Muhammad Ali's Legendary Trainer Angelo Dundee Dies at 90. Dundee died in his apartment in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday night February 1, at the age of 90, and with him a part of boxing died, too.

He was surrounded by his family, said his son, Jimmy, who said his January visit with Muhammad Ali in Louisville, Ky. to celebrate "The Champ's" 70th birthday, meant everything to his Dad. For more information about his legendary career, go to http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/angelo-dundee-dead-90-15494635


In this Jan. 14, 2012, file photo, Muhammad Ali, right, celebrates his 70th birthday next to his longtime
trainer Angelo Dundee at a fund raiser for the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville, Ky.
(The Muhammad Ali Center/AP Photo)


Beisho would like to wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Dragon. . For more information on the Chinese zodiac, the meaning of the Dragon, and whether this is "your" year, see "The Chinese New Year of the Black Water Dragon" in the "Historical Writings" section or purchase Chasing Dragonflies, available under "Books," both on this website.

Sensei Frank Dumont Deceased - October 4, 2011


To My Family in Karate-Do:

It is with profound sadness that I inform you that Uechi-Ryu Sensei Francis "Frankie" Dumont passed to Eternal Live at Lowell, Massachusetts on October 4, 2011 after a brief battle with cancer.

The palpable irony is that my forty-first year in the martial arts began Tuesday night with a fantastic opening night at Andover, with a stellar cast featuring Shihan Dai Mike Pepe. There is marvelous spiritual proportion to be found in this, which speaks to the heart of Karate-Do.

Sensei Frank was my first Sensei, and the source of the profound wisdom that guided me to persist in the martial arts, regardless of style and distance. I can still feel that first spin kick from the very first night, as his wisdom and that kick will live with me for as long as I draw breath.

Fighting not to succumb to grief and babble, as he passes to the Shomen the lessons emerge clearly. As age and health overtake us, the inescapable Truth is that we are all headed this way. Ichi-go, Ichi-e was never more important. The Spirit of Karate-Do mandates that as long as our feet touch the dojo floor we give our best at all times regardless of age, infirmity or physical limitations. It is the nature and Sprit of those who came before us. His obituary appears on page 15 of Thursday's Lowell Sun. I pray that his legacy lives in me, secure only in the knowledge and with his assurance that I never disappointed him.

Love,
Sensei Tom



"The Beisho Association is proud to announce publication of our newest book, Saving Japan's Martial Arts. It will be available through Amazon.com within the next two weeks, so keep your eyes open. Click here to review and order the book from Amazon.com If you like it, please leave a review. And I hope you do (like it, that is). Its a fascinating story

Saving Japan's Martial Arts is the story of how a young Japanese school teacher helped spark a martial arts revolution in Japan, rescue Japans ancient martial arts from the brink of oblivion, built Japans Olympic Movement, and became a driving force behind modern education in Japan. It is the only comprehensive biography in English of the remarkable Jigoro Kano (1860-1938), founder of Kodokan Judo. Saving Japan's Martial Arts also contains biographical sketches of more than a dozen top Judo students including Maeda Mitsyo, who taught Judo and Jujutsu to the Gracies in Brazil; Yamashita Yoshiaki, who taught President Theodore Roosevelt Judo in the White House; Shoriki Matsutaro, Judo master, founder of the Yomiuri media empire, creator of professional baseball in Japan, and Japan's first nuclear energy commissioner; and many others. Saving Japan's Martial Arts contains a detailed history of the bloody end of the Tokugawa shogunate, including the political struggles, assassinations and duels, and battles portrayed in the blockbuster 2003 Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai. Saving Japan's Martial Arts is chock-full of rare, vintage pictures and descriptions of the training and masters of the ancient Japanese martial arts. It should be required reading for anyone interested in the development of the Asian martial arts and for those who want to understand how those arts survived one of the most tumultuous centuries in Japanese history, a century that saw Japan emerge from an isolated and backward feudal autocracy to a modernized, industrialized major power."


Beisho Belt Pins!
A round, 3/4 diameter, full color replica of the Beisho patch that attaches to the obi with a post and screw-on backing.
(belt pins available through your Sensei - while supplies last)


The Beisho Association extends its heartfelt condolences to Sensei Donny Wong and his family on the passing of his father, Don Wong, Sr.

CHELMSFORD-Don R. Wong, Sr., age 68, a resident of Chelmsford for 40 years died on August 8, 2011 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH after a brief battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth H. "Betty" (Carlevale) Wong with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 20.

Don was born on January 8, 1943 in Boston and was a son of the late Done Wing and Rose M. (McCabe) Wong.

He received his early education in Boston area schools. He graduated from Newbury Junior College and then earned his Bachelor Degree in Information Technology.

Don served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

He was a parishioner of St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford

Prior to his retirement, Don was employed for many years as a Senior Systems Programmer Analyst by Zwicker & Associates in Andover. Earlier in his career he had been employed by Family Products, which then became Hussey Plastics in Tyngsboro, Century Bank in Medford, Skyr Clothing in Lawrence and McCracken Financial Solutions in Billerica.

He was a member of the Pelham Fish and Game Club and former member of the Billerica Fish and Game Club. Don had a passion for collecting and shooting fire arms. He also enjoyed camping, salt water fishing, cooking, listening to music, country line dancing, and spending time in the company of his family.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his children; Don R. Wong, Jr. and his wife Melissa of Hudson, NH, Michele Spaid and her husband Stan of LaJose, PA, Kim A. Fauvel and her husband Jean-Paul of Hudson, NH, and Anthony P. Wong and his wife Frankie of Murfreesboro, TN and 8 grandchildren; Gabrielle, Mitchell, Justin, Desirre, Amy, Jason, Felicia, and Anthony Joseph. He also leaves two brothers; James Cookson and his wife Tori of Tacoma, WA, and William Cookson and his wife Carol of Bradenton, FL; three sisters; Joan Lightner, Priscilla Lightner of Coalport, PA, and Agnes Joyce Hanlon and her husband Hubert of Arlington, MA; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Georgie Cookson.

NOTICE FOR ONE DAY

WONG, DON R. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 10, from 4 to 8 pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on FRIDAY, August 12 at 11 o'clock. Burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford. For those who desire, expressions of sympathy in Don's memory may be made to Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054. Funeral Directors Paul A. Hardy, Jr. & Richard P. Burkinshaw. For online condolences visit BLAKEFUNERALHOME.COM.

Blake Funeral Home
24 Worthen Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: (978) 256-5251
Fax: (978) 244-1460


The SKKAA is sad to acknowledge the death on May 29, 2011 of Small-Circle Jiu-Jutsu Grandmaster Wally Jay at the age of 93. For more information, see the article of Professor Jay in our web site's "Selected Writings."

We'd like to draw your attention to the following newly published books by Papa Chris Clarke. Kamikaze, Samurai, Scoundrels and Saints, and Warriors and Wisemen are all second editions of his popular books from the 1990s, revised, with lavish new illustrations, and in the case of Warriors and Wisemen, significantly expanded with new material. All are easily available through Amazon.com.

You may also be interested in Smoke and Mirrors: Echoes From An Iron Lung, a biography of Lorraine Reynolds Woodruff Clarke (1920-1965), along with several collections of her poetry.


"The Beisho Association wishes all its members and friends a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day."



"Beisho wishes all its members, families, and friends a happy and prosperous Year of the Rabbit. According to Chinese tradition, people born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog."
(Source: http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/Rabbit.html).






It is with great sadness news that Beisho announces that the Ryukyu Shimpo has reported that Shorin-ryu Shidokan founder, Miyahira Katsuya sensei has passed away at the age of 92.

Designated as a Prefectural Intangible Cultural Asset of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo, Katsuya Miyahira died of heart failure at Naha hospital at 8:01 am on November 28 at the age of 92. He was originally from Nishihara Township. The funeral was held from 2:00 to 3:00 pm on November 30 at in Tenku 1192-1 Naha city at the Naha Funeral hall. He is survived by his wife Masae.

Miyahira served as president for the Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate Association in 1969 and served for the Prefecture Karatedo Federation in 1986. He received the Naha City Government Achievement Award in 1995, and the second Lifetime Achievement Award for Okinawa Karate and Kobudo given by the Ryukyu Newspaper in 1998. He was designated a national intangible cultural asset for Okinawa Karate and Kobudo in 2000. Okinawan Karate Kobudo.

Miyazato Sensei was designated as Shorin-ryu karate founder Chibana Choshin's successor when the latter died in 1969 and was one of the most senior karate masters at the time of his death. In addition to Chibana, he trained under the legendary Tokuda Ambun and Motobu Choki. Among his most senior students are Iha Seikichi in the US, Miyazato Shoei in Argentina, and Chinen Kenyu in France.

Our sympathies are with the Miyahira family and students.






Beisho wishes to extend our wishes for a wonderful Christmas to all our members.

Kids: see the children's activity sections for some fun new Christmas activities! There are new activites in all three age groups for you to enjoy. Happy Holiday!








Beisho wishes to extend the most cordial Hanukkah greetings to all our members.

Kids: see the children's activity sections for some fun Hanukkah activities! Check all three age groups for activities you may enjoy. Happy Holiday.






Now Available from Beisho: Special Belt Racks to display your progress.


                Custom Wood Karate Belt Racks (or Belt Racks) each numbered
                Solid cherry, stained
                Order in your choice of wood and color
                Can build your design with any species of wood and color
                Each rack is hand made (See full specifications below)






Belt Rack Size:
Overall:22" x 26½"
Box: 18½" x 18½"
Squares:5½" x 5½"
Depth:2½"
· Hanging hook installed on back of each rack
· All racks are numbered & dated
· All solid cherry wood with two different color stains in stock
· Cost: $85.00 plus shipping

           Contact Info:
                David Petrie
                1st. cell 440-823-3202
                Business office voicemail for Distinctive Woodworks is 440-543-0385
                Business fax # 440-543-0386



Beisho Karatedo is proud to announce the election as Beisho Vice President and Assistant Chief Instructor of Michael Pepe and to welcome Terrence Tuy as a member of the Board of Directors.






"Happy Fourth of July to the Beisho Family"






"The Beisho Family wishes all the fathers a Happy Father's Day"






Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day set aside for all Americans to remember and honor those who have sacrificed for our country. As you enjoy your time off and recreational activities, family get-togethers, and free time, I hope you will take a minute to remember those men and women who have sacrificed their time, their health, and sometimes their lives at the call of their country. We may not all agree that our government has always made the right decisions in sending our young men and women to war over the past 250 years, but we all still owe a debt of gratitude to those willing to drop what they were doing and answer the country's call. Please join me in taking a few minutes out of your day to remember, honor, and thank them for their service.

Also check out A Memorial Day Tribute on our Heroes page








"Happy Mother's Day to all our Beisho Mothers!"






The Beisho family extends its sincere condolences to Sempai Jo McCulty and her family on the recent passing of her father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.




"THAT'S the Beisho Spirit! Happy St. Patrick's Day!"






6th Annual Awards Banquet 2010, Shorin-Ryu Karate Academy, Waltham, MA



The Shorin-Ryu Karate Academy of Waltham held it's 6th annual awards banquet on Feb 6, 2010. Over two hundred people were in attendance to take part in games, face painting, musical chairs, a raffle, dinner, awards, and a demonstration. The raffle helped raise four hundred dollars for the Waltham soup kitchen which was this year's chosen recipient. Over one hundred awards were given out to children, adults, family and civic leaders. Congratulations to all who attended, received awards and helped make the event a great success. To see the names of the award winners, please click here.





Happy Asian Year of the Tiger



("Gongxi Facai" or in Cantonese "Kung Hei Fa Choi" Means "Happy Chinese New Year")



Chinese New Year (or the Asian Spring Festival) began on February 14, 2010, ushering in the Year of the Tiger. Celebrations generally continue for more than two weeks, though public holidays in some Asian countries are usually limited to between three and seven days. The tiger is associated with the element wood, and those born in the year of the tiger are generally considered to be unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, and generous. They can also be restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish, aggressive, unpredictable, and moody. "Tiger" people tend to enjoy risk and danger. Other "tiger" years include 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022. Next year will be the "Year of The Rabbit," beginning on February 3, 2011.


According to traditional zodiacal theory, "tiger" years can be explosive, sometimes beginning with a bang and ending with a whimper. Everything , good and bad, can and may be carried to extremes, sometimes resulting in disagreement, war, and disasters of all kinds. Fortunes can be made and lost. If you take a chance, gamble for high stakes, but understand that the odds are stacked against you. Tempers may flare, and it could be a trying time for diplomacy. Like the Tiger, we will tend to charge without thinking and end up regretting our rashness. The tiger year can be used to inject new life and vitality into lost causes, sinking ventures, and drab or failing industries. It will likewise be a time for massive change, for the introduction of new and bold, especially highly controversial ideas. Although the tiger year can be volatile, it could have a cleansing effect. Just as intense heat is necessary to extract precious metals from their ores, so the Tiger year can bring out the best in us. The best advice for this unpredictable year? "Hang on to your sense of humor and let things sizzle out!"

For more information and fun activities, see the Children's section.

Sources: Christopher M. Clarke, Chasing Dragonflies. Huntingtown, MD: 2004; http://www.chinavoc.com/zodiac/tiger.asp;  http://www.chinesezodiac.com/tiger.php  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_(zodiac); and http://store.doverpublications.com/.


Condolences

The Beisho family wishes to send our heart-felt condolences to Jeanne McDonald (Sandan, Shorin-ryu Karate Academy, Waltham, MA) and her family for the recent loss of her brother, Chuck. In 2005, Jeanne selflessly donated a kidney to Chuck, which allowed him to live his life more freely. Chuck was Jeanne's older, jocular, yet spiritual brother. She also has a twin, Jim, who along with his children, Jim and Livi, trained under Sensei Mike Pepe. Jeanne advises that "If you are given an opportunity to help someone with an organ donation, I can tell you that it is worth it. It did not hurt me and it helped my brother."





Counter added August17, 2011