Born September 22, 1931, Sensei Armstrong passed away November 15, 2006 at the Washington State Veterans Home - Retsil, Washington

A karate pioneer who did more than anyone else to spread and standardize Tatsuo Shimabuku's Isshin ryu in North America. Armstrong Sensei was an innovator, business owner, public speaker, and motivator who influenced countless lives.

Sensei Armstrong first met Isshin ryu creator Tatsuo Shimabuku in 1956, Chun Village, Okinawa. At this time Tatsuo Shimabuku was beginning to flesh out what was to be Isshin ryu. At this time Armstrong Sensei was already a Dan in at least one other Japanese Karate style and was a Nidan in judo. Under Shimabuku Sensei he started as a white belt.

On Armstrong Sensei's second tour of duty he again studied under Shimabuku Sensei, this time in the new Agena dojo. It was then, Armstrong Sensei's personal destiny was set.

Steve Armstrong was born in Guymon, Oklahoma and grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Polytechnic and Fort Worth Technical High Schools. He participated in football, bull riding, and boxing. He would win more than 60 fights out of 72 as an amateur boxer.

At 17, he enlisted the first of three times into the United States Marine Corps, each time receiving an honorable discharge, the last being in 1960. His duty took him to Japan and Korea, and he was involved in the campaigns in Inchon, Seoul, Wonsan-Chosin (Frozen Chosin), South and Central Korea. He was a recruiter, drill instructor (four honor platoons), and Presidential Honor Guard for President Harry Truman.

Following his honorable discharge in1960, Armstrong Sensei worked and lived with his wife Lenore and their three fine sons in Tacoma, Washington.

Early in the 1960s he began his true calling and opened his first dojo—which may be Washington State's first karate school. The school was in his garage. He and eight students trained there. He moved the dojo to several locations. In the mid-1960s he moved to his Tacoma dojo, 54th & South Tacoma Way, a two-story facility he would eventually own.

During the next three decades he was both Sensei and student. He earned an AA degree in 1971 from Ft. Steilacoom CC and continued his further studies at Evergreen State College. He authored several books and publications on Isshinryu Karate, started, produced, directed, and consulted on many of the major Karate tournaments throughout the United States.

In 1988, due to health issues, he closed his dojo. In 1994, his health issues required he reside at Washington States Veterans Home. While there, he worked on his next book, read his bible, visited with family and friends. When physically able, he attended karate tournaments.

Since the mid-1960s, Armstrong Sensei's students have proven their ability in kata, point, semi, and full contact tournaments, on the street, and in the military. Most important, the majority have proven themselves in the public arena as productive citizens. Many owe this to the positive influence on their lives by Steve Armstrong—"America's Sensei"

He will be missed. _______________ Michael E. Odell

One Of The First
___ Memories by Soke Robert Hill

Master Armstrong was a friend of mine and Butoukan for many years. I first met Shihan Armstrong in the early 1960s. He knew our Master Nakachi, and we exchanged a few dojo visits with our students. In the 60s, he promoted most of the early tournaments in the Northwest.

Shihan Armstrong was the mentor to several of us just starting our dojos. I frequently went to Shihan Armstrong for the latest in handouts, tournament flyers, class schedules, and tips on school promotion. He always helped me out. He was the one who showed me how to put on a tournament and we co-produced the first Bremerton Open in 1968. It was his tournamentbox and mail list we used. I am happy to say that the Bremerton Open Tournament has continuously been held every year since.

Shihan Armstrong was respected as a quality point-fighting judge. He traveled the country often serving as the finals judge in the top tournaments. His travels lead to the Northwest being a place that was up on the latest in tournament trends and dojo promotion. Shihan shared these with us. Unfortunately many who benefitted from Shihan's travel turned against him and used that same information to undermine Shihan Armstrong and promote themselves at his expense.

Because of Shihan Armstrong's connections around the country, we were fortunate to be exposed to many top fighters and tournament judges such as Don Nagle, Ed Parker, Harold Long, Joe Lewis, Chuck Norris, and more I can't remember. He even brought over his Master of Isshin-Ryu, Karate Master Tatsuo Shimabukuro.

Master Armstrong was a great teacher of Isshin-ryu. He would not bend the rules of his style and allow students to do anything that was not true Isshin-ryu. He was strict at tournaments and didn't like judges that were not in gi to officiate. However he was one of the first to bring in others to do seminars for his students. I was invited to join in and attended several of them. He was a true traditional karate instructor. Later some of his students defected to form hybrid styles.

Most karate-ka will remember Shihan Armstrong as a big guy who walked around with a clipboard running things. I remember him as a friend who never failed to answer my questions and treat me with the utmost respect.

______ Soke Robert Hill - Japan American Butokukan Karate Association - Bremerton, Washington

Fats Domino
I was honored to be a student of Mr. Armstrong's from about 1981 through 1987 when he had truly started to come alive again following his stroke. I'll never for get the hours of workouts, trips to tournaments, or his Fats Domino tape that was played over and over on the way to Yakima! He was an amazing man and was pivotal in my transition from boyhood to young man. He was my Sensei.
_____ David Grear - Tacoma, WA


Good Guys Wear White
Memories of Steve Armstrong from Sensei Don Roberts

I was fortunate to have met Mr. Armstrong when he came to Knoxville to support Master Wheeler's tournament. Master Wheeler always liked Master Armstrong and had nice things to say about him.

As it tuned out Master Armstrong was on the judging panel for the black belt kata competition. This made me about twice as nervous as normal. For some reason, I was sharp that day, and beat the local favorite Mark Aycock for first place. I had worn a black gi, and was kind of in shock when Master Armstrong awarded me my trophy. He grinned and said, "Don't you know good guys wear white?"

This immediately put me at ease, and allowed me to enjoy the moment. Later, we all went out to eat. Jan and I found ourselves seated next to Master Armstrong. Again I was feeling nervous—I have a bad habit of saying regrettable things in social situations—but again Master Armstrong was so gracious, smiling and telling jokes, that everyone had a great time. This is how I will always remember him.
_________ Sensei Don Roberts - Tennessee


Hams and Knuckles
Memories of Steve Armstrong from Sensei Don Wasieliski

In 1973 I joined Mr. Armstrong's organization through a karate school at the University of Puget Sound. The school was run by Mr. Armstrong's students' Herman Lopez, Arden Olson, and Rudy Ademez. They were the instructors and very talented martial artists. I remember how dedicated they were to Mr. Armstrong, and most importantly how highly they thought of him.

My first encounter with Mr. Armstrong's was an event that I have never forgotten. He was huge! His hands were the size of two Easter hams. He had a presence that commanded respect! Mr. Armstrong had a technique of using his thumb knuckles and pressed them simultaneously behind the ear lobes. The first time he did that to me, he actually picked me up off of the ground and held me suspended for a brief moment.

Talk about making an impression! I knew from that point on I would be studying Isshinryu Karate with him for many years. I had an important and significant relationship with this person. He made a difference, and I am so very grateful and blessed to have been a part of his life. I loved and respected Mr. Armstrong very much. I will miss him.
______ Don Wasieliski

When Armstrong Sensei could no longer carry on, he chose Don Wasieliski to run his Northwest organization. M.E.O.


His Signature
Memories of Steve Armstrong from Sensei Danny N. Bartley

My history with master Armstrong began in 1975 when I was a member of the AOKA—Detroit Group—and constant competitor at the AOKA Grand National Tournaments and other meetings of that organization.

I always found Master Armstrong to be "the" symbol of Isshin-ryu. He was always a gentleman and I do not recall any time when he uttered an unkind word towards anyone. I am proud that his signature is on my Yon Dan certificate.

I believe that his memory will be long lasting—as it should be—and I believe that without his influence, Isshin-ryu would not have become what it is today.
_____ Danny N. Bartley, Shichi-Dan -Harrisville, MI


A Well-Deserved Kick To The Groin
Memories of Steve Armstrong from John La Liberte

I have several memorable stories about Steve Armstrong from when I was a teenager.
I was a student of Lemont Kersey's of Windsor, Ontario Canada. I received my Black Belt from him and Willie Adams in 1986.

Some time in either the summer 1983 or 1984, I went to an AOKA tournament where Master Armstrong was attending. I had met Master Armstrong four or five times in the past. Of course this was after he had his aneurism and had written Seisan Kata and Seuchin Kata books. He was always a wonderful presenter and a wealth of knowledge of Isshinryu Karate.

For some reason he was officiating the under 18 brown belt Kumite. Back then Master Adams had a criteria of being 18 before you could obtain your black belt. I was one of the first brown belts to fight in my age group. My Opponent and I squared off. Right off the bat I got sucker punched—hard. So hard I was almost knocked unconscious. This was before the days of that wonderful red foam padding

Master Armstrong of course stopped the round for a minute. The other judges wanted to stop the match and disqualify the other brown belt. We were not allowed full contact until adult black belt Kumite . . . ah the good old days

Instead of stopping the fight and kicking the other opponent out of the Kumite, he asked me what I wanted to do. Of course I wanted to continue fighting. After I could see straight, which was about five minutes, we started to fight again.
This time when Master Armstrong started the match, my opponent who thought he had psyched me out got the surprise of his life. He decided to throw a round house kick to my head. I went off on the angle and came straight up with a front kick to his groin. The only problem was that I didn't pull it. I figured turn about is fair game. I guess Master Armstrong felt the same way. He picked my opponent up as he was falling and said: "That will teach you to not obey rules." I went on to get 2nd place.
I will never forget that about Master Armstrong, besides him being a huge Texan with hands that were three times my size and thick as cinder blocks, he taught me a valuable lesson in not giving up as well as never underestimating my opponent.
Many of the techniques and martial arts strategies I was taught were very helpful to me while deployed in Iraq. I was deployed for 18 months along the Syrian and Iranian borders in order to halt insurgence from entering Iraq with personnel and weapons.
I thank my lucky stars that while I was young, I met men like Steve Armstrong.
________ John La Liberte - Detroit, Michigan

40 Years Ago
Memories of Steve Armstrong from Ron Vann
I really appreciate knowing so quickly about Sensei's passing. I saw the E-mail late yesterday afternoon and sat in my office and shed a few tears. Although I was only 10-11 years old when I was at the Tacoma dojo, I have many memories of that time. Sensei was my "Hero". Although it was 40 years ago, I still think of him often. He had such a great impact on my life!
_____ Ron Vann - Hanahan, SC

According to Sensei A.J. Advincula, Don Bohan was a green belt when he came to Tatsuo Shimabuku's Agena Dojo, Okinawa. Bohan made black belt before he left Okinawa in 1960. He remained both student and teacher of IR and the martial arts.

I met Sensei Bohan, I believe twice. I clearly remember the first meeting. It was early in 1969. It was on a quiet afternoon at Sensei Steve Armstrong's Tacoma Dojo. The three of us were the only ones there. The two former Marine Corp Sergeants briefly shared the old times only career Marines know. Talk turned to self defense and come-along techniques. Sensei Bohan needed someone to demonstrate on. Since I was a white belt or orange belt, I was chosen. It was an excellent learning time. There was one technique that still sticks in my mind. Suddenly Bohan reached inside my lower lip with his huge thumb, the pain was such I never forgot it. And I never forgot Sergeant Bohan or the self-defense information he so kindly took time to share with me.

We will miss Sensei Bohan _______________ Michael E. Odell

"This is as true in everyday life as it is in battle: we are given one life and the decision is ours whether to wait for circumstances to make up our mind, or whether to act, and in acting, to live."
___General Omar Bradley

I met the legendary Don Nagle at least once maybe twice, and that was almost thirty years ago. The one time I remember for sure was at Sensei Steve Armstrong's Seattle Open in Washington State. I believe the year was either 1971 or 1972. Don Nagle was a thin almost delicate looking man that Sensei Armstrong towered over. A man, I noticed, Armstrong gave open respect.

In1970 there were a number of first generation students of Tatsuo Shimabuku spreading the eclectic combat concepts of Isshin ryu. And some were also seeking to build there own organizations and be number one, the best known: Harold Mitchum, Don Nagle, Harold Long, and my first Sensei and friend, Steve Armstrong. These are the men who made Isshin ryu a power from east coast to west coast and from north to south. And in the North East, one name towers above all, Isshin ryu's Don Nagle.

Out of all the top Isshin ryu that passed through our Pacific Northwest area or were mentioned in conversations or classes, there was only one Steve Armstrong referred to or seemed to consider his senior, Don Nagle, probably the fastest and most powerful fighter in Isshin ryu - in the dojo or in the street.

The Marines sent Don Nagle to Okinawa. And here, late in 1955 in Kyan (Chun) village, Sensei Nagle began his study of Isshin ryu karate. And here Tatsuo Shimabuku taught Nagle to focus his devastating natural speed and power.

When his tour of duty ended, he returned to the U.S. and opened a Karate/Judo Academy in Jacksonville, NC. In 1958 Sensei Nagle formed the IKA (Isshando Karate Association). Discharged from the Marines in 1959, Sensei Nagle returned home to New Jersey and opened his first commercial Karate Dojo in Jersey City. A few years later he began to work for Jersey City's Police Department

Born April 5th, 1938, Isshin ryu's Don Nagle10th Dan passed away on August 23rd, 1999 at the age of 61.

We will miss Sensei Nagle _______ Michael E. Odell

"Karate is a way of life. It builds character unlike that which is built through sport. One does not practice karate for fun or for prize." ____ Yabu Kentsu, The Weaponless Warriors

Sherman Harrill was born in May 11th 1941, Lebanon Missouri. He enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, and in 1959 and was assigned duty to Okinawa. He was stationed at Camp Courtney near the village of Tengan. He started in Isshin-ryu from Master Tatsuo Shimabuku who was teaching in Agena located in Gushikawa. Shimabuku called Harrill "Harru".

Sherman Harrill often told others he was not the best American training in the Agena dojo at the time—but Sherm was not always right.

He stated that when he left Okinawa he was entrusted with the rank of Rokudan, to wear at a appropriate time. Tatsuo gave a rank certificate to all Americans at the end of their tour of duty. All were given a silk certificate with the rank of Rokudan (Sixth Dan) but were told to wear it many years down the line. All were entrusted to wear Shodan, then wear the next ranks after the appropriate set of years. The majority came back claiming Rokudan as soon as they returned. Sherman waited the appropriate time designated by Tatsuo. This tells the caliber of the man, and while he said he was never the best in the dojo on Okinawa, for sure he had integrity.

This tells the story of the man. A story of a man who gave his all when he taught Isshin-ryu. His students and friends will miss him, but as we all know, you can not kill a spirit, for spirits never die. In November 4, at 10 AM Central time, the year 2002, Marine Sherman Harrill—the Sherminator—was called to duty, to guard the Heavenly Gates. He will report to Tatsuo, and begin training in his beloved Isshin-ryu. He will meet his daughters and other members of his family and friends. No you can not kill a spirit, for spirits never die. Kanpai my friend, until I relieve you at your post, the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Semper Fi, AJA ________________________________________

More than 15 different photos. Also more than 200 posts from more than 10 different Internet sites—posts collected from September 2002 - February 2003. Posts related to Sherman Harrill remembrances and thoughtful recollections from people who cared about this man.

Due to the time and effort put into the CD, we are requesting a contribution of $30, checks made payable to LINDA HARRILL. As soon as check is received, your CD will be shipped.

This is from an article I wrote for another web site a few years ago. Because we live in an era of negative thinkers, no-you-canter's, and a growing amount of young people with low self-esteem, I have rewritten and republished it. ___Michael E. Odell, Isshinryu Northwest Okinawa Karate Association

Kids are not Marine Corp recruits. This is going to be a disaster, Sensei A. J. Advincula spending the next several hours teaching more than 40 kids. These are not Marine Corp recruits. These are sensitive, if not always disciplined 6, 8, 10 year-old boys and girls. A. J. Advincula, however, is a former Marine Corp instructor. And from my limited experience, Mr. Sensitivity he is not.

Impending Disaster
The impending disaster was part of an Advincula seminar, a two-day Isshin-ryu event sponsored by Sensei Tom McDonach of Mission, British Columbia. I spent half a day driving to Canada for the event.

This was my third Advincula seminar. Experience taught me to be expectant. And I was not disappointed. The first night's seminar centered on Bo and Sai. Even after more than fifty years in the martial arts, Sensei Advincula continues to go back to Okinawa to study weapons.

The second day's seminar would center on Isshin-ryu kata basics and bunkai. But first, Tom McDonach was having Sensei Advincula put on an early afternoon seminar for Isshin-ryu students under 14 years, a big mistake in my opinion. Area students from half a dozen Isshin-ryu dojo were there. This seminar, however, would cut the youth membership down to nothing. And Tom would spend the rest of his life apologizing to 40 sets of parents and half a dozen Sensei who brought their young students to the seminar.

Demotion
I did not base my thoughts on any disrespect for Sensei Advincula. In 1969, at the age of 32, I started practicing Isshin-ryu under America's Sensei, Steve Harry Armstrong. I have continued to practice Isshin-ryu almost every day since. Yet, it wasn't until the mid-1990s, when I attended my first Advincula seminar, I started to learn, understand, and appreciate the finer aspects of Isshin-ryu karate.

When I returned home from that first seminar, I demoted myself. I decided I would not acknowledge a higher rank until I had reached a level of better understanding. I would learn as much as I could absorb from this man, whenever I could.

A. J. Advincula teaches no nonsense karate in a no nonsense way. If he had a dojo I could attend, I would be there. But I am a thick-skinned adult. These were kids. This seminar was going to be a disaster.

Disaster
Tom had the kids warm up. He then introduced Sensei Advincula. Advincula gathered the students in a semicircle and sat them down. Then it started. "Who wanted to be first to perform a kata?" Not just in front of one's peer group mind you, but everyone in the entire building. Of course I would not want to. Would you? Well nether did any of the kids - at first.

By the time the seminar was over, not only did every child there want to do the kata he or she knew, but any kata or self-defense technique Sensei Advincula suggested. The seminar went from no hands raised, to half the group at any given time excitedly raising their hands. Every face changed from apprehension to eager excitement. Six and seven-year old students were begging to do KuSunKu or take on Sensei Advincula in a self-defense technique.

I said earlier, this seminar would be a disaster, these were not Marine Corp recruits. I forgot. They train Marines to win. Sensei Advincula knows how to train winners. Patiently, step-by-step he built up each child's confidence. Every student left with a high level of self esteem, a positive feeling of being a winner. By the time the seminar was over, every young student there would have followed Sensei Advincula into the face of their worse nightmare. Each student knew he or she was a winner. Each student wanted the seminar to continue.

You Must Care
Teaching young people is not easy. If you want to learn how to do it successfully, watch A. J. Advincula teach a group of 6, 8, 10, and 12 year olds. If Sensei means teacher, that he is.

To succeed, however, you must care. He does. During the break between seminars, I overheard Sensei Advincula tell an impressed parent: "...these are some of my children. I have hundreds more across the country." I am sure he does.

I still advise against calling him Mr. Sensitive to his face. But, if you are having Sensei A. J. Advincula give a seminar, make a special effort to have a separate seminar for those under 14 years. If you cannot do both, let the adults learn by watching.
_______Michael E. Odell - A Continuing Student of Isshin-ryu

No blood, no resentment, just good karate at the Okinawa Karate Kobudo Kokusai Tomo No Kai - meaning the Okinawa Karate Kobudo International Friendship Association. And it was.

On September 19 and 20, 1998, four original students of Tatsuo Shimabuku's Okinawa dojo - A.J. Advincula, Sherman Harrill, Robert Safreed and Kensho Tokumura - and a group of 30 karate-ka met at Shannon Coffee's dojo in Oceanside, California.

Shannon is a Tae Kwon Do instructor who graciously loaned her dojo for this Okinawa Tomo No Kai Karate event.

The event was a brewing mix of first generation students of Don Nagle, Harold Long, Steve Armstrong, Kichiro Shimabuku, Angei Uezu and the four original Shimabuku students.

The rank, the egos, and the resulting animosities were absent. It was a time of friendship and sharing. The four original Shimabuku students shared their memories of the early days of training, and the eclectic teachings of Tatsuo Shimabuku. Sometimes each remembered differently. At other times they couldn't recall. After all it has been between 35 and 40 plus years.

Everyone shared and discussed the basics and the theory of kata and kobudo. Kensho Tokumura, however, was the center of attention. With forty-two years in the martial arts, Tokumura had a lot to give. While in junior high, Tokumura joined the Shorin ryu karate club. Later, in the spring of 1957, the 15 year old Tokumura became a student of Tatsuo Shimabuku until the Isshin ryu founder passed away on May 30,1975.

Throughout the years Tokumura trained in other styles of karate and kobudo, including Kobudo under Master Eisuke Akamine the successor to Shinken Taira, and Goju ryu under Miyazato Eiichi.

Kensho Tokumura is one of Tomo No Kai's Okinawa cultural guides, instructing Tomo No Kai visitors in karate and kobudo, and the culture and traditions of Okinawa. Today, Tokumura is a Goju ryu teacher. But, he still performs an exceptional Isshin-ryu kata. And at his dojo he proudly displays a picture of Tatsuo Shimabuku - his Sensei.

Here is a list of the attendies: J. Philip Barry (NJ), Brian Newton (OK), Mike Demeter (MI), Mike Odell (Wa), Barry Barnet (TX), Byron Marriner (NJ), Jim Parnell (TX), Mark Meyers (LA), Mark Riddle (MS), Pim Barnet (LA), Lindi Evans (TX), George Calvert (NJ), Keith Craig (CA), Robert J. Hanula (PA), John Culbertson (CA), Philip Raymond (OR), Zane Legg (CA), Robert Safreed (CA), Arcenio J. Advincula (CA), Kensho Tokumura (Okinawa),
Sherman Harrill (IA), Glen Waro (NJ), Susan Riddle (MS), Jeff Perkins (MI), Joan Calvert (NJ), Carol Womack (TX), Sal Musco (NJ), Roy Bird and Tom McDonach (B.C. Canada), Mike Calandra (NY), Tim Piretti (NJ), Steve Bart (NV)

Hope to see you there the next time. After all, Isshin-ryu is the "One Heart" way.