The Grandmaster award (Taisho title) is rarely awarded. It is a recognition of the karate person, their work, teaching and accomplishments. It also brings into focus the person's character, integrity, honesty and relationships with the community of martial artists. At the ceremony there were other grandmasters in attendance that included Bob Chaney of Thailand, Sam Kuoha, and John Olivier. About 100 attended the formal but fun evening that was kept limited in size to retain intimacy. Master Devine presides over the teaching of 600 students but to have the whole student body and friends attend would have been logistically difficult.
Eric Rosado and Andy Eros Sensei discuss speeches to be made. Mr. Rosado is a PMA founder with 25 years service. Mr. Eros is executive Director of PMA. Four great 'hostesses.' Misses. Alvarez, Espinas, Sing and Teng.
Koto player entertains the group seen mingling in the pre-ceremony social session.
Grandmaster Devine is shown in the center with many of his current black belts. This happy group represents a tightly knit group of dedicated karate. The median experience level for these black belts is over 15 years!The second picture are close friends of the dojo!
On the right are the junior black belts of PMA! Mssrs. Southwood, Burger, Devine, Adams, Baker, Levine, Agnew and Cox. Missing from photo was Derek Bullington who was out of the room at the time. The handsome devils below are the ikkyu candidates for black belt and are Mssrs. Figueroa, Burger, Matthess, Ms. Burger and Mr. Adams. What do grandmasters like doing most?....Play around.
Winners of the beautiful award are And and Ronald Quini. Master Hughes gives Mr. Pipkin the word that Mrs. Pipkin is nicer than him!
Grandmaster Hughes and Grandmaster Bob Chaney. Not everyone knows that Master Chaney was presented his grandmaster award in 2001 by the Korean Federation of Taekwondo, an international association of several million students. He was the first North American to receive their award along with Bob Wall and Chuck Norris. He is currently residing in Thailand and the USA where he promotes his international sales of karate equipment and works with the upcoming champions of kickboxing. His frequent trips throughout the world has him promoting the professional fights and arranging the TV coverage with In Demand and others. He maintains his dojo headquarters in Temecula, CA. Students of PMA should value the amount of time that Master Chaney gives so willingly to this dojo at our camps and special events. (The reason he was all bandaged up was that he had surgery two days before on his hip and shoulder rotators. In spite of pain and recovery, he found a way to drive from LA to be here for us!)
Making the actual presentation of this award was the great Grandmaster Victor Hughes (now deceased) who is the outstanding martial artist of his times in the San Diego county region. A mentor to many, a guiding light of knowledge and skills, he brought harmony to the karate world. He helped others to run tournaments and sponsored many of his own so that local martial artists could compete in a friendly and sharing manner. His very supportive wife and family still reside in San Diego. Semper fi always.
These are some of the 'righthand men' of the PMA. Eros Sensei and Brickman Sensei. This was only the second time in history that Brickman Sensei has worn a tuxedo so value the moment! In the final picture is Master Devine. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.... and the grandmaster is that name."