Black Family MA - 2014.pmd - The Educational Martial Arts System

Bunbu-Ichi Zendo Kyokai
Way of the Pen & Sword in Harmony
Black Family Martial Arts History
Founded in Shanghai China in 1921
1st Generation/Founder
Sho Dai Soke
Leland Black Sr.
1900 - 1963
4th Generation
Shi Dai Soke
Robert Hedden
1970 - Present
White Lotus Seal
2nd Generation
Nesei Soke
Ralph Black Sr.
1930 - 1999
5th Generation
Go Dai Soke
Kirk VanDegrift
1960 - Present
Association Seal
3rd Generation
Sansei Soke
Dr. Ric Black
1952 - Present
Hatamoto
9th Dan
James Price
1944 - Present
Soke’s Seal
Black Family Martial Arts Celebrates 95 th Anniversary
In the winter of 1914, a fourteen year old boy ran away from his Pennsylvania home
intent on seeing the world and to accomplish this he would lie about his age and join the
Army. He was a large boy, larger than most men in his community. You had to be 16
years old or have your parent’s permission in those days to enlist.
He scraped together the few belongings he possessed, walked the three miles into
town and caught the morning train to Pittsburgh. The city of Pittsburgh in 1914 was a
sprawling city of street cars, steel mills and a few tall buildings as were to become the
trend in architecture in the next 20 years. For a boy/man it was fascinating and busy
compared to the quiet farming community he was accustomed to.
Pittsburgh PA in 1914
He found the Army recruiter after walking through half the city. The Sergeant was a career
soldier with over 20 years of hash marks appearing on the sleeve of his uniform. He
looked up at my grandfather and asked, “What can I do for you son”?
My grandfather answered “I want to join up” and he was handed a form to fill out. Upon
its completion the recruiter began to talk.
“You say your name is Lee Black and your 16 years old – is that correct” he asked.
“Yes sir, I’m from Pithole, PA outside of Franklin”, my grandfather answered.
“The pay is $50 a month after basic training, uniforms, three square meals a day and a
bunk”, said the Sergeant.
“Thank you where do I go from here”? My grandfather asked.
“Just across the road we have special rates at the Perry House, it has guest quarters.
You’ll be there two nights it been arranged for you to share a room with six others heading
to Basic Training. Eat in the dining room and let them know you are billeted via the Army
and don’t cause any trouble. That means no drinking, whoring and fighting or I’ll personally
bounce your ass back to where you came from – is that clear? The Sergeant stood and
faced my grandfather.
“Yes Sergeant – very clear and thank you” he replied.
Lee Black in WWI US Army photo 1916
Basic training was grueling, the food mediocre and the sleeping conditions
uncomfortable. My grandfather went on to become a clerk typist at the Presidio in San
Francisco CA. At the age of sixteen he let slip that he had committed an indiscretion
lying about his age to enlist. It was taken under advisement that he be summarily
discharged from active service in the Army. As he was now of legal age he could reenlist
in the US Navy. Having prior military service he would be stationed again at the Presidio
and hold the position of clerk typist. Same job, same location just different branch of the
Armed Forces.
The USS Elcano 1918
Crew of the USS Elcano
My grandfather requested overseas duty in Asia known as the “brown water Navy” in
China and was reassigned in 1918 to US Navy Yangtze River Patrol. The Yangtze Patrol
was called upon to defend American lives, property, and commerce along the river and
to support American foreign policy in the Far East.
Serving time in Hong Kong and Shanghai eventually stationed on the USS Elcano, a
river gunship that was captured from Spain. He served on the patrol boats from 1918 to
1923.
Life in Shanghai was rough, crime rampant and the lifestyle of the US servicemen
sometimes took a wrong turn. Many men turned to drinking and prostitutes to pass the
time an others of more moral character just served their time.
In 1918 my grandfather having one too many drinks became enamored with a young
Chinese girl in a waterfront tavern and decided to meet her. He tried talking with her but
she didn’t speak English or pretended not to. At the end of the evening he saw her leave
and went out to walk with her – she hurried her pace and kept saying something he
couldn’t understand and in the ten minute walk he found himself lost in a maze of side
streets and alleyways. The girl had entered a house just off a small road and my
grandfather knocked on the door only to hear “You Go!” shouted behind him. He turned
to see a diminutive Chinese man in his 40’s.
Walking down the steps the man again repeated his words and moved toward my
grandfather menacingly. He then shouted “She is no bar girl – my daughter – go!” he
shouted. My grandfather feeling his alcohol pushed the man away as he got too close
and for that effort was kicked backward 8 feet into the dirt. He got up and began to
defend himself. Within seconds the fight ended with a broken wrist, bruised ribs and
bruises on my grandfather’s face. His fight was with Tan Chiang Chen a Shanghai Bak
Mei Kung Fu (pronounced “baahk meih” – White Eyebrow Master & local constable.
Returning a week later more healed he brought gifts of food and cloth as a way of apology.
He was confronted again but the man who accompanied my grandfather explained it
had been a terrible mistake and he was here to make amends. The apology was accepted
and my grandfather learned Mr. Tan spoke perfect English and in proceeding months he
visited often to discuss the philosophy of Bak Mei, Tai Chi Chuan and Pakua. He learned
rudimentary movements by watching training sessions with Mr. Tan’s sons and in time
worked out to hone the skills he would practice until his death in 1963.
In 1936 he was transferred to Japan working as an attaché and again sought out martial
arts training this time in the form of Judo. The embassy staff had been training in self
defense with members of the Osaka Police Department since 1934 with Okuda sensei.
His training was twice a week. He was later introduced to Dai Ito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu under
Masao sensei a disciple of Takeda Sokaku. He practiced martial arts in Japan until
1938 when he was transferred to Honolulu Hawaii and later went to war against the
Japanese in World War Two.
In the early 40’s he taught his own sons Judo and they too went off to serve their country.
My father sent to Japan in the US Navy in the late 40’s where he studied Judo and
briefly karate. He practiced intermittently but gave it up to concentrate on work and
family.
In 1958, my grandfather introduced me to the practice of Judo in Narita Japan. I was not
yet 5 years old but would play with the other boys of near my age learning break falls,
tumbling and other agility skills until we were old enough to understand that the moves
we learned were the basis of all preliminary skills taught in Judo.
Lee Black my grandfather in 1960
In proceeding years I would study various systems of jujutsu, karate and kobudo which
would eventually span more than 50 years. Today at age 61, I teach a few days a week.
Once it’s in your blood it never goes away.
I’m proud of my families dedication upholding the honor an traditions of the great men
who were our mentors and hope the family system will be carried on after my passing by
those sensei I have trained.
Thank you for your patience in reading this article.
Dr. Ric Black
Sansei Soke
Bunbu Ichi Zendo Kai
Bunbu Ichi Zendo Budo Bugei Renmei
Way of the Pen & Sword in Harmony
Leland C. Black Sr.
Founder 1918
1900-1963
Ralph D. Black Sr.
Nisei Soke
1932-1999
Dr. Ric Black
Sansei Soke -10th Dan
1952 - Present
Jeff Everetts
New York - 10th Dan
Grandmaster
Robert Hedden
Sokedai - 8th Dan
1970 - Present
Susan Everetts
New York - 8th Dan
Grandmaster
James Price
Florida - 8th Dan
Hanshi
Brian Wise
Florida -4th Dan
Renshi
Kirk Vandegrift
Sokedai - 8th Dan
1960 - Present
Thomas Stanifer
Tennessee - 7th Dan
Shihan
Brian Manna
California - 8th Dan
Hanshi
Robert DeMott
Florida - 8th Dan
Shihan
Robert Ord
Virginia - 7th Dan
Renshi
Janet Manna
California- 5th Dan
Renshi
Wade Dirks
Kansas - 4th Dan
Sensei
Jens Fricke
Germany - 7th Dan
Shihan
Christopher Brandt
California- 5th Dan
Renshi
Matthew Ricki
Kansas - 1st Dan
Sensei
Fredrick Rodgers
Florida - 5th Dan
Renshi
Michael Varveris
Florida - 1st Dan
Sensei
Gary Winters
Florida - 1st Dan
Sensei
Greg Stanley
Florida - 3rd Dan
Sensei
Thomas Fanelli
California - 1st Dan-R
Sensei
Micheal Petryszak
Florida - 3rd Dan
Sensei
Joseph Barnett
Florida - Tactics Trainer
Marcel DiSilva
Alabama - 3rd Dan
Sensei
Ace Lewis
Tennessee - 5th Dan
Renshi
Terri Stanifer
Tennessee - 1st Dan
Sempai
Randy Depew
Tennessee - 3rd Dan
Sensei
Justin Cole
Tennessee - 1st Dan
RenshiSempai
Brody Vandegrift
Kansas - 1st Dan
Sensei
Levi Stanifer
Tennessee - 1st Dan-R
Sempai
Eric Cassner
Florida - Tectics Trainer
U.S. Army 1916
Singapore, China 1921
Retired 1960
Leland C. Black Sr.
(1900 -1964)
1916 - 1918 Began the study of boxing in the U.S. Army
1918 J oined U.S. Navy after being Honorably discharged from U.S. Army
1920 - 1928 Began the study of Bok Mei (White Eyebrow) in Singapore under
Tan Chiang Shen
1928 Assigned to U.S. Embassy - Tokyo) Japan. began study of Kodokan Judo
under Shuichi Nagaoka and Hoken Sato
1930 Began study of Nagamine Jujutsu under Masatoshi Matsushida in Tokyo
1936 Sons began study of Judo as Embassy dependants
1939 Family returned to Hickum Field, Hawaii
1941 - 1945 U.S. Navy - World War Two
1948 - 1963 Taught and trained only intermittently until his death.
1960 Retired from the U.S. Navy
1963 Deceased
U.S. Navy 1948
Tokyo 1955
Retired 1995
Ralph Black Sr.
(1930 - 1999)
1936 Began the study of Kodokan Judo at the US Embassy in Japan
1948 Enlisted in U.S. Navy, became UDT certified and was assigned to
duty station in Yokohama, Japan, where he began the study of Jujiutsu
1950 Began training in Sosuishi Ryu Judo under Kehei Aoyagi and
Nagamine Jujutsu under Koruhei Nagamine in Tokyo, Japan.
1952 Assigned duty station in Korea, wounded in action, deployed to
states to train others in hand-to-hand combat.
1955 Began Goju Ryu Karate under Gogen Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Japan
1959 Received Shodan in Goju Ryu Karate
1965 Discontinued training to concentrate on career and family
1999 Deceased
1986 - 6th Degree
Black Belt
U.S. Army 1970
1988- Sansei Soke
Bunbu-Ichi Zendo Kai
Dr. Ric Black (1952)
1958 - June 12 Began the study of Kodokan Judo in Oil City, PA under Sensei Ross Faustino, President of the Alleghany Mountain Yudanshikai.
1960 Trained in Judo at Naha Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan received Gokkyu in Kodokan Judo
under Hajima Yamashito.
1962 Began training in Matsumura Shurin Ryu Karate Ha at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan,
under Captain Ronald L. Holden, a student of Hohan Soken.
1963 Received Sankyu in Kodokan Judo and Nagamine Ryu Jujutsu under Donald Draeger.
1964 Received lkkyu in Kodokan Judo and Nagamine Ryu Jujutsu under Donald Draeger.
1965 Trained in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan under Kim Joon Hwa in Oil City PA
1967 Received Shodan (1st Dan) in Tang Soo Do and Shodan (1st Dan) in Matsumura Shurin Ryu
Karate and opened first dojo at Clearwater YMCA with Gerald Walker.
1969 Enlisted U.S. Army prior to graduation – Jump Qualified (Ft. Benning) Summer 1969
1970 Assigned U.S. Army Special Forces Training Command - Okinawa. Began training in Motobu Ha
under Seuchi Uyehara in Shuri, Okinawa, Japan - received Shodan (1st Dan).
1970 - 1972 Assigned Republic of Vietnam - 5th Special Forces Group - studied Tae Kwon Do Oduk
Kwan - received Nidan (2nd Dan) under White Horse Division Team Leader Park Kae Son.
1973 Received Sandan (3rd Dan) in Tae Kwon Do Chang Moo Kwan from Augustine K. Lee in Pittsburgh, PA
1974 Received Shodan (1st Dan) in USA Goju Karate under Peter Urban and graduated with BSCE
from University of Pittsburgh
1975 Son born, William Joseph Black
1976 Received Yondan (4th Dan) in Nagamine Jujitsu and Sandan (3rd Dan) in Hakkoryu Jujutsu,
Moo Duk Kwon Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do in Pittsburgh, PA
1977 Received Shodan (1st Dan) in Kobudo in Sekiguchi Jujutsu
1980 Received Godan (5th Dan) in Chang Moo Kwan under Will D. Egner
1980 Entered Master Instructor Training Program at the Chang Moo Kwan Hdqrs. LA, CA
198l Received Rokudan (6th Dan) in Chang Moo Kwan and Godan (5th Dan) in Hakkoryu Jujutsu
1982 Received Yondan (4th Dan) in Hakkoryu Jujutsu under Gerald Walker
1987 Received Godan (5th Dan) in Tang Soo Do under Kim Jae Joon and Shichidan (7th Dan) in
Seidokan Karate from Shian Toma, Okinawa, Japan
1987 Founded China Star Publications, began Florida Martial Arts Magazine.
1988 Founded Bunbu-lchi Zendo Kai Karate/Jujutsu in Clearwater FL under Seidokan Remmei.
1988 Received Soke Grade and Judan (10th Dan) from Shian Toma Seidokan/MotobuHa Okinawa/
Japan
1988 Received Master of Science in Engineering from Carneige-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.
1989 Began International Martial Arts Journal
1990 Received Honours’ Causa Doctor of Science Eurotechnical Research University
1990 Received Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from University of Pittsburgh
1990 Received Shichidan (7th Dan) from Dr. Eugene Humesky and the United Tae Kwon Do Brotherhood.
1990 Began Martial Arts Business Magazine and karate programs at University of Colorado and Colorado State University
1990 Held first martial arts trade show (Martial Arts Business Expo 90’) in Las Vegas NV
1995 Received Master Instructor of the Year from IMAMS
1995 Received Hachidan (8th Dan) and Kyoshi title from Kojasho Shinko-Kai USA/Japan
1996 Received Hachidan (8th Dan) in Urban Goju Karate from Peter Urban
1997 Received Grandmaster of the Year from WHFSC
1998 Received Grandmaster of the Year from WHFSC
1998 Received Master Instructor of the Year from IMAMS
1998 Received Shichidan (7th Dan) Chang Moo Kwan International
1998 Received International Master Instructor from Chang Moo Kwan International
2000 Received Hachidan (8th Dan) from United Tae Kwon Do Brotherhood
2000 Founded Martial Arts Life Magazine and Black Crystal Publishing Group, Inc.
2001 Became National Director/CEO United States Police Defeive Tactics Association
2001 Founded International Police Defensive & Military Tactics Association - Belgium
2001 Founded International Cyclists Defense System, Inc.
2001 Golden Lifetime Achievement Award - 40 Years - from WHFSC
2005
Received 9th Dan from Bok Man Kim in Tae Kwon Do Chun Kuhn Do
2006 Received Lifetime Achievement Award from International Martial Arts Karate/Kickboxing Hall of
Fame
2006 Graduated as an Oriental Medical Doctor in Acupuncture, Herbology and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
2007 Graduated with Bachelors Degree in Criminology University of Perpetul Help Philippines
2008 Golden Lifetime Achievement Award - 50 Years - from WHFSC
2010 Graduated with Masters Degree in Criminology University of Perpetul Help Philippines
2011 Founded American Chang Moo Kwan Federation - Interim Director
2012 Received PHD from West Coast University - Panama
2012 10th Dan All japan Jujutsu International
2012 World Sokeship/Headmaster Alliance - 10th Dan
2012 Rhangdo Close Combat 10th Dan
2014 Krav Maga Germany - 3rd Level Black Belt Instructor
Robert W. Hedden
(1969)
1983
Began Shito-ryu Ha Karate-do under Timothy Brooks
1985
Received Shodan (1st Dan) from Timothy Brooks
1992
Graduated University of South Florida - Bachelor of Arts
1996
Began training in Bunbu-Ichi Karate, Kobudo and Jujutsu under Soke Ric Black
1997
Received Shodan (1st Dan) under Soke Ric Black
1998
Received Nidan (2nd Dan) under Soke Ric Black
1998 Recruited for Uchedeshi (Entrant to Secrets) program and accepted became
candidate for Sokedai under the White Lotus Society under Grand Master Tan Chiang
Chen and Bunbu-Ichi Zendo Kyokai Soke Ric Black
2000 Recognized as Sokedai (Inheritor Designate) of the Bunbu-Ichi Zendo Kyokai.
2000 Received Sandan (3rd Dan) under Soke Ric Black
2001 Received Yondan (4th Dan) under Soke Ric Black
2001 Received Sokedai designation from Soke Ric Black
2005 Received Godan (5th Dan) designation from Soke Ric Black
2008 Received Inheritor - Hachidan (8th Dan) from Soke Ric Black
Robert Ord
Kyoshi 6th Dan
Marcel Disilva
Sensei - 3rd Dan
Thomas Fanelli
1 Dan Recommended
st
Brian Wise
Kyoshi 5th Dan Ho
Matt Ricke
Sensei 1st Dan
Gary Winter
1st Dan
Wade Dirks
Kyoshi 4th Dan
Dr. Michael Varveris
1st Dan
Brody VanDegrift
1st Dan
Scott Brown
Shodan Trainee
Eric Cassner
Tactics Trainer
Joseph Barnett
Tactics Trainer
Photographs Not Available:
William Egner - 9th Dan
Jeff Everets - 9th Dan
Greg Stanley - 3rd Dan
Steven Brady - 1st Dan
Fredrick Rodgers - 5th Dan
Susan Everetts - 8th Dan
Cheryl Layton - 2nd Dan
Philip Lamb - 1st Dan
Mike Petryzak - 3rd Dan
Robert DeMott- 8th Dan
William McBride - 1st Dan