2. to the members of
Gedatsu-Kai Goju-Ryu
Order Golden Choices online at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com
(Hard copy and e-book available)
Author Dionne Bell@deependableMe
Also follow the author online at www.authordionnebell.com
3. EVENT PROMOTORS
GKMAF President Dr. John Bennett, Jr. Soke
Vice–President Professor David Fitzgerald 7th Dan
Saturday May 16th 2015 6:00—10pm
Founder’s Hall / Akron, Ohio
4. PROGRAM
Master of Ceremonies ...........Dr. Rodney Delaney
Invocation .............................................. Haniyyah Nixon
Introduction of Head Table ...................... Cynthia Nixon
- - - - - - - DINNER - - - - - - -
WELCOME
Introduction of Dignitaries
VIP Master Dwayne Lopps 8th Dan - Tae Kwon Do
VIP Prof. Michael Murkins 8th Dan - Sikaron Karate
PRESENTATION and REMARKS
Power Point Presentation
8 Fist Poem / Kantu Dai Kata … By De’Jah / JuLonnah Nixon
Demo of Goju-Ryu Katas
Master David Fitzgerald
De’Jah and JuLonnah
Special Awards Presentation .
Kyu Belts Presentation /GKMAF 2015Medallion Award
(Pictures may be taken as belts are being awarded)
Masters Belt Awards Presentation
(Pictures may be taken as belts are being awarded)
Most Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts of Akron / Awards
Remarks.
Benediction ........................................................... Ous!
5. GEDATSUKAI 2nd Annual MASTER’S BELT &
AWARDS
BANQUET
This event is a Traditional Ceremony to give tribute and honor those who have
demonstrated, polished, and perfected their Martial Skills, Character, and dedi-
cated themselves to the philosophies of understanding oneself ( unshackled);
have carried out the duties of teaching that enriches the lives of others along
the way contributing to the growth and prestige of the Martial Arts Science .
The Master level students honored today are all over 30 years of experience in
the art, of all various careers, professions, and families, have demonstrated unselfish sacrifices.
All Belts are held in high regards from the first level of the Kyu grades to the Dans; the price is not in dollars
and cents, but in blood-sweat and tears.
The Master’s Belt presented today, just means one who continues to seek perfection in the way, so that
the knowledge can continue to be passed on.
An Acknowledgment of celebration to usher in and be excepted by those of Master’s Ranks / Soke families,
to a new chapter.
We would also like to thank our Outstanding GKMAF Executive staff members, students, Joy Park Commu-
nity Center / Lebron James Boys & Girls Club of America, Inc. ,and all the others who have taken the time
plus support to see that this prestigious event takes place at this time.
Yours in the Way-DO, Ous!
Dr. John Bennett, Jr.
President / Senior VP Gedatsu-Kai Martial Arts Federation, Inc.
Dr. Lawrence M. Nixon, President/ Founder
6. GKMAF LOGO
Pyramid Shape
GEDATSUKAI /Meaning—Salvation
The All-Seeing Eye— Enlightens of Spiritual Growth / Understanding
Four Primary Belt colors White—Green—Brown and Black Belt ( Master Level)
(1) Unshackled Lettering in Japanese Kanji (Print Left-hand outside border)
(2) Broken Chain in Kanji (Right-hand side)
(3) Red presenting the highest Ranking Belt Awarded
GKMAF Chief Instructors Are Elected
The GKMAF carefully selects its Chief Instructors from the Shihankai, based on the individual’s expe-
rience, strength and integrity. This is an advantage, since many karate organizations with a strong
founding leader pass on their leadership position to an inheritor once the master is gone. The inher-
itor may be a weak leader, and so the organization begins to lose its way, and eventually may even
disappear. There is no such danger at the GKMAF; because the Chief Instructors are always elected
by the Executive Council Board, they are always ready to give all to its strong / best leaders. The
GKMAF is far better organized than most other karate groups, and with its strong democratic tradi-
tion it has a staying power that few others can match: the GKMAF is forever.
7. Dr. Rodney Delaney 9th Dan
O-Shihan Instructor
Goju– Ryu Karate
SVP Chairman
Cynthia Nixon
GKMAF SVP
Senior Executive Secretary
Hanshi Jule Kym Nixon
O-Shihan Instructor
Goju-Ryu Karate
GKMAF SVP Council Head
8. 戸倉シチミ霧ラス日もち寅美ぬとか市域推移コリ地租のこいりか
*Rokudan Lisa Tyson 6th Degree Black Belt
Over 35 years Exp. Martial Arts Study /Goju-Karate /
USAF
Columbus, Ohio—GKMAF Regional Director
吉良シチミ畝千生町その東浪見あ
Godan Paul Jackson III 4th degree Black belt
Over 35 years Exp. Martial Arts Study/ Goju– Ryu Karate
New York, New York – GKMAF Regional Director
Sensei Gloria Mason
GKMAF VP
General Manager/ Webmaster
Chief Instructor Master Carl Owens 6th Dan
Regional Director State of Ohio
Technical Adviser/ Council Board Member
Assoc. Prof. Andrew Wilson
GKMAF Instructor
Dojo Keeper
9. GKMAF EXECUTIVE MOST OUTSTANDING STAFF:
Dr. John Bennett, Jr. / Virginia Beach, VA
Master David Fitzgerald / Canton, Ohio
Dr. Rodney Delaney / Cleveland, Ohio
Hanshi Jule K. Nixon / Nebraska
SVP Cynthia Nixon
Shodan Gloria Mason / GKMAF Division I Executive Secretary
GKMAF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARDS:
Professor Michael Murkins 8th Degree Black Belt Sikaron Karate
Sensei Dwayne Lopp 8th Dan DL’s Tae Kwon Do Striking Panthers
John Hafford / Joy Park Community Center of Akron
James Warner / L B Boy’s & Girls of America, Inc.
10. KARATE FOR CHILDREN
Karate for children is not only fun, it provides many important
benefits to young people. Some of these benefits are referred to in
Japanese as chiiku (mental development), tokuiku (moral develop-
ment) and taiiku (physical development). These are the same three classes of personal develop-
ment found in traditional educational systems.
In terms of chiiku (mental development), karate helps build concentration, focus, clear thinking
and decisiveness.
Karate has strong internal benefits as well. It helps instill patience, discipline, perseverance, un-
derstanding and open-mindedness. It builds confidence, develops self-control and increases
calmness, courtesy and peace—all of which will aid everyone in every endeavor they undertake
in life. These correspond to tokuiku (moral development).
Of course, karate is good for the body, too (taiiku). Physically it is excellent for the heart, builds
strong bones and bigger muscles, creates resilience, and makes the body less susceptible to sick-
ness and injury.
In all these ways, karate is profoundly helpful to young people in dealing with the many challeng-
es facing them in today’s society. It brings them balance and perspective at an age when these
are needed most. It adds a strong foundation to their character.
NOTE: Other karate organizations often allow children as young as five or six years old start kumite
(sparring). But at the GKMAF, so as to avoid the possibility of injury, no sparring is allowed until the child is ten
years old and in the fifth grade.
11. RANKPROMOTIONS
Josiah Nixon Green Belt
Daylon Owens -Brown Belt
Sankyu
Carter Galloway Green Belt
Gokyu
Sabrina Matthews-Brown Belt
Sankyu
12. The Head-founders, Head-families, Grandmasters Council
The Executive Committee by virtue of the authority vested in them by law and
by bylaw, hereby authorize the
issuance of titles and degree
Creed
(1) “The art is my secret” (a fist covered by the open hand reminding us that the art is a secret weapon);
(2) “My hands are empty– I bear no weapons” (two open hands which form an opening representing the sun and the
extended sun rays);
(3) ”Responsibility to God and mankind” (hands folded in prayer position distinctively,
spiritual in nature, signifying praying for forgiveness if ever forced to use the art against anyone.
Eight Poems of the Fist
1) The mind is one with heaven and earth
2) The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of the sun and the Moon
3) The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness
4) Act in accordance with time in change
5) Techniques we occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6) The feet must advance a retreat, separate and meet
7) The eyes do not miss the slightest change
8) The ears listen well in all directions.
1968-1999 Then 2000-2012– Present
1964
13. 十倉七味切ラス JuLonnah Nixon 1st Degree Black Belt
My name is JuLonnah Nixon and I am currently 13 years old. So, it
has been about 12 to 13 years of being a part of the Martial Arts. At first
I have to admit I just thought of it as simply playing with my grandfather.
He and my father inspired and showed me karate. But, as I got older I
started to realize that the simple kick he always asked me to do was a
front kick(Mageri). Then from there it turned into training every sum-
mer. It was always my sister, Grandpa, and I but we started to go to the
Dojo. I wasn’t use to working out with others, but I got use it and began
increase my skills. Days turned into months and so on. I even went to
tournaments and perform at banquets increasing my confidence. I con-
tinuously trained and began to turn into the person I am today. Every-
thing’s not easy and no one’s perfect but if you stay focus and deter-
mined you’ll succeed. I know I have a lot to learn and I am ready for the
challenge.
十倉七味切ラス De’Jah Nixon 1st Degree Black Belt
My name is De'Jah Nixon I am 15 years old. And I do martial arts.
When I started it was fun and games I did not see the importance of
it ,I saw myself acting like Bruce lee and Shonuff from the last dragon
and any other ninja or spy type person. It wasn’t until the training
got serious that I realize how much work had to be put in the disci-
pline and focus that I had to learn to even get this far in rank. I re-
member all the pain that I went through not just physically but men-
tally I had to break down my and realize mind over matter and to this
day I am still breaking it down to become stronger. And even though
I am getting up there in belts I still have so much to learn and over-
come.
De'Jah
14. Master David Fitzgerald
Rokudan 7th Degree Black Belt
Over 30 years Goju Ryu Experience
GKMAF Vice– President / Head Chief Instructor Division I / Goju– Ryu Regional Tactical Adviser
U. S .Army 83-92
Canton Police Officer
Police Academy Defensive Tactical Instructor
I began my Martial Arts journey under Dr. Nixon in 1987 the successor of the late Dr. Miles Lampkins, with
Gedatsu-Dai Goju-Ryu Academy. I also received training in Maui Tai Kick Boxing, Pressure Point Control Tactics,
Master Ground Defense and Mechanical Advantage Control Holds.
My objective is to elevate the ideas of tradition and non-traditional Martial Arts study, maintain spiritual growth,
and enhance the life of everyone that I have had the privilege of instructing.
”Outstanding Leader-
ship
&
Teaching
the
Martial Way
to
Our Youths and Com-
munity”
15. Master Carl Owens
Rokudan 7th Degree Black Belt
Over 35 years Goju Ryu Experience
Started the GDGKA Instructions 2000 at Joy Park Community Center of Akron /under the leadership Dr. Donald
Chatman
GKMAF Chief Instructor Division I / Goju– Ryu Regional Director for the State of Ohio
The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2003 “ Karateka of the Year”
Asst. Coordinator of Two Worlds Events with the TWMAHOF
Study the art of Karate under Dr. Nixon in the early 1980 s with Keno’s Judo and Karate School of Martial Arts
Former member of United States Karate Association
”Outstanding Leadership
Teaching
the
Martial Way
to
Our Youths and
Community”
16. D.O.B January 3, 1966, twin sister Michelle Dorman Parents Earl Lee Gard, Eula Mae Murkins
Started martial arts training in 1974 under Dr. Eugene and James Shy 10th Dan, on South Street, Akron
Ohio. Other instructors Prof. Michael McGady, Sensei Martin Sewell Judo, Prof. Ronald James Terry Tae Kwon Do and
Judo, Sifu Ken Smith Shaolin Kungfu all of Akron Ohio.
Graduate of Firestone High School class of 84 United states Army 1987-1992 ( Assistant Hand to Hand Combat instruc-
tor) Germany Earned my 3rd Dan Sikaron Karate 1988 under Dr. Leonard Holifield 10th Dan While in Germany I stud-
ied Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chung, Kali and Escrima under Guro Danny Salvador, and Ninjutsu under Master Parks, Mo
Duk Kwon under Sensei Thomas King 4th Dan, Chinese Weapons Sifu Lester Washington.
Rank held respectfully:
8th Degree Black Belt Sikaron Karate - Registered in the United States of America & Internationally
3rd Degree Black Belt Shotokan
1st Degree Black Belt Judo
Apprentice Ninjutsu 1st Dan
Former Assist Close Quarters Combat Instructor Former Unarmed Self Defense, vehicle bomb search instructor
(I.A.E.P.A) Church Security Ministry seminar instructor.
Member of: International Special Security Council of Research and Development of conflicts and Tactics( Special
forces Commando's) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia International Academy of Executive Agents World Martial Arts Hall Of
Fame International Academy of police and military self defense tactics United States Martial Artist Association State
Director Ohio Founder/CEO Nighthawk Executive Protection and security.
Professor Michael Murkins Sr.
Senior Vice-President Sikaron Karate Federation Executive
Protection Specialist
”To the Teaching of the Martial Way to
Our Youths and Community”
Teaching of our Youths
17. Master Dwayne M. Lopp
Head instructor and founder of D.L's Taekwondo Striking Panthers
Master Lopp received his 1st
degree black belt in the arts of Taekwondo and Karate at
the young age of 17 and has won many prestigious titles in competition. While giving 11 years
of service to the U.S. army, he became a European martial arts champion, trained officers and
enlisted soldiers in the art of hand to hand combat, and competed in the 1988 Taekwondo
Olympic trials. Master Lopp was a personal driver and bodyguard to a general of the 101st
Air-
borne/Air Assault division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.
In 2003, he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame as “The Instructor of The
Year.” He currently holds a 8th
degree black belt in Taekwondo, a 5th
degree black belt in Kara-
te, and has extensive knowledge in Hapkido and Hosinsul (Hosinsul: self-defense).
”To the Teaching of the Martial Way to
Our Youths and Community”
18. TWENTY PRECEPTS OF KARATE
1) Never forget: karate begins with rei and ends with rei (Rei means courtesy or respect, and is represented in
karate by bowing)
2) There is no first attack in karate
3) Karate supports righteousness
4) First understand yourself, then understand others
5) The art of developing the mind is more important than the art of applying technique
6) The mind needs to be freed
7) Trouble is born of negligence
8) Do not think karate belongs only in the dojo
9) Karate training requires a lifetime
10) Transform everything into karate; therein lies its exquisiteness
11) Genuine karate is like hot water; it cools down if you do not keep on heating it
12) Do not think of winning; you must think of not losing
13) Transform yourself according to the opponent
14) The outcome of the fight depends on one’s control
15) Imagine one’s arms and legs as swords
16) Once you leave the shelter of home, there are a million enemies
17) Postures are for the beginner; later they are natural positions
18) Do the kata correctly; the real fight is a different matter
19) Do not forget control of the dynamics of power, the elasticity of the body and the speed of the technique
20) Always be good at the application of everything that you have learned.
30
40
50
100
1000 ) If you know how to count to (10) in Japanese you can count to a 1000 thousand.
ICHI
NI
SAN
SHI
GO
ROKU
SHICHI
HACHI
KU
JU
JU ICHI
JU NI
JU SAN
JU SHI
JU GO
JU ROKU
JU SHICHI
JU HACHI
JU KU
NI JU
SAN JU
YON JU
GO JU
HIYAKU
SEN
19. Congratulations to the GEDATSUKAI
J.D. Daniel #288
S. Shaffer #271
W. Guthrie #224
J. Solly #234
D.C. Fitzgerald #168
J. Fuelling #175
J. Hartzell #238
D.P. Clouse #221
J. Mc Clure #155
L. Adams #262
B. Adams #194
J. Weller #174
G. Bray #177
V. Sellers #296
R. Davis #261
D. Garren #167
T. Wasilewski #281
G. Zachary #289
Roland C. Pennington
Life Skills Coach
2000 S. Hawkins Ave.
Akron, Ohio 44314
Cell: 330-388 –9161
Work: 330-375 –2638
Fax: 330– 753 –1646
rpennington@thefirstteeakron.org
www.thefirstteeakron.org
“Much is given, Much is required”
20. Self Defense Systems Concepts Springs Takahaju
TAKAHAJU
824 Ringfield Road (Office Address)
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454 USA
757-426-5564
Prof. Thomas E. Springs, II, Ph.D./MA SOKE
TES2@springstakahaju.net
James Milton "Jim" "the Dragon" Kelly was an American athlete, actor, and martial artist who rose to fame during the
Blaxploitation film era of the early 1970s. Kelly is perhaps best known for the films Enter the Dragon and Black Belt
Jones.
Jim Kelly “Black Belt Jones”
Congratulations! to all the GEDATSUKAI Goju-
Ryu students on your rank promotion
Dr. Thomas Springs
OUTSTANDING
21. Helping those who find themselves running short on food items, our food pantry is open every third Saturday of the month.
Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. To receive food a current ID must be presented. Emergency food is distributed
with referral. Currently we serve more than 100 families.
SOUP KITCHEN
A hot meal is served during or after our food distribution on the third Saturday of each month.
BETTY’S CLOSET
Take a minute to browse our large selection of new and gently used clothing for the family. Every item is $2.00 or less. Thisis
an on-going fund-raiser. All proceeds are used to fund current programs. Donations to the closet are tax deductible.
Sarah's House Inc.
Assisting and Empowering Families
414 Pine St
Akron, OH 44307
330-535-SARA (7272)
Sarahs_house_inc@yahoo.com
Congratulations! GEDATSUKAI MARTIAL ARTS FEDERATION
22. Jasper Fambro
Carlene Scott
Willie Scott
Melvin Twitty
Elmore Dowdell
Donnie Shropshire
Samona Black
Howard Washington, Jr.
Val McKinnie
Benda Benson
Willie Reynolds
Barbara Gibbs
Ed Rich Jr.
Donna Fulllilove
Chris Petro
Ocie Kaiser
Terry Weaver
Laura Power
Herbert Duckworth
Ethel Coleman
Annette Warren
Marvin Farr
Andrew Stockard
De'Jah Nixon
JuLonnah Nixon
Josiah Nixon
Dionne Bell-Fitzgerald
Linda Brown
Beverly Nixon Williams
Roland Pennington
De’ Anne Johnson
Kaurice Lopp
Ruthie & Henry Baddley
Fontella Harper
Dierre Taylor
Victor Jackson
Kendrick Dondotta Hill
Derick Hammonds
Matthew Vinson
Christopher Robinson
Thank you for your Support
Our Master’s Belt & Awards Event is due to your Support
Joy Park Community Center /LeBron James Boys And Girls Club of America
TNBA Tues Nite Mix (Bowling League)
Nu Ni Products / Nebraska
24. 2014 - 2015 Present Students:
Sabrina Matthews
Lorenzo Portis
Lyron Portis
Kenyon Thomas
De’Jah Nixon
JuLonnah Nixon
Josiah Nixon
D’Asia Vickers
Jacob McCartney
Aramis Dunn
Jada Vickers
Imani Crevins
Tia Colvin
Noah Sesse
Jonah Sesse
Kristen Sesse
Julius Vickers
Camron Johnson
Adriana Sams
Kemani Threatt
Daylon Owens
Damon Owens
Carter Galloway
Antonio Williams
Mario Williams
TaShaun Parsons
Tyrese Parsons
Mizaiah Snoody
Michae’ Snoody
Inactive GKMAF Black Belts Students
Prof. Donald Chatman 9th Dan
Carl (Nixon) Lane Jr. 7th Dan
Antwan L. Nixon 6th Dan
Donald Chatman Jr. 6th Dan
Joel Johnson 4th Dan
William Smothers 4th Dan
Taylor Owens 2nd Dan
Shushone Calmese 2nd Dan
Christopher Johnson 1st Dan
JoyParkCommunityCenter(JohnHafford)/LeBronJames,Boys
andGirlsClubofAmerica(JamesWarner)
KARATEClassesareTuesdayandThursday
6:00-8:00pmChildren/Adults
FreeLessons
Self-Defensecourses...Meditation...Seminars...Special
Events
Formoreinformation
Www.gkmsf.comorcall330-234-738-0636
25. *(Honoring those who left a lasting foot-print in the Martial Arts Science to follow )
◆ Grandmaster Robert Trias /USKA Karate
◆ Grandmaster Dr. Eugene Shy / Kenos’ Judo
◆ Grandmaster Dr. James Shy / Keno’s Judo
◆ Grandmaster George Anderson
◆ Sensei Fred E. Salhany / YMCA Hakkoryu Jujitsu
◆ Sensei Byron Jones / Taekwondo
◆ Master Tony Clark / Taekwondo
◆ Sensei Darren Roberts /Shotokan Karate
___________________________________________________________
( Active Instructors / Presently Serving the Community of Akron )
Sensei Bob Harris Shotokan Karate YMCA / Master Robert Valentine / Master Dwayne Lopp Taekwondo
Professor Michael Murkins Sikaron Karate / Sensei Janet Schoby Judo
In the
Akron Area
You, as an Instructor Martial Artist must live by the above principle and be true to its guidelines.
You should be able to give your best, your all, always.
It is imperative for all instructors and students to get along in total harmony and each helping each
other, so that we can together become the strongest possible force of Martial Art Styles or skill and
knowledge, which will make our own systems and our organization the best and strongest in the world.
Let us always strive for perfection and do what’s best for your system, your organization and the Master
you serve. Always remember that “In Supreme Way There Can Be No Hindrance.”
Ous!
26. In memory of
Dr. Sensei Miles Lampkins, Jr.
1931—1991
Co-Founder of Keno’s Martial Arts Inc.
POW U.S.ARMY Korean War /Camp –Changsong 7/5/1950—1954
Father of GEDATSUKAI
Dr. Enrico A. Moore
1943 - 2013
Founder CEO
The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame , The World Junior Mar-
tial Arts Hall of Fame and Sports Medicine Hall of Fame, Inc.
Shodan Eddie Frank Johnson, Jr. (Gangster)
April 13, 1951—September 20, 2014
29. As we come to a close, we would like to thank all of those who helped to
make this 2nd Annual Ceremony Event possible and to our distinguished guest, Master’s Belt &
Awardee recipients, for it is because of you that we are here. Your excellence standing with
Gedatsu-Kai Martial Arts Federation, Inc. will stand as a constant reminder of your commitment
and dedication in the field of Martial Arts.
Congratulation!
On behalf of our Host Dr. John Bennett, Jr., Professor David Fitzgerald and our Executive Staff,
GedatsuKai Parent Committee, we thank you for your attendance/ support and wish each and
all of you continued success and a safe journey home.
May God Bless you and keep you
Ous!
__________________________________________
Founder / CEO
32. KWON INC
3420 BROADMOOR AVE STE 1
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512
phone 1800-596-6872
616-940-8889
fax 616-940-3004
info@kwonusa.com
KWON’S AD PAGE
KWON INC
3420 BROADMOOR AVE STE 1
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512
phone 1800-596-6872
616-940-8889
fax : 616-940-3004
w w w . k w o n u s a . c o m
M a r t i a l A r t s & T e a m S u p p l y
