|
Letter to the World
Martial Arts Masters Association Hall of Fame Mr. Mark Gerry President WMAMA Hall of Fame Dear Mr. Mark Gerry, It seems that every time I open a martial arts magazine or read my mail,
there is an announcement of another Hall of Fame...or, should I say Hall of
Shame popping up in the martial arts world. It would appear that the World
Martial Arts Masters Association’s Hall of Fame is another attempt to make
money be inducting ego happy martial artists into their “Hall of Shame”. Evidently there is more than enough money to go around to satisfy
these hapless organizations that exploit the ones that are not truly
qualified to be honorably recognized for their achievements in there
reputed (disputed) style of martial
arts. What gives? Are you going to tell me that the World Martial Arts Masters
Association Hall of Fame is an organization that is going to take money from
men, women and children in the name of glory and honor of such a just cause? It is troubling to hear of another exploitation in the name of a
legitimate Hall of Fame. It takes real unscrupulous money-minded profiteers
to promote themselves in the name of martial arts and turn it into crass
commercialism. Paying for dinners, awards, plaques, pieces of paper printed
with great achievements, etc. is not the way a Hall of Fame organization
should be run. Sadly, your efforts will only taint an already dismally
corrupt industry in the name of the almighty dollar. How much do I send to get recommended and inducted into the World Martial
Arts Masters Association’s Hall of Fame. Please send me an application so I
can become a part of your organization. Disappointed that I haven't been inducted yet. Signed, Response Dear Sir, In many respects you are right
about the assessment of the martial arts Hall of Fame schism. There are many
Halls of Shame/Fame out there in the Martial Arts that are based on the
principle of monies made for attendance and buy-in memberships for Hall of
Fame induction. Guess What? The World Masters Martial Arts Hall of Fame is based on the principles of
induction just like those of the Football Hall of Fame, Baseball Hall of Fame
and the likes. It is completely funded and financed by myself and one cannot
buy their way into the Induction process. Never now or never always! Honor, integrity,
loyalty, commitment to preserving and passing on the arts for posterity is
the reason we created this exclusive Hall of Fame. If you would have
contacted me I could have told you that and given you the specifics. You see…It’s an organizational
effort based purely on true martial arts principles, virtues, and traditions.
The inductees to the first World Masters Martial Arts HALL of FAME are all
living Legends (Living Treasures) in the introduction of Martial Arts to the
United States and Western World. You see, Great Grandmasters AL
NOVAK, MING LUM, WALLY JAY, RALPH CASTRO, CLARENCE LEE, Grandmasters CHARLES
GAYLORD, DAN TOSH, EMIL BAUTISTA, BOB MASCHMEIER, ERIC LEE, SID CAMPBELL,
CARLOS NAVARRO and MAX PALLEN, Sr.---Our most honored and treasured American
Martial Arts pioneers—have all etched a permanent place in American Martial
Arts and no amount of money could buy their induction into our HALL of FAME.
They are the reason countless millions of martial artist around the world
study martial arts today. The
inductees combined years of training and sharing knowledge collectively total
over 680 years. Their honors, years of training, and lifetime careers as
martial artist automatically make them eligible for perhaps the very first
Hall of Fame where the first basic requirement for acceptance is to be either
a Great Grandmaster, Grandmaster or Professor to begin with. Without those
verifiable credentials one could never be considered for Induction. It also helps to have been a contributor to the positive growth of the
martial arts on a worldwide basis. Like being in any country in the world and
the martial artists would know these distinguished martial arts ambassadors.
Amazingly, no amount of money in the world can garner that reputation. And
rightfully so. I would not have it any other way. With all due respect, I hope you
understand the significance of this positive step to preserve the truly great
martial artists in the world and honor them for what they truly are. They are
the True Living treasures and cultural assets to America. If one trains real hard for forty years or more they may become eligible
for induction into the World Masters Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Until then,
they should keep training and not worry about paying to become a member of
this Organization. Because their money
is no good and all the awards that we bestow on these cherished Great
Grandmasters, Grandmasters and Professors come from the heart of ones that
recognize their greatness. I hope you understand. Respectfully, Master Mark Gerry |