinryu Karate: Donald Bohan's Memorial Website: Don Bohan Tributes

Donald Bohan’s Memorial Website - Presents

"Bohan's and Family Guest Book"

To add to the Guest Book please sent an e - mail with your comments, Dojo and Website information, etc. to :

chinto@cox.net

Letter from Grand Master Angi Uezu

presented at

The Bohan/Niemira Memorial Martial Arts Championship in Fredericksburg, VA / June 28,2008



      This tournament is indeed a great occasion for many reasons. It is dedicated to the memory of two karate gentlemen, Sensei Don Bohan and Sensei Rick Niemira.   It is only right that they be honored and remembered by their community for what they have passed on to it- the principles of honor, commitment and respect.

      I am deeply moved by the invitation to this special gathering, and I want to express my sincere appreciation to Sensei Wayne Wayland for his gracious hospitality. Due to the current circumstances of my present body condition and the need for me to care for my wife, I cannot travel long distances. Although I cannot be with you physically today, please know that I am with you in spirit, wishing you all well and the best of luck to all the competitors.

      It would please Master Shimabuku to know that his karate continues through the practice of everyone attending today’s tournament. It is also important to remember that the Master Shimabuku’s purpose for Isshinryu was to train mind, body and spirit. And the aim is to achieve a clean heart. Without it the karateka falls short of his accomplishments. Let us continue our practice of empty hand with a clean heart.

     I believe it is important that we keep in our hearts that what truly makes today special is the fact that no matter what school as individuals you represent, you came together in friendship to share your enthusiasm for Isshinryu. Let it not end at the closing of this day; but rather let it be a beginning of new friendships as well as a reunion for friends from times long passed.



Grand Master Angi Uezu

June 30, 2008

Name: Tokumura Kensho, Okinawa

Comment: Master Wayland

Master Bohan's Tournament - Like A Dream, Like A Dream, Like A Dream.

Tokumura Kensho

June 30, 2008

Name: Grand Master Dr. Maung Gyi, (Founder / Grand Master of Bando)

Comment: Dear Master Wayland,

Thank you for your generous hospitality. I want to congratulate you on your well organized and well run tournament. Everyone there enjoyed the competitions and presentations. It was a great success.

I am sending photos I took of you at the event. Hope you like them. I am also sending photo CDs of the Isshinryu dignitaries present at the tournament.

I would be very grateful if you could send me the MAILING ADDRESS of G-M Harold Mitchum [10th Dan, Isshinryu]. I want to send him the photos I took of him at the tournament.

Thank you again for your wonderful hospitality.

M. Gyi

June 30, 2008

Name: Grand Master Harold M. Mitchum

Comment: Hello Sensei Wayland,

I finally got home after landing in Chattanooga, then taking a somewhat circuitous route to a few other areas in Tennessee.

I want to thank you for inviting me to a fantastic gathering of some very fine martial artists. The tournament was a fitting tribute to your two sensei. It was very obvious to me that they were well respected and honored by all present.

You certainly did a great job of putting it all together, and most of all then making all the pieces come together without any glitches. FANTASTIC job.

You should take yourself on a two week long cruise on a ship with nothing but an all beautiful women crew to take care of you, and serve you wonderful meals like the great chow served at the banquet.

The tournament ran very smooth and had some of the most experienced judges and referees in the business. All of the contestants seemed to be pleased and excited about participating in such great event (very unusual for most tournaments).

I was very happy to see again my old friends I had not seen for 48 years, sensei: Tokumura Kensho, John Bartusevics and Jake Eckenrode and some good friends I have seen in the more recent past.

Thanks again for including me.

Enjoy your cruise

Harold M. Mitchum

June 30, 2008

Name: Grand Master Tom Lewis

Comment: Wayne,

I know you worried yourself half to death wondering if this event would be successful, well, I never had any doubts. It was only the best tournament I have ever attended. This one will go down in the books. I felt as though it was a follow up from the 1st. Isshinryu / Bando tournament in 1970, 38 years later with some of the same faces. The competition was outstanding and I had the privilege to judge the Chinto Kata division, it was the hardest kata judging I have ever done and I expressed that to the competitors.

When I'm surrounded by so much talent, I always feel that I never get to spend enough time with any one person; I'm still high from the atmosphere of the entire weekend. There was so much emotion at times that I was hoping no one saw me choke.

Again, great job and I'm proud to be your friend,

Tom Lewis.

PS - For those that didn't show, they will never know what they missed.

June 30, 2008

Name: HP Henry, Iraq

Comment: Master Wayland

I am very proud of you my friend. Every Sensei should have a student like you. You honored two men this past weekend whose names would have faded into oblivion and whose contributions would have gone relatively unnoticed. On behalf of everyone who had the good fortune of training with Sensei Don Bohan and from everyone who shares in our love for Isshinryu Karate-Do, thank you from the bottom's of our hearts for making this dream of unity come true.

With great respect and admiration,

H.P.

June 30, 2008

Name: Sensei Miriam Niemira

Comment: Wayne:

I must tell you, Wayne, that you outdid yourself this time, To have pulled off such a monumental event - with so many high-ranking Masters from all different factions of Isshinryu and Bando - is truly a magnificent accomplishment, and a tribute not only to Bo and Rick, but to you as well.

I simply cannot express the depth of our gratitude to you and all those who came together to honor them both.   It meant more to us than you will ever know, and I feel quite sure that when my sons are old men, they will still remember this past week.

As you know, the following is etched on Rick's marker:

            A WARRIOR SPIRIT

                        AND

          AN HONORABLE MAN

This most assuredly applies to them both, and I personally can think of no higher tribute.

Humbly yours,

Miriam, Chris, and Brett Niemira

June 30, 2008

Name: Joan Bohan

Comment: Wayne:

The weekend could not have been any better. You completely outdid yourself. I heard Bo talk about Karate events for years and never ever did I hear him describe anything like what you pulled off this past week.

You know Bo had a dream of coming up with something that would bring Isshinryu together for one common cause. I think he passed knowing that he had done his job in creating a loyal student that would carry on, but I think he would be truly surprised that he would have been the reason that they would came together and worked like brothers for one common cause.

You are to be commended. I do not know how to put this into words. All I can say is that Pop thought of you as his son. He loved you as a brother.

Wayne - In carrying on Bo’s legacy you have created your own.

Thank you, for your love and support over the years

Joan

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Robert (Bando Bob) Maxwell

Comment: My Brother Wayne,

I find it difficult to put into words, the admiration and respect I have for you and the fantastic job you did in organizing and running the Bohan/Niemira Memorial Event last weekend. Few of us realize the enormity of the effort you have put into the planning over these past three years. I do not believe there is anyone who loved and respected their Sensei more than you did Papasan. I am sure that he and Rick watched it from on high with "shock and awe" and a great deal of emotion.

Personally, I would like to mention a couple of important things I experienced this past weekend. First, the gathering of so many "founders and cornerstones" of Isshinryu and Bando was without prescient. The tone you set for the event allowed so many to gather together for a common goal to show respect for two great men. How you managed to pull it off remains a mystery to us all.

Next, has to be the long reaching results of having so many Martial Artists together, who have never previously met, and now can start relationships which will hopefully continue to grow and become lasting. The Martial community as whole needs to expand its horizons and reach out to other systems and styles to continue to learn new techniques and make new associations.

I would like to mention a conversation I had with Denny Shaffer during the tournament. Although I had not previously met Denny, we had corresponded often prior to the weekend. While observing Denny and his students all weekend, I was impressed with him both personally and professionally. To say I was highly impressed by his students would be an understatement. I know that skills and attitude are acquired from the examples set by instructors and the Red Dragons demonstrated their Sensei's example very clearly. I was surprised when Denny told me that he had been told that I was the Denny Shaffer of Bando. I felt honored that anyone would make that comparison and took it as a great compliment.

There were so many highlights for me personally during the weekend, it is impossible to note them all. However, I must mention that having Popasan's wife Joan and Rick's wife Miriam in attendance made the event even more personal and memorable for everyone in attendance. It was a very special surprise to have Rick's daughter and grandchildren in attendance. Even though Rick's grandson is studying Taekwondo, I am sure he wouldn't mind. It was also very special to have Rick's long time friend from his D.C. Police years, Dave Smith, provide us with some humorous stories about their days in Washington. Happily, he kept the real juicy stories for another time.....believe me there
are many.

I want to thank my Master, Dr. Maung Gyi, and my Bando Brothers who turned out to honor Bo and Rick. There are only a few of us left who were around twenty years ago and had the honor to know and love Rick. I especially want to thank Dr. Gyi for sharing his skills at the seminar. I was happy to see so many participants and positive responses for a subject matter that was so far removed from that of the other seminars.

Lastly, I need to thank my fellow "Master in Bando and Isshinryu Brotherhood" (MBIB). I look forward to us keeping the spirit of Brotherhood alive and well. I believe we had a great "coming out" this past weekend and kicked it off perfectly by passing on the symbol of our unity to our brother Wayne. He richly deserved it more than anyone else.

Thank you again Wayne for a "once in a lifetime" experience.

Your Brother,

Bob Maxwell

June 30, 2008

Name: Grand Master Denny Shaffer

Comment: Wayne:

I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A TOURNAMENT WITH THE ATMOSPHERE THAT THIS ONE OFFERED. THE PEOPLE THAT WERE THERE PUT THE SPIRIT OF THE OCCASION FIRST. IN MY WEB SITE ARTICLE, WWW.SHAFFERSDRAGONS.COM/ I CALL ATTENTION TO SOME OF THE MANY POSITIVES I ENCOUNTERED. MANY OF THESE PEOPLE I MET FOR THE FIRST TIME. THAT IS MY ONLY REGRET OF THE TRIP. WISH I HAD KNOWN THEM FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. MY STUDENTS LOVED THE LEADERSHIP AND KNOWLEDGE DEMONSTRATED BY THE SENSEI'S AND MASTERS. I WAS AWED BY THE LOVE AND ADMIRATION SHOWN MASTERS BOHAN AND NIEMIRA. I HOPE WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN DO SOMETHING SIMILAR FOR MR. LONG. HONORING THOSE BEFORE US BRINGS HONOR TO ALL OF US AND SETS AN EXAMPLE OF APPRECIATION TO OUR STUDENTS.

YOU DID AN INCREDIBLE JOB. AND ALTHOUGH YOU DON'T WANT ANY CREDIT, ALL KNOW THE MAGNITUDE OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION. YOU DEMONSTRATED A HEART THE SIZE OF THE EVENT.

I'M PROUD TO BE YOUR FRIEND AND WILL HAVE THE HONOR OF INTRODUCING YOU FOR YOUR INDUCTION INTO THE ISSHIN-RYU HALL OF FAME IN GATLINBURG THIS MONTH. I LOOK FORWARD TO THAT EVENING KNOWING YOU'LL HAVE NO CHOICE EXCEPT TO RECEIVE THE ACCOLADES YOU DESERVE.

DRAGON BROTHERS FOREVER,

DENNY SHAFFER

June 30, 2008

Name: Masters Reese and Judy Rigby

Comment:

This is a special thanks to Wayne Wayland for bringing us all together in memory of Master Don Bohan and Master Rick Niemira. To many of us, this was truly a magical weekend. There was much camaraderie, with everyone at the same hotel; the seminars on Friday afternoon, the Summit on Friday night, the tournament on Saturday and the banquet on Saturday night. We were especially impressed with the way the featured Masters at the Summit handled themselves with much dignity and knowledge of the art, yet humbleness. They displayed a true example of what the “one heart way” should be. We hope it doesn’t take the loss of another Master as a special reason to bring us all together.

It was so good to see old friends, and acquire new friendships, all in the name of Isshinryu. It was especially good to see Master Tom Lewis, a good friend and my first instructor, who has recovered so well from a recent illness.

Again, a special thanks to Master Wayne Wayland, Master Karl Hovey and other students and friends of Master Bohan and Master Niemira for making this event so special for everyone. We will all have this in our memories for many years to come.

Domo Arigato,

Reese and Judy Rigby

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Chester Holubecki

Comment: Wayne:

You did an outstanding job this past weekend. Watching you throughout the day reminds me of Master Bohan in many ways. I know that he is smiling and telling the rest of the Masters who have departed, "That's my student, he did everything the way I would have done".

Wayne, congratulations on a job well done. Those of us who were there will never forget it.

Chester Holubecki

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Ralph Passero

Comment: Wayne:

You did a fantastic job putting this event together, you had all the right people there, and every thing that happened went off perfect.

Both Rick Niemira, and Donald Bohan are smiling down on you, for showing your respect for them, Look forward to seeing you again.

In all forty years I have been training and receiving numerous awards, this is the first time I have ever received such an award, and to have Harold Mitchum and Maung Gyi say to me personally, he was impressed with my judging, I was in awe, first to meet him and then to get a compliment from him, and also Tokumura, certainly an honor hard to beat, and one I will never forget.

I thank you for putting on such a great event, and for what ever part you had in me receiving this prestigious award.

Ralph Passero

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Steve Young

Comment: Wayne:

I wanted to thank you for your hospitality and congratulate you on a job well done! I am sure you feel a huge sense of relief now that everything is over.

If I can ever be of assistance, please let me know!

Best regards,

Steve Young

June 30, 2008

Name: Gary Long

Comment: Master Wayland:

I know that I was very impressed and appreciative of the reception we received from all the Don Bohan folks at Master Wayland’s tournament. That is the first time I have been at an Isshinryu gathering dominated by students of someone’s lineage other than Dad’s. I think it was a very impressive assemblage of high-ranking Isshinryu Karate-Ka.

I was thinking it is really a shame that all of the Harold Long lineage folks can not come together in the same atmosphere of friendship and cooperation.

Thank you again Master Wayland for all that you did at your tournament for the Harold Long Foundation and the Harold Long Family. It was really a terrific experience.

Gary Long

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Ralph "Snake" Smith

Comment: Master Wayland:

This had to be one of the greatest events in Isshinryu   history !

THE DREAM LIVES ON !!!!

Ralph Smith

June 30, 2008

Name: Theresa Barnette

Comment: Sensei Wayland:

I had a great time, thank you for helping us around and taking the time in the middle of chaos to make sure we got where we needed to be and had all we needed to make the trip such a great success for us. It was an awesome tournament. I am so glad we made it. Thank you also for your encouragement of Ralph, the award meant a lot to him. He is really struggling with everything he has on him right now, the friendship and your genuine concern really meant more to us than any trophy or award.

I had never competed 5 points no time limit or Bando style either one, it was a great experience for me. You put on a classic.

Thanks!

Theresa Barnette

June 30, 2008

Name: Albert Mady

Comment: Master Wayland:

Hello everyone, I had a great time at the Don Bohan / Rick Niemira Memorial Martial Arts Championship this past week end. I would first like to congratulate Master Wayne Wayland for a great and successful event, what a great way to remember your sensei, I know we would have been proud of the way it all came together.

It was a great learning experience, the seminars were interesting and Grand Master Dr. Maung Gyi's seminar on Min Zen, was informative and eye opening.

I had a great time with Tokumura Kensho Sensei, thank you to Karl Hovey for sitting, drinking Sake with us and translating. The first generation Isshinryu Masters that were there, were all great to meet, I learned a lot in the conversations and listening to the stories, I met some great men and women, that don't get the recognition, most don't want or need it, but they deserve it. With events like this you get a chance to learn new things, get questions answered that always sat in the back of your mind, make new friends, train, talk, eat and drink with old friends. It was great to see all of you again.

Congratulations to all the award recipients, keep in mind, these awards came from Grand Master Don Bohan ten years ago, it should mean a lot to you, it does to me.

CONGRATULATIONS and thank you to Master Wayne Wayland

Albert Mady

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Bud Ewing

Comment: Dear Master Wayland:

First of all let me compliment you on the Don Bohan/Rick Niemira Memorial Championship tournament last weekend. It was truly an event to be remembered. It is unlikely that a group of Masters that prestigious will meet again.

After winning the portrait of the Masters you indicated that you have the legend recognizing the participates. I would very much appreciate that information.

Best regards,

Bud Ewing

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Nick Adler

Comment: Dear Wayne,

To see the camaraderie and cooperation among all the different associations was wonderful. What a pleasure to see everyone working together for one common goal. You are to be commended on creating one special event and memorial to both of these gentlemen. Rick Niemira who was taken from us all too soon. and my good friend Don Bohan a tough and gentle soul.

Thank you for everything

Sincerely,,

Nick Adler

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Ray Gabriel

Comment: Sensei,

It goes without saying that all had a great time. You did a great thing planning and putting on this tournament for two great practitioners of the martial arts. Even though I didn't Mr. Niemira, he must have been a hell of a martial artist just because of the respect Master Bohan had for him.

I could make similar statements about Sensei Bohan just like all of the people's comments, but it would just seem redundant. It would be tough for me to tell you about my love and respect for Sensei Bohan and how he accepted a lowly Blackbelt like myself. In the limited time that I got to spend with him, he helped me down many of the paths in the practice of Isshin Ryu that I was having difficulties in without my asking. He was one of the greatest and caring man I have ever had the honor to know.

I want to thank you for allowing me and my students to be part of this event. To be able to meet and talk to all of the first generation Isshin Ryu Masters and to meet the Bando Masters and practitioners. The Bando people were some of the toughest people I have ever seen participate in a tournament. It reminded me of the "old" days.

Thank you again for putting on this event for two of the greatest men in the martial arts and I am looking forward to our next meeting.
Ray Gabriel

June 30, 2008

Name: Dan (Jason) Price

Comment: Dear Sensei Wayne Wayland,

Thanks again for your trust in my DJ service for your needs this past weekend. It was a pleasure to meet many legends in Isshin Ryu all in one place. Your plate was full, and I was a very small part of you team assisting in your dream to become a reality to honor the past masters of our art.

It also has been quite a long time since I had three events in two days for one client, but you were no ordinary client. I was glad to "think-on-my-feet" and make suggestions that worked to your benefit.

Once again, it was an distinct honor and pleasure to meet a fellow martial artist that many others really thought very highly about at the banquet. I hope my Isshin Ryu skills in the "Art of Sound & DJ Entertainment" also shined for you. Perhaps we will meet again, and discuss our Isshin Ryu past.

Respectfully,

Dan (Jason) Price

Sandan Isshin Ryu Karate

June 30, 2008

Name: Mark Bjishkian

Comment: Dear Wayne,

I wanted to thank you in person for a wonderful Tournament and a great time in person, it was not to be. It seamed that everyone want a piece of your time. It seems that all had a great time. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more Help. I hope you can now get some rest (well disserved).

Be well, also the family. Your wife seems to be a real gem.

If you want, let me know when hunting season comes, that is if you want some company.

Your brother in Martial Arts,

Mark Bjishkian

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Marilyn Fierro

Comment: Dear Wayne,

Sensei and I would like thank you for everything this weekend. We had a great time meeting with old friends and making new ones. You definitely paid a fine tribute to two special men and those of us who were blessed to know him.

Thank you and "Bo" for such a great honor.

Most Sincerely,

Marilyn Fierro

June 30, 2008

Name: Tony Ashford

Comment: Mr. Wayland,

I'm sending some pictures from the tournament. Having been a participant I do not have many, and my wife was simply enjoying herself while experiencing her first karate tournament ever. We had a great time and have you and all those who assisted to thank.

If there is anything that I can do to assist in the future please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Tony Ashford

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Ers Souto

Comment: Master Wayland

This was a most extraordinary event, perhaps the best many of us have ever attended. It was an honor to be under the same roof with so many Isshinryu and Bando living legends. Congratulations to Mr. Wayne Wayland and his team for conceiving and bringing this dream to reality in such grand style.

The seminars alone were worth the whole trip. Thank you to Jeff Perkins and Carol Womack for bringing Tokumura Sensei over from Okinawa. He is a living treasure. Every single seminar was awesome. I do not have time to write about them all but I would like to share an experience from the last one with Dr. Maung Gyi. He not only showed us an energy exercise, he showed us a way to injury free training.

The tournament was first class. The Chinto competition was huge. The winning Chinto by Edgardo Martinez was a work of art. Yes it was flashy, but the stances (some impossibly low) were perfect, the techniques quick and powerful, the timing right on, and the drama….oh the drama! He had to do it like 5 times in a row and he was consistent throughout, each time even better. Those who know him or were at the seminar know the depth to which he understands the kata, so it is incredible that he could interpret all this into a show stopping performance. And that’s no all; this kid went and won in Kumite as well. Sharp dresser too ;^) This kid, no, this gentleman deserves every award he got. He not only made his father proud. He made us all proud. Congratulations to Sensei Javier Martinez and his team from Puerto Rico.

I am also very proud of my own Sensei Mr. Peter Haddad, who won first place in the over 66 Kata division.

My own performance in the 5^th -8^th Dan division was overshadowed by the incredible group I was competing with. What an honor to be included in the ring with such world class talent. Tokumura Sensei himself came up to me after the kata competition and told me he saw my kata. What an honor to have this man care enough to watch my inconsequential kata and then offer his valuable critique and even a little praise. Some other high ranking people also noticed me and were kind enough to speak with me. This was way better than a trophy for me. I am not worthy but you all know I will take it with me to the dojo and practice until I die.

It was wonderful to see some folks I have not seen since around 1977. Some are old dojo mates and dojo seniors from the old Harold Long School of Karate at the Knoxville bus station. It was wonderful to meet some new and some legendary Isshinryu and Bando people.

I never met Rick Niemira and really knew very little about him. Thanks to the way the event was presented I now know very much about him, his life and his contribution to the martial arts. He touched many lives and continues to do so.

I did have the good fortune to get to know Grandmaster Don Bohan. He visited Harold Long’s dojo in the mid seventies and I also saw him at tournaments. Please allow me to share my small experience with him before I conclude this story: At Harold Long’s dojo, mudansha (students under black belt) were not allowed to practice weapons. In June 1976, when Mr. Long promoted me to Shodan, after what seemed like forever to my youthful mind, the first thing I asked him was to learn the Sai. Without hesitation he told me to go see Mr. Donald Bohan in Camp Lejeune. I found Mr. Bohan in South Carolina and told him Mr. Long had sent me and he accepted me without hesitation. He generously took me into his dojo and into his home for close to 2 weeks. He was recently retired at the time and living in off base housing. His dojo was in Camp Lejeune. He taught me Kusanku Sai and Chatan Yara no Sai and gave me a pair of sai to keep that he had brought from Okinawa. To this day this is my only pair of sai and I brought them with me to the tournament and competed with them as my way of honoring this great man. His spirit was very much present at the tournament, and if he saw my kata I am sure he chuckled and shook his head.

Ers Souto

Isshinryu Karate Do and Kobudo

Dragonfly Dojo

June 30, 2008

Name: Danny Glover

Comment: Sensei Wayne Wayland:

First I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the greatest event I have ever been to. At the same time I write this, my heart is full of joy and at the same time I am very sad. I remember the night I met Sensei it was in Feb. 1972 outside of Dobbies Pizza in the parking lot in Jacksonville, NC. I had just returned from Okinawa from Sensei Shimabuku dojo. If my thoughts are correct it was on a Saturday night and the following Monday I was at the dojo training. From 1972 to 1994 before moving out of Jacksonville I had the honor to take Sensei to almost every event he went to or should I say adventure. I wish I had time to write about all of these times. Also I would like to say that this was an event to remember because the great men in Isshin-Ryu became one family. My hope and dream is that we continue down this same pathway. Again thank you brother Wayne.

Danny Glover

June 30, 2008

Name: Tony Ashford

Comment: Mr. Wayland,

It was a pleasure to attend and compete in the 2008 Don Bohan / Rick Niemira Memorial Martial Arts Championships. The entire experience, from the seminars to the banquet, was a once in a lifetime event.   To actually get to meet and speak with first generation students of Soke Shimabuku and many of the most senior Isshinryu practitioners was an honor.

Thanks for all the hard work you put into making the 2008 Don Bohan/Rick Niemira Memorial event happen.

Thank you,

Tony Ashford

June 30, 2008

Name: Master Bob Jenkins

Comment: Wayne,

Once Again, Thank You for letting me, be part of your tournament. It has just hit me as to the hard work that goes into such a success and it was success.

I only hope with your help and knowledge we can reach such a level as your tournament.

Thank you,

Bob Jenkins

June 30, 2008

Name: Sensei Frank Harvey

Comment: Greetings Kyoshi Wayland:

I truly enjoyed myself at the Memorial Tournament in honor of Masters Bohan and Niemira. I wanted to be a part of this historic event, in that those who I met and seen may one day not be here. To see so many first generation students of Grandmaster Shimabuku was a great honor. I look forward to the next memorial for Masters Bohan and Niemira.

Take care and a job well done.

Frank Harvey

June 30, 2008

Name: Brian West

Comment:   Sensei,

Just wanted to say thank you for everything, it was a privilege and an honor to be a part of something so historic, myself and students were highly impressed with the whole weekend.

Thank you ,



Brian West



Correction:

In my hast to post Master Harold Mitchum's post I signed his name with the suffix Grandmaster when formatting it for the guest book.    I received the following email from Sensei in reference to my mistake.    I think it's important that I post his email as it's another opportunity to learn from a First Generation Student!!

Wayne Wayland

Hello Sensei Wayland.

I respectfully ask that you change my post to the guest section of the website regarding Sensei Bartusevics write-up about him hosting the first 3rd Marine Division Invitational Karate Tournament.

I  have NEVER, and wont  ever refer to myself as a Grandmaster, or Master. It is ok if others wish to address someone as such, but I think it is very pompous to refer to oneself as such.

If you care to, you may also publish my thoughts on this very subject.

Thanks for taking care of this for me.

Stay healthy, and keep on doing a great job with your website.

June 4, 2008

Name: Harold Mitchum

Comment:   Friends,

Sensei John Bartusevics was the very finest man to ever train with Master Shimabuku. By having the forethought and the driving force to organize and host the first Third Marine Division Okinawan Invitational Karate Championship tournament, and also winning it for Master Shimabuku's Isshinryu style Karate, had to be the critical element that was needed to gain the utmost respect and acceptance of his style from the other leading sensei's on Okinawa. I only wish I could have been there to witness the event and to see the expression of gratitude and admiration on Master Shimabuku's face, and also to congratulate Master Bartusevics on winning the overall Grand Championship.

I certainly hope that all practitioners of Isshinryu Karate-Do feel the same sense of admiration and respect for Sensei John Bartusevics as do I, for having brought his superior talents to bear on, and cause to happen, this momentous event.

Heartfelt congratulations Sensei,

Harold M. Mitchum

May 18, 2008

Name: Jim Tabak

Comment:   Wayland Sensei,

My name is Jim Tabak and I was promoted to black belt by Sensei Lewis Lizotte in 1974.   I have been in the marine Cops for the last 26 + years.   I have not been active in the martial arts due to the pace of life. I do not know how I got on your email distribution list, but I couldn't be happier. To read the old correspondence and learn a little more about what is happening these days and even see an old familiar face is deeply gratifying. Thank you very much.   Your emails and web site are wonderful.

Thanks you for all you do for all of us.

Jim Tabak

May 16, 2008

Name: Chester Holubecki

Comment:   Wayne Sensei,

Master HP Henry did an excellent job in interviewing Grand Master Harold Mitchum. I learned things about Grand Master Mitchum that I did not know. For example, he plays the guitar. My student, Javier Martinez also plays the guitar. What a coincidence! This is something for both of them to talk about when they meet each other at the Bohan's Memorial Tournament in June

I have met Master Mitchum in several occasions and lately at the IHOF gatherings.

During my younger days I heard many times that Master Harold Mitchum was THE KATA MAN.

Master Mitchum, looking forward to seeing you again in June.

Respectfully yours,

Chester Holubecki, Ku Dan

May 12, 2008

Name: John Bartusevics

Comment:   Sensei,

In the Sensei Speaks with Sensei Harold Mitchum. It is always a pleasure to read about Okinawa in the old and historical times, the way he covered people and related about them was accurate and heart warming. When I first arrived on the Rock [Okinawa] in 1961,Sensei Mitchum was the President of the First AOKA that started in 1961. He was considered a senior Black Belt and was somewhat of a Legend figure to us young Karate-Ka's. We heard about Sensei Mitchum and Kikiyama Kumite and that Sensei Mitchum had one of the fastest side kicks around, maybe except for Kinjo Chinsaku who later, Sensei Mitchum went to study with his last year on Okinawa prior to going back to the States in 1964. I was the Staff Secretary for Master Shimabuku Tatsuo and the holder of the scribes, my records show that Sensei Mitchum started Karate On Okinawa 3 March 1958 and his registration number from the first AOKA was # 6. Also he was a hell of a Guitar picker, we young Marines would rent motorcycles from Papa-San and ride all over the Island to hear him and his Country Western Band play. The last time I saw Sensei Mitchum was just before his departure in 1964, I had a 1953 Oldsmobile that was on its last legs. I was in traffic rolling down the one paved road we had when my muffler came off, pulled over and climbed under when here comes Sensei Mitchum crawling under with a coat hanger or two, at which time we got that muffler on and continued to march. I will always remember that incident. I am looking forward to seeing Sensei Mitchum in June at the Memorial Tournament and hope to buy him that beer I offered back in 1964,or two.

Wayne, H.P.Henry, you guys done an excellent job and I hope we invited Bill Blond to the tournament.

SEMPER FI.

John Bartusevics

May 12, 2008

Name: John Ingram

Comment:   Sensei,

I just wanted to drop you a line thanking you for the article you did on me for the "Warrior Of The Month". It was an honor to be featured on your web site. Also the interview you did with Sensei Mitchum is great. Very informative and very well done. Truly a historical treasure.

If I can be of any assistance in the future, feel free to ask.

Thanks again,

Sensei John Ingram

May 12, 2008

Name: William Blond

Comment: Master Wayland,

I had the opportunity today to view Don's website for the first time. I was extremely impressed by the structure and copious articles and information on Isshinryu Karate. It is quite obvious that it took a great amount of time and effort to produce the results that are outstanding even to the point where quite a bit of the early warts came out for all to see. These things though are common to all organizations and entities but they are small in comparison to the overall historical value in propagating the Isshinryu story.

I have only viewed a few websites on Isshinryu and yours is by far the best and most all-encompassing of what I have seen.

I was fortunate to have known and trained with Don while he was on Okinawa the first time. He was a serious and persevering student and willingly shared what he knew with all who were around at the time (to include myself). His New York / New Jersey attitude demeanor and way of talking were a delight to behold and he was a fascinating teller of tales. Being quite behind the power curve in keeping up with karate events I was saddened to learn that Don had passed away. He must be sorely missed by all who knew him.



Keep up the great work on the website.

Thank you,

William Blond

May 12, 2008

Name: Tom Lewis

Comment: Master Wayland,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the interview with Mitchum Sensei. Not only did it bring back some fond memories but his answers to the questions were informative and right on. It's interesting to me to know something about a person and not just about their karate background. Good job by H.P. Henry and Wayne Wayland.

Tom Lewis



May 11, 2008

Name: Mike Schaefer

Comment: Master Wayland,

Congratulations on this great interview (Harold Mitchum - Sensei Speaks). What a pleasure it was to read the thoughts of such a great man. I am proud and fortunate to have been in his presence.

Sincerely,

Michael Schaefer



May 8, 2008

Name: Daryn Clark

Comment: To All,

Master Wayland recently posted a link to early Isshinryu Documents (1961 forward) between Okinawa and the US. These documents are part of the Bohan family website. I believe it may have been Master Nagles letter that had Ju Jitsu and Isshinryu on the same letterhead. The history of cross training runs deeper than some (including myself) imagine. Preserving these type documents allows factual glimpses into the early workings of Isshinryu in the USA. Details such as the letter head mentioned contain important factual glimpses as well.

Thanks to Master Wayland and the Bohan Family for their continuing work on that site.

With Respect,

Daryn Clark

May 1, 2008

Name: Karl Lippard

Comment: Mr. Wayland,

I just received a call from Capt. John Bartusevics, one of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku's junior instructors at the Kin Village Dojo back in 1964. My Association Membership is #25 from Feb. 17, 1965. I taught Isshinryu, as Hand-to-Hand Combat Instructor on MCRD San Diego in the Marines while a D.I. Frank Van Lenthen was chief instructor at the time. Good man Frank. After the Marines I taught from 1967 to 1985 in Dallas, Texas and worked with Ed Johnson on tournaments in Ft. Worth, Steve Armstrong on many of his and Khang Rhree, Allen Stein, and others judging Unite States Martial Arts Tournaments as Championship official during my career retiring in 1985 to lead the Vietnam Memorial Foundation, Inc. recovering remains in Vietnam. As a consultant, during the South African blockade in 1985, I represented their interests. In 1985-86 Zimbabwe and a few other countries. In 1990 I became Senior Advisor, Foreign Economic Trade Relations Committee, Peoples Republic of China. During my "Application phase of Isshinryu" found me in Libya, Iran, Iraq, the Sudan, CAR; Nicaragua, Honduras, Columbia and did government work best described as Classified ending that career April 7, 1996. Today I remain a consultant for firearm companies around the world and design and manufacture firearms of my own invention totaling more than 16. I am the author of a number of books: "The Warriors, The United States Marines" which was used at "Command and Staff School, USMC" for study, and at "West Point." Two other books are for reference "Perazzi Shotguns" and "Fabbri Shotguns" with "Heart Of the Dragon" deemed Black by the US Gov't and not in print. I have been Vice President of MAP Perazzi S.P.A., Renato Gamba S.P.A. Pachmayr Ltd. and a consultant for over 20 firearm companies and currently contracted to three in the USA as a weapons designer and engineer.

Glad to be here and to look back on a number of old friends like Kichiro Shimabuku, Angi Uezu whose students I can pick out from a line generations later, my old friend John Bartusevics absolutely remembering many of his techniques, Frank Van Lenthen from MCRD, Ed Johnson remembering him over in Ft. Worth, Harold Long and Don Nagle great karate ka, Steve Armstrong one of my last instructors, and Harold Mitchum whom I have heard of for so many years and just have not caught up with. A salute to you all. Glad to see them, and to see all of you, remembered here.

Regards,

Karl Lippard



April 28, 2008

Name: Marilyn Fierro

Comment: Hi Wayne,

That new section is wonderful (Isshin-Ryu Correspondence). So nice to be able to read the correspondence from those days. It was really nice of Master Bartusevics to share them with you and your supporters.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in June.

All the best always

Marilyn



February 19, 2008

February 24, 2008

Name: John Bartusevics

Comment: Master Wayland,

As you informed me about Senior Chief Henry's deployment to Iraq, Senior Chief Henry is a career Navy Corpsman and has over 20 years in the service of our great country, he could of retired instead of going back over to the Sand-Box. He is supporting Marines again and feels a loyal dedication to continue his care of his fellow Marine brothers and sisters. I just wanted to have your readers of your great Web-site be aware of Senior Chief Henry commitment to serve our Country during these difficult times. He is also the man behind the picture to make this Web-site an effective collection of History and Names associated with Master Shimabuku Tatsuo and the legend of Sensei Don Bohan.

John Bartusevics

Capt. USMC, Retired

February 19, 2008

Name: Reese & Judy Rigby,

Comment: Master Wayland,

Thank you for letting us sponsor the Rick Nemira Horseman Bo Grandchampionship Award at the upcoming Don Bohan / Rick Niemira Memorial Tournament.    We both are very honored.

Please keep up the good work - you are making Isshinryu look good!

thanks

Reese & Judy Rigby



February 2, 2008

Name: Denny Shaffer