Having started martial arts in 1969 I have met many great martial artists who I think deserve recognition and need not to be forgotten. To be included here send a photo and the bio you would like included to me
Chuck Merriman Buzz Durkin Walter Mattson Billy Blanks Manny Agrella
Steve Best
Eric Breuer
Mike Burton
Ed Budd
Chuck Merriman Buzz Durkin Walter Mattson Billy Blanks Manny Agrella
Steve Best
Eric Breuer
Mike Burton
Ed Budd
Richard Byrne
Grandmaster Richard Byrne, 9th Dan is the president and founder of the American Tang Soo Do Association (ATA) and the United Tang Soo Do Congress (UTC). The ATA is one of the oldest Tang Soo Do organizations in the United States.
His martial arts career began in 1969 while he was stationed at Osan Air Force Base in Korea. His instructor was Grandmaster C. S. Kim. In addition to Tang Soo Do, Grandmaster Byrne also held Black Belts in Shotokan karate as well as Tae Kwon Do. He was a world shoot fighting champion who competed regularly in Japan.
He was recognized worldwide as an expert in board breaking, holding three world records, including 10 boards with a knife hand chop, 8 boards with an instep round kick, and 15 boards with an elbow strike. Grandmaster Byrne has shared his expertise with an international audience through his book "The Complete Art of Breaking" and his video tape "The Basics of Breaking".
His career also took him into film, where he starred in several action movies including "When Death Comes Quickly", which also featured Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and Professor Toru Tanaka, and in "Distant Justice" with George Kennedy and David Carridine. He has appeared on local and national television including such shows as Spenser For Hire and Against the Law.
He has also written for every major martial arts magazine in the country and appeared on the cover of the premiere issue of Traditional Tang Soo Do Illustrated. Master Byrne's multi-faceted martial arts background has established him as one of the most respected men in martial arts today and one of the major leaders of Tang Soo Do in the country.
As of 2006, Grandmaster Byrne has promoted well over 1000 students to the rank of Cho-Dan. Many of these students have gone on to achieve the Master level and spread the art of Tang Soo Do through teaching.
Grandmaster Byrne passed away suddenly and peacefully on September 4th, 2012.
Nick CerioEarly Training[edit]
In his youth Cerio initially became interested in boxing as a teenager. Cerio began martial arts training under George McCabe after being exposed to judo in the Air Force.
Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu[edit]
He then studied Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu under George Pesare and received his first black belt in May 1966.[1] Cerio opened his first martial arts school, Cerio’s Academy of Martial Arts. Through his participation in karate tournaments he came in contact with Edmund Parker. They would have a relationship that spanned nearly twenty years.
William Kwai Sun Chow[edit]
After Cerio met with William Chun, Sr. (Chow’s senior student), he was granted permission to study with Chow. Cerio visited Hawaii for two weeks in the mid to late 1960s to live and study with Chow. In training, Cerio made to assume low, painful stances and throw as much as 500 weighted, full force punches. If he relaxed his stance, more punches were required. Cerio often commented on this period's influence on him and the development of his system, Nick Cerio's Kenpo.[2]
Edmund Parker
Cerio considered Ed Parker his senior, mentor and coach because he offered great insight and he was a great resource in contributing to the formation of Nick Cerio's Kenpo:
“Ed Parker was never my instructor, but more like my coach. He was my senior because we came from the same kenpo family. I used a lot of Ed Parker’s ideas in my system.” (Liedke, Inside Kung-Fu)
Cerio never learned all of the curricula of Parker’s American Kenpo, however he was awarded a 3rd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate (Sandan) by Parker. Parker awarded Cerio a 9th degree black belt (Kudan) in Kenpo Karate in 1983.[1]
Hakkoryu Jiujutsu[edit]
During the late 1960s Cerio studied Hakkoryu Jujutsu, first receiving his brown belt in 1968 from James Benko and later received his 1st black belt (Shodan) from Larry Garron.[1]
Tadashi Yamashita[edit]
Cerio studied Okinawan weapons and self-defense under Tadashi Yamashita,[3] who in 1970 awarded him a 4th black belt (Yondan) and in 1973, a 5th black belt (Godan).[1]
Gan Fong Chin[edit]
Cerio studied Sil Lum kung fu under Gan Fong Chin during the early 1970s and Chin awarded him an 8th black belt (Hachidan) and title of Sifu in August 1973.[1]
Nick Cerio’s Kenpo
Cerio modified what he had learned from his limited time with Chow, Chun, Sr. Also, from his time with Pesare, and his other teachers mentioned above, and added many things from judo, jujitsu, boxing, kung fu and Shotokan. He added many kata to his system, both open-hand and weapon. Cerio incorporated variations of Shotokan forms into his system. He felt their strong stances and transitions were missing from the kenpo forms that he had been taught.(Breen)
Influence
Cerio can be credited with both expanding and helping to popularize kenpo on the east coast, more specifically New England.
In 1989 he was given the title of professor by Thomas Burdine and was given the equivalent of his 10th dan again by Burdine but this time representing the World Council of Sokes. He founded a branch of kenpo known as 'Nick Cerio’s Kenpo' which he built up to an organization of more than 65 schools in the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa.
Nancy Lee CerioGarth Charland
Bob Cheezic
Tony Cogliandro
Doreen Cogliandro
Joe DeGuzman
Rocky Dirico
Dave Everett
Tony Fournier
Charles Ferraro
Paul Stingo Garcia
Chick Gavitt
Jeff Goldberg
Kalai Kano Griffin
Wali Islam
Wesley "Chipper" Jenkins
Harry Hamzy
Karen Harvey
Lenny Leblanc
Lou Lizotte
Butch Marino
Tammy Marino
Matty Melissi
Wayne Mello
Chuck Merriman
Penny Mitchell
Barbara Niggel
Danny Pai
Doug peoples
George Pesare
Don Rodrigues
Christine Bannon Rodrigues
Mark Stockton
Efrain Valentin
Steve Voelker
Jeff Wood
Danny Zarbo
Manny Agrella
GRAND MASTER AGRELLA
Grandmaster Agrella has been in the martial arts since 1938 and has over 50 years teaching experience. He has
trained all over the world, including China and Japan. At 74 years of age, he still teaches five classes a day.
Grandmaster Agrella is recognized worldwide as a Chief Referee.
Jook Lum Tong Leong Kuo Shu Kwan
Praying Mantis began with Wong Long. His disciple Fun Tong taught Lo Kwon Yu. Lo in turn taught several students to
a senior level in the system; one of those taught was Cheng-Peng-Weing who immigrated to the United States in 1962.
Master Cheng-Peng-Weing taught Manuel Agrella and left him as sole heir. Grandmaster Agrella has since formed
Jook Lum Tong Leong Kuo Shu Kwan.
Siginificant Associations:
◦ Instrumental in the founding of Pai Lum Kung Fu.
◦ Grandmaster Daniel K. Pai and Grandmaster Manuel Agrella inducted Kalaii Kano Griffin, now of Kajukenbo, into Pai
Lum Kung Fu as the 1st Dragon of Pai Lum, granting him the name Iron Dragon.
◦ Granted Mark E. Bober 7th Duan (White Dragon Kung Fu Association), gave him permission to wear the Pai Lum
◦ Kung Fu Dragon Ring and to found T'ien Lung Tao.
◦ Instrumental in the founding of Red Dragon Karate and the AKKF.
Martial Rankings:
◦ American College of Dans: 10th Degree Black Belt
◦ Jook Lum Tong Leong Tzee Wai Kuen: 10th Degree Black Belt
◦ Julin Tong Leong Kuo Shu Kwan International: 10th Degree Black Belt
◦ Zen BUDO Kai Karate Union International: 10th Degree Black Belt
◦ Zen BUDO Kai Tzee Wai Kuen: 10th Degree Black Belt
◦ American Karate Kung Fu International Federation: 10th Degree Black Belt
◦ Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Association LTD. (Kowoloon, China): Permanent Member, Grand Master
◦ White Dragon Kung Fu (Pai Lum Kung Fu) Association: 9th Degree Black Belt
◦ Taichung Karate Association (Taiwan): 6th Degree Black Belt
◦ Amoeba Defensive Tactics: Grand Master
◦ Imperial Karate: Black Belt
◦ Japan Do Kyokushinkai-Do (Tokyo, Japan): 6th Degree Black Belt
◦ Jujutsu: Black Belt
◦ Kendo: Black Belt
◦ China Kempo: Black Belt
◦ American Kendo Association: Founder, Chairman
◦ Official Referees Association: Founder, Chairman
Paul Arel
Paul Arel, Shihan, created two dynamic martial arts. Kokondo Karate and Jukido Jujitsu, both benefited from his almost sixty years of Martial arts training.
Paul Arel began his Martial Arts journey because he was bullied as a child. This experience created his love of the underdog and compassion to teach thousands of children to defend themselves. He began his training in 1950 as a student of Sudo Sensei a Jujitsu Master from Japan studying in Massachusetts. When Sudo Sensei left to return to Japan, he left the small dojo in the hands of his best student, the new Black Belt Paul Arel.
Mr. Arel utilized his training as both cashier and “bouncer” at a store and beer hall. He quickly experienced what worked and what he needed to discard from his training.
Paul Arel joined the Marine Corps. This decision crystallized his sense of Honor and Patriotism, the hallmarks of his life. In the Marines, while stationed in Japan, he absorbed advanced training from Oriental Masters on contract with the US government for both overt and covert purposes. He helped teach and develop the unarmed skills of his fellow Marines.
After his Honorable Discharge, he transitioned to Civilian life stateside by opening one of the first Karate schools in Connecticut. His training with some of the greats in Karate is well documented. His Sensei throughout the 1960s were a “Who’s Who” of US Karate development: Ishin Ryu’s Don Nagle, San Kata’s Ishikawa and Kyokushin’s Mas Oyama. While learning and teaching these dynamic systems of Karate, Mr. Arel continued to teach Jujitsu. Master Arel combined his training with Sudo Sensei and his experience in Judo and Jujitsu while in Japan into the art Jukido Jujitsu.
Modern karate’s continued to move towards Tournaments and away from self-defense. This trend forced Paul Arel, Shihan, to develop the dynamic self-defense oriented style of Karate named Kokondo. Paul Arel believed that the practice of Kata was fundamental to self-defense. His insights into the himitsu (hidden) techniques informed and infused his art. Shihan developed his unique understanding of three exclusive principals, underlying all of his techniques. They are Kuzushi, Shorinji and Jushin. These three Principals allowed Shihan to train and develop these two arts exclusively for the rest of his life.
Mike Arroyo
Steve Best
BEST MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE (EAST COAST)
Grand Master Stephen L. Best
MERIDEN CT. 06450
sbest79876@aol.com
1971 enrolled in Mitchell Junior College began martial arts studies.
1974-86 ranked reg. #12 in Forms, kumite and weapons
1975 Earned Bachelor of science degree, Earned 1st. Degree Black Belt in U.S. TANG SOO DO
1978 Earned Master of science degree, Founded first High School martial arts club in U.S.A.
1979-82 AAU State champ.Forms, kumite and weapons
1979-1985 Co-sponsor of the NUTMEG KARATE TOURNAMENT, in Meriden Ct.
1972 -present many won Grand-Championship.
1984 instructor Southern Conn. state University
1985 Competed in Bermuda International
1985 Who Who in martial arts
1985 Suffered a stroke
1989 Earned 5th Degree Black Belt Cheezic TANG SOO DO.
1990 Earned 1st. Degree Black Belt in Ju ji tsu-ryu
1990 Founded BEST MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTES
1990-1995 Advocate for physically challenged forms in all tournaments.
1985-1995 Numerous articles.
1994-1996 KRANE, NATIONALS AND REGIONS RATINGS. Started "THE BEST OF THE BEST" karate tournaments. Sponsor the Washington Middle School martial arts club.
1994 sponsor of the BEST OF THE BEST KARATE TOURNAMENT, in Meriden Ct.
1994 Coached WORLD CHAMPION, Jason Bennett
1995 Sponsor and Coach of the RECOVERY WARE LTD. TEAM
1996 Earned 6th Degree Black Belt in Ju ji tsu-ryu
1997 KRANE NATIONAL 1997 CHAMPIONSHIPS
1998 1/20/98 Earned 7th Degree Black Belt in Ju ji tsu-ryu ( WALI ISLAM1S INSTITUTES OF MARTIAL ARTS)
1997-99 Numerous Hall's of Fame
1998 NATIONAL HANDICAPABEL MARTIAL ARTIST ASSOCIATION VICE-PRESIDENT
2000 AUG/OCT "ACTION MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE" FRONT COVER
2003 Earned 8th Degree Black Belt TANG SOO DO and Ju ji tsu-ryu from Grand Master Eric Breuer
2008 Earned 9th Degree Black Belt TANG SOO DO and Ju ji tsu-ryu from Grand Master Eric Breuer
2013 Earned 9th Degree Black Belt in Ju ji tsu-ryu ( WALI ISLAM1S INSTITUTES OF MARTIAL ARTS)
MAY 97 WORLD MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME
JUNE 98 WORLD KARATE UNION HALL OF FAME
AUG. 98 WORLD CHRISTIAN MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME
JAN 2001 ACTION MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE HALL OF FAME
MAY 99 MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS PIONEERS & LEGENDS HALL OF FAME
MAY 00 MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS PIONEERS & LEGENDS HALL OF FAME AS GRANDMASTER OF THE YEAR
2002 ACTION MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME
2004 ACTION MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME GRANDMASTER OF THE YEAR
International Combat Martial Arts Founders Union ICMAUA Lifetime Member.
Grand Master Best Martial Arts Institutes, Founder, Head Master, Head Instructor, Head Examiner.
International Combat Tang Soo Do Union ICMAUA Lifetime Member.
9th Black Belt Tang Soo Do, Instructor, Examiner.
International Combat Jujitsu Union ICMAUA Lifetime Member.
9th Black Belt Ju Ji Tsu, Instructor, Examiner.
BEST MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE
http://www.youtube.com/user/SD5805?feature=mexp#p/a/u/0/ROFQ0M0r_Cs
http://www.youtube.com/user/BMAI01#p/a/f/0/L-uTQ8mu584 ;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFOifG7Flik
http://www.youtube.com/user/SD5805?feature=mexp#p/a/u/0/ROFQ0M0r_Cs
Robert Beaudoin
Billy Blanks
Ron Boucher
Richie Brandon
Eric Breuer
Master ERIC BREUER
From Prospect, CT., currently living with his wife Danielle in Clermont, FL.
Founder: Chun Kuk Moo Sul (Universal Martial Art), Uchu No Michi Ryu Jujitsu (Universal Martial Art of the Gentle Way) and their umbrella organization Universal Fighting Arts Fellowship International (UFAFI). Mr. Breuer was also asked by Grand Master Joe Rossi to organize his Rossi Kuntao System International. Just prior to Grand Master Rossi's death he made several high rank promotions in Rossi Kuntao. The four higher were Soke Harry Hamzy 10th dan, Grand Master John Hamzy 10th dan, Grand Master Harry Hamzy Jr. 10th dan and Eric Breuer 7th dan.
Eric Has been a student of the martial arts since early 1970. His back ground includes Tang Soo Do, Jujitsu, Chun Kuk Do, Kuntao and Kick Boxing. He has been privileged to seriously train with some of the most respected instructors in the world. His personal instructors include Martial Art Movie Star Grand Master Chuck Norris (Chun Kuk Do 1984-1993), Master Donald Dugan (Jujitsu 1970-1993), Grand Master Robert Beaudoin (Tang Soo Do 1973-1978), Grand Master Hun Chul Hwang (Tang Soo Do 1978-1983), Grand Master Joe Rossi (Kuntao 1990-1998). Eric has also trained extensively with and received upper ranked belts by Danny Lane, Kee Wang Kim, Ventura Silva, Song Kyu Shimm and Mike Depasqualle.
Master Breuer has hosted or attended seminars taught by the Machados, Joe Hess, Joe Lewis, Benny Urquidez, Gene Lebell, Jeff Speakman and MANY others. Master Breuer himself is a sought after seminar instructor conducting clinics in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Russia and Uzbekistan. Eric has been a driving force to the legalization of Pro Kick Boxing in the state of CT. holding the first ever series of competitions sanctioned by the CT. State Boxing Commission. In 1989 Eric also put together a team of Chuck Norris Black Belts to travel, compete and teach in Russia. The first USA team to ever do such a thing during a time that the average martial artist in Russia had to train in secret. Only military, police and special athletes were allowed to train in the open. About 6 months after their visit the Russian Government lifted its ban on open training.
Mr. Breuer has been inducted into two International Hall Of Fames and issued the title of Certified Professional Martial Artist by none other than CHUCK NORRIS. Mr. Norris also honored Eric by naming him Man Of The Year in 1989 as well as making him Regional Director, placing him in charge of all the North East regional seminars and black belt testings for a period of over four years.
Mr. Breuer has authored many articles for most of the leading martial art magazines. He has appeared on several local T.V. programs as well as in State Police and Martial Art training videos. He had small rolls in the movies "Silent Tears" and "The Black Cougar". He has preformed in several WWF entrance videos. He has also written, produced and performed stunts in local and national commercials.
Grandmaster C. Ferraro, 9th Degree Blackbelt (9th Dan) began
his training as a boy in 1967. He took part in the art not for fighting or
self-defense (the study of the martial arts wasn't a popular activity back
then), but because he was infatuated with watching local blackbelts working out
with each other. The first time, he recalls, was "Like watching an eagle
soaring high on the wind currents". The instructor's movements were
graceful but all so powerful. The technique which was quite visibly effective
seemed so effortless. All the eyes of the practitioners were steady, confident
and peaceful.
Eric is a retired Connecticut State Trooper with over 22 years of service. He has held a variety of positions including Patrol, Resident Trooper (overseeing 10 local police officers), Defensive Tactics Instructor and over 8 years with the GOVERNOR'S SECURITY UNIT. Mr. Breuer has been decorated for his life saving efforts and bravery.
Tang Soo Do has always been Kwan Jang Nim Ferraro's first
love. Having studied many martial arts over the years Kwan Jang Nim Ferraro
continues to train and teach Tang Soo Do to this very day. He began studying
with Sa Bom Nim H.C. Hwang (son of Grandmaster Hwang Kee of the Tang Soo Do Moo
Duk Kwan Fed.), in November 1976 and continued to train with him until November
of 1995. Kwan Jang Nim Ferraro currently trains under Kwan Jang Nim Andy Ah Po
who is the founder of the Tang Soo Do Moo Do Way Association. Kwan Jang Nim
Ferraro is greatly indebted to both of these respected teachers for helping him
become the Tang Soo Do practitioner he is today. Through them he has learned to
embrace the proper attitude and spirit that comprises the Tang Soo Do artform.
Senior Grandmaster S. George Pesare
Senior Grandmaster Pesare is a 10th degree Black Belt and is the undisputed founder of Kempo Karate in New England. The 10th degree Black Belt level is one of the highest achievements in the martial arts community and is at the Professorship level. SG Pesare began his martial arts career with Karazenpo-Go-Shinjutsu in 1958 with his instructor, Grandmaster Victor (Sonny) Gascon, one of the Kempo founders in America. Grandmaster Gascon has since retired, and given the responsibility of teaching the true Karazenpo-Go-Shinjutsu to SG George Pesare. Since then, Mr. Pesare continued his training in the following martial art disciplines:
- 5th degree Black Belt in Judo
- 4th degree Black Belt in Taekwondo
- 4th degree Black Belt in Eskrima
- 2nd degree Black Belt in Aikido
Mr. Pesare has successfully fought in Karate and Judo competitions, and besides being active in competition himself, Mr. Pesare has also trained 2 World kickboxing Champions.
- 1958 Ryusaki Judo Championships
- 1959 Intramural Aloha Kempo Championships
- 1960 New England Team Champion
- 1968 Connecticut Team Champion
George Pesare has been featured in numerous martial arts journals including:
- The first Who's Who in the Martial Arts
- The Encyclopedia of the Martial Arts
- Karate Illustrated
- Professional Karate
- Official Karate
- Black Belt Magazine
- numerous articles in the Providence Journal, Providence, RI.
Recently, Mr. Pesare was voted into the New England Black Belt Hall of Fame. "A student who has trained in Kenpo Karate in New England was either taught by Mr. Pesare or one of his pupils, or one of his pupils' pupils..."
In the world of realistic self-defense, George Pesare has been a law enforcement officer for over 20 years. During his tenure with the Providence Sheriff's Department, he served as Training Officer and Range Master. During his tenure with the Kent County Sheriffs department, he also served as Training Officer and Range Master, teaching all aspects of firearms to Federal, State, and municipal agencies. Mr. Pesare is the coordinator of the National Rifle Associations' Annual Police Pistol Regional Championships. He is also a member of the coveted '1490' club. He is the 1994 Rhode Island State Police Pistol Champion, and is the Police Pistol Champion of the Prestigious Police Pistol Governors Twenty. Mr. Pesare is also the President and Rhode Island Match Director of the Rhode Island Police Pistol Combat League.
Don RodriguesChristine Bannon Rodrigues
Denise Rouleau
Joe Rossi
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1919, Grand Master Rossi grew up in a predominately Italian section of town. At age 15 he joined the Boy's Club and took up boxing. Fighting under the name Joe Dundee, he became the middleweight champion of Waterbury. Mr. Rossi was also involved in Gymnastics, Dance and Semi Pro Football.
In 1937, Mr. Rossi joined the Army and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Rossi continued his boxing career winning his camp's championship. In 1940, Mr. Rossi decided not to re-enlist in the Army, and instead joined the Navy. He was first stationed on the U.S.S. Vincennes, a heavy cruiser that toured the North Atlantic. Their mission was to search out German U-Boats. While on patrol on August 9th 1942 the Vincennes and 3 other ships were sunk. Mr. Rossi was then transferred to the U.S.S. Hornet Carrier where he saw action in the Battle Of the Corral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal. Mr. Rossi continued boxing and became Fleet Champion. Legendary boxers Jack Dempsy and Sugar Ray Robinson refereed some of his matches.
After 58 months of active duty Mr Rossi was Honorably Discharged with a Victory Medal, Air Crew Insignia, 3 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Americana Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon and a Purple Heart.
At home Mr. Rossi's good friend Katsugo Master Harry Hamzy urged him to open a Kuntao School. He took his friends advice and today is recognized as a 10th degree Grand Master by the Philippine Kuntao Karate Association. Grand Master Rossi has instructed hundreds of students to the rank of Black Belt and many to Master. After 58 +or - years Grand Master Rossi remained active until his death in Nov. 1998. Prior to his passing he made many high rank promotions including his 4 highest ranks issued. Soke Harry Hamzy, Grand Master John Hamzy, and Grand Master Harry Hamzy Jr. each to 10th degree Black Belt. At this time he turned the reins of Rossi Kuntao System International over to his 4th highest promotion Eric Breuer, 7th degree Black Belt Master.
International March 14:
"We would like to Welcome G/M Larry Taylor as a LIFE MEMBER to the UFAFI. After conferring with a few of our high ranking Grand Masters who know G/M Taylor's skill and viewing his
past credentials we do hereby recognize him as G/M 7th degree in Tang Shoo Do and Uchu No Michi Ryu and a 4th degree Master in Rossi Kuntao. I have known G/M Taylor for about 40 years and are PROUD to have him within our ranks. For those who do not personally know G/M Taylor you will see he is one of the most talented martial artist to ever wear a Black Belt”
Grandmaster Taylor:
Master L. D.
Taylor training started in martial arts at a very early age of three under his
grandfather, wrestling and grappling. He moved to New York between the ages of
seven and eight years old. He continued training at the Boys Club in the
Brownville section of Brooklyn, New York. He trained in Judo Jujitsu Aikido. In
search of a quieter life, his family moved to Long Island, New York. In high
school he excelled in gymnastics and art. He won many awards in the creative
arts, including visual arts, and fashion / apparel design and construction.
These talents and skills were incorporated in his martial arts. While in
attendance at Wyandanch Memorial High School on Long Island he was invited to
train under Thurman Simmons (now known as SOKE MaKakuvu Ali EL Bey) in The Art
of Chi Anku Jitsu/Reku Sheb Sheb of Atlanta, Ga. That afforded him the
opportunity to be introduced to the Great Grandmaster Moses Powell, and Little
John Davis.
Master Taylor, upon moving to Connecticut
continued to excel in the Arts where he soon met Walter Belsito who taught him
the Art of Tang Soo Do. Master Taylor then joined a group of unparalleled
Martial Artists: Brotherhood of Martial Artists, (BMAI), owner Bob Fernandez,
better known as Ferd. He soon earned the honor and privilege to train with
Warren Adams, Jesse Griffin, Robbie Fernandez, Arthur Perry, Chip Jenkins, and their
mentor, the Mighty Michael Arroyo. After earning their trust and respect, they
met for years, 3-4 hours, five nights a week steady, sometimes two weekend
afternoons. They dominated the tournament circuit, winning championships all
over the northeast divisions and weight classes. Master Taylor was a member of
the Connecticut Comets, managed and coached by Grandmaster Chuck Merriman Goju-Ryu Karate - do Federation.
Master Taylor became a well-known Master Martial Artist in the Northeast. He helped change the Arts with innovative diversified techniques such as multi man self -defense, tag team sparring, musical Karate, free style Kata, weapons, breaking, and ninja runs. Master Taylor welcomed his performances being judged by his Masters. In the early 80’s, he also welcomed the honor of performing for the Korean Nation of Tang Soo Do at the Bob Beaudoin Academy of Karate Tournament, Waterbury, Connecticut. He had the honor and privilege to perform his hyung/kata/free style before Tang Soo Do founder Hwang Kee and Billy Blanks, receiving a standing ovation. This marked the birth of TSOMA. (Taylor System of Martial Arts).
Master Taylor went on to gain notoriety as a full contact fighter, winning championships through the 70’s-90. He was featured in Black Belt Magazine, December 1976, and Karate Illustrated. Master Taylor won lightweight champion by knock out at the Oriental World of Self Defense tournament held annually at Madison Square Garden in New York City where Chuck Norris was head referee and Aaron Banks was a famous Martial Arts promoter. He retired undefeated. Master Taylor congratulates Grandmaster Merriman for his induction into Martial Arts Masters and cover story in the Martial Arts Magazine. He wishes to thank the Hamzy’s, Steve Best, Karen Harvey, Eric Breuer, GM Bob Beaudoin, GM “Never get mad, get even”, Walter Belsito, SR (R.I.P), GM “Zu cum” Joe Rossi, (R.I.P.) Michael Arroyo, Arthur Perry, Jessie Griffin, Robbie Fernandez, Master Bob Fernandez, Donald E. Belsito and the Belsito family, Master Frank Porto, Neil Hofler, and so many more , too many mention, for molding him and making him the martial artist he is today and keeping him strong. Grandmaster Taylor currently resides in Savannah, Ga.
Master Taylor became a well-known Master Martial Artist in the Northeast. He helped change the Arts with innovative diversified techniques such as multi man self -defense, tag team sparring, musical Karate, free style Kata, weapons, breaking, and ninja runs. Master Taylor welcomed his performances being judged by his Masters. In the early 80’s, he also welcomed the honor of performing for the Korean Nation of Tang Soo Do at the Bob Beaudoin Academy of Karate Tournament, Waterbury, Connecticut. He had the honor and privilege to perform his hyung/kata/free style before Tang Soo Do founder Hwang Kee and Billy Blanks, receiving a standing ovation. This marked the birth of TSOMA. (Taylor System of Martial Arts).
Master Taylor went on to gain notoriety as a full contact fighter, winning championships through the 70’s-90. He was featured in Black Belt Magazine, December 1976, and Karate Illustrated. Master Taylor won lightweight champion by knock out at the Oriental World of Self Defense tournament held annually at Madison Square Garden in New York City where Chuck Norris was head referee and Aaron Banks was a famous Martial Arts promoter. He retired undefeated. Master Taylor congratulates Grandmaster Merriman for his induction into Martial Arts Masters and cover story in the Martial Arts Magazine. He wishes to thank the Hamzy’s, Steve Best, Karen Harvey, Eric Breuer, GM Bob Beaudoin, GM “Never get mad, get even”, Walter Belsito, SR (R.I.P), GM “Zu cum” Joe Rossi, (R.I.P.) Michael Arroyo, Arthur Perry, Jessie Griffin, Robbie Fernandez, Master Bob Fernandez, Donald E. Belsito and the Belsito family, Master Frank Porto, Neil Hofler, and so many more , too many mention, for molding him and making him the martial artist he is today and keeping him strong. Grandmaster Taylor currently resides in Savannah, Ga.
The following quotes regarding Grandmaster
Taylor.
"The Bruce Lee of our day..." Master Frank Porto, Old School Martial Arts, CT.
"Master Taylor, one of the best fighters of our day.” Chuck Brown, South Carolina.
“Master Taylor, one of the best instructors I was privileged to train under” Lawrence Hawley, former student, licensed bondman/bounty hunter (Connecticut, Florida).
“I enjoyed having Larry Taylor as a major player with the Connecticut Comets full contact Karate team.” Grandmaster Chuck Merriman, New London, CT.
"Best Martial Arts Technician I ever seen with my own eyes." Grandmaster Walter Belsito, Sr. ( Connecticut)
"Grandmaster Taylor ( Ty Lung ) is pioneer of Martial Arts and is very knowledgeable" Grandmaster Wesley Jenkins, Tiger do jang (Waldorf, MD)
" Very creative and knowledgeable of the mechanics of the kicks and usage of the Martial Arts, do's and don'ts, why's and why not's" Grandmaster Warren Adams, (“Typhoon”), Connecticut.
"Grandmaster Taylor can take an old horse ready for the glue factory and turn him into a thoroughbred" (current student, Anthony Young, orange belt,3rd degree. )
U.F.A.F.I.
- Universal Fighting Arts Fellowship "The Bruce Lee of our day..." Master Frank Porto, Old School Martial Arts, CT.
"Master Taylor, one of the best fighters of our day.” Chuck Brown, South Carolina.
“Master Taylor, one of the best instructors I was privileged to train under” Lawrence Hawley, former student, licensed bondman/bounty hunter (Connecticut, Florida).
“I enjoyed having Larry Taylor as a major player with the Connecticut Comets full contact Karate team.” Grandmaster Chuck Merriman, New London, CT.
"Best Martial Arts Technician I ever seen with my own eyes." Grandmaster Walter Belsito, Sr. ( Connecticut)
"Grandmaster Taylor ( Ty Lung ) is pioneer of Martial Arts and is very knowledgeable" Grandmaster Wesley Jenkins, Tiger do jang (Waldorf, MD)
" Very creative and knowledgeable of the mechanics of the kicks and usage of the Martial Arts, do's and don'ts, why's and why not's" Grandmaster Warren Adams, (“Typhoon”), Connecticut.
"Grandmaster Taylor can take an old horse ready for the glue factory and turn him into a thoroughbred" (current student, Anthony Young, orange belt,3rd degree. )
International March 14:
"We would like to Welcome G/M Larry Taylor as a LIFE MEMBER to the UFAFI. After conferring with a few of our high ranking Grand Masters who know G/M Taylor's skill and viewing his
past credentials we do hereby recognize him as G/M 7th degree in Tang Shoo Do and Uchu No Michi Ryu and a 4th degree Master in Rossi Kuntao. I have known G/M Taylor for about 40 years and are PROUD to have him within our ranks. For those who do not personally know G/M Taylor you will see he is one of the most talented martial artist to ever wear a Black Belt”
