Hall of Fame

On November 2, 2025, I was honored to be inducted to the Pennsylvania Karate Hall of Fame. Unlike similar recognition vehicles that one must pay to be part of, this is a non-profit organization that treated my wife and I to dinner and presented a very nice award. Here’s (approximately) what I said in my acceptance remarks:

I want to thank the Hall of Fame for this distinct honor. It’s something that I never would have anticipated, but for which I’m very grateful. Actually, I have a lot to be grateful for.

First and foremost, I’m grateful that the Lord has allowed me the health and longevity to continue training in these arts.

I’m especially grateful to my wife, Rosanne (whom I met through karate), and my daughter, Erika, for their support and sacrifices that have allowed me to train.

I’m very grateful to the instructors under whom I’ve trained and/or have helped our dojo in some significant way:
• Ralph Lindquist Sensei, from whom I received my first black-belt rank in Isshinryu karate.
• Ted Vollrath Sensei, from whom I received my senior ranks in Isshinryu.
• Friends Miguel Ibarra Hanshi and Edward Castillo Sensei, both of whom stepped in to replace credentials and certifications in aikijujutsu that were lost in an organizational blow up.
• Nicklaus Suino Sensei of the Japanese Martial Arts Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from whom I received my most recent black-belt in iaido and under whose guidance I hope to achieve additional rank in that art and in Nihon Jujutsu.

I’m grateful to the yudansha-kai of Itten Dojo, the black-belt assistant instructors — most of whom are here today. They are the pillars on which the dojo stands.

And, finally, I’m very grateful to the members of Itten Dojo, past and present. I could have been training in my basement by myself for 50 years and nobody would care. It’s only because of the impact the dojo has had on its members and the accomplishments they’ve achieved — I hope in some small part facilitated by the lessons they learned in the dojo — that I’m standing here now.

On behalf of everyone affiliated with Itten Dojo, past, present, and future, I’m humbled and grateful to accept this award. Thank you.