The World Martial Arts
Masters Hall of Fame
Induction of America's
True Martial Arts Cultural Treasures.
Castro
Valley, CA February 21, 2004
By Janice Campbell Davis
If you could capture time in a
bottle, the evening of the 1st World Martial Arts Masters Hall of Fame
induction is about as close as anyone will ever come to achieving this
miraculous feat.
To the guests who were fortunate enough to be invited to observe this
historic gathering of true American martial arts legends, it was an
electrifying evening that captured both the imagination and the human spirit
of what a really incredible Hall of Fame induction is about. To be
frank, it was a magical moment in every sense of the word and assuredly a
ceremony that would never be forgotten by those present who eye-witnessed
such a rare spectacle where benevolent martial arts Great Grandmasters were
honored in such a noble fashion.
It also goes without saying that the spirit of martial camaraderie and
fraternal kinship was immediately evident in this sanctified Hall of Fame
induction chamber nestled within the plush Castro Valley, California dining
establishment.
Just the excitement of having these legendary American martial arts
cultural assets in the same room at one time was enough to stir the
imagination of all who attended this festive gala. It was more than the
enthusiastic guests could have ever deemed possible given the situation and
circumstances surrounding the uniqueness of this affair.
The setting for such an affair was purposely selected in order to reflect
an ambience and mood to bestow personal honors rather than just to facilitate
a large number of guests that is usually expected for such highly publicized
events. Seating no more than ninety special guests, the popular Castro
Valley, California banquet hall was artistically decorated in traditional
Japanese Tokugawa era samurai and Chinese Ming Dynasty warrior motifs.
Each table was exquisitely adorned with centerpieces of real Japanese samurai
and Ming Dynasty swords mounted in weapon stands, all of which would be later
formally presented to the inducted Grandmasters. Each place setting was
arrayed with a commemorative souvenir program featuring all the formal
inductees' pictures and impressive biographies that was suitable for
autographing.
A splendid head table seated thirteen of the inductees and there was an
open presentation and demonstration area for enshrining the legendary martial
arts pioneers. An ornately decorated table setting to the inductees' left
seated the wives and Grandmasters' immediate family members. To the opposite
side of the room, facing the awardees, was the special guests, press and a
plethora of students of the Grandmasters, a formal yet quaint setting that
was as personal as it was grandeur. It was the perfect spot to partake of a
sumptuous feast and celebrate the lives and times of some of America's
preeminent martial arts legends.
World Martial Arts Masters Association president and co-founder Mark
Gerry's organization spared no expense in creating one of the most
distinguished HALLS OF FAME in existence.
What made it truly different was the fact that there were no required
expenses for induction. There were no admission fees. The dinners were
complimentary. There were no hidden charges for the awards And the
gratuitous commemorative induction souvenir books and authentic sword gifts
were priceless. By formal professional Hall of Fame standards, this rivaled
the best that has very been produced to honor great professionals in any
field of endeavor.
It was also an interesting diversion in the fact that recommendations,
referrals, and nominations were not a part of the admission criteria. As
president and co-founder of the organization, Master Mark Gerry was emphatic
in saying that the only requirement for induction in the World Martial Arts
Masters Hall of Fame was to be a true legendary martial artist with a minimum
of 35 years full-time honored service to the martial arts.
Naturally, this basic requirement had several important small, yet
significant, prerequisites that must also be met before induction was even
considered.
He then noted that it helps the Induction Committee make their
determination if one is a true martial arts cultural asset. Or, put quite
simply, these distinguished career martial artist must have been responsible
for having a profound impact on the world's masses with their benevolent
teachings, cinematic accomplishments, literary works, ambassadorial diplomacy
or lifelong commitment to espousing the virtues, philosophies, moralities and
positive qualities that are found in the martial arts. "In most
cases," Gerry explains, "Nominees will have satisfied the criteria
in all of the aforementioned categories." He also explained that this
unique Hall of Fame was not intended to honor hobbyists, weekend warriors,
part-time practitioners or those that had been suggested because of their
tournament prowess of a long bygone era. It was created to honor the
world's true past and present legendary martial arts icons who have made an
undeniable and unquestionable difference in preserving the ethics, promoting
the goodwill and unselfishly benefactoring the growth and propagation of the
martial arts.
In a ceremony that would rival the likes of the professional Football Hall
of Fame in Canton, Ohio, or the induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in
Cooperstown, New York, or the likes, the World Martial Arts Masters Hall of
Fame arguably raised the bar for truly recognizing the legendary heroes in
the world of martial arts to those that are comparable to other prestigious
halls of fame.
This prestigious Bay Area-based organization honored America's foremost
legendary martial arts pioneers who were responsible for the growth,
proliferation and evolvement of martial arts in the United States and the
western world.
It is because of their lifelong career and pioneering efforts while
steadfastly upholding the virtues, traditions and honor that embodies the
ancient way of the fist that these distinguished martial arts pioneers are
inducted into the World Martial Arts Masters Hall of Fame on this day.
Autographs
Galore
One would have thought he or she were in the midst of royalty or backstage
at a rock and roll concert by the way souvenir Hall of Fame autographed
programs were jealously guarded. From the appearance of the interaction and
socializing, it seemed that all of the special guests wanted to get
"personalized" autographs from every honored Grandmaster that was
featured in the induction program. And, to their delight, all of the
evening's honored Hall of Fame nominees fulfilled these wishes and more with
the kind words they penned for the fans.
The
Formal Awards
Master of Ceremonies Sid Campbell, an American Shorin-ryu karate pioneer,
attired in full warrior dress with Japanese samurai swords (shoto and daito) and a kabuto battle
helmet, presided over this "Rites of Initiation" award ceremony.
Thus adding even more feel and martial
spirit to the affair.
He formally addressed the audience by stating that this affair was indeed a
solemn occasion that was long overdue. Eloquently citing the history of early
American martial arts and how it had very strong roots to the Oakland-San
Francisco Bay area, he then prefaced it by stating that among you tonight are
the elder legends that were among those original pioneers. The inductees and
audience alike sat riveted as Campbell described many of the contributions
and innovations that these great men have given to the world-at-large.
He then told of many instances when the inductees had made a life of the
martial arts and, for the most part, had either directly, or indirectly, been responsible for millions around the
world today who practice martial arts. Their tireless efforts have resulted
in what the martial arts have become. This touched everyone in earshot of his
words. His poignant oration vividly described many accounts of how Great
Grandmasters Al Novak, Ming Lum and Ralph Castro--their active involvement
for the better portion of over 50 years of dedication---had changed the
landscape of American martial arts forever. Campbell touched on the life and
times of Bruce Lee's training and friendship with these men, the advent on
the karate tournament, and how these men were the pioneers in shaping its
destiny. He also told of the impact of martial arts and how the general
public had perceived it. Subtle humor found its way into his opening
presentation as well.
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