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October 13, 2011 History of Marr Sensei & Midwest Karate Class Schedule & Forms JKA Canada Certified Instructors
Upcoming Events Japan Karate Association, International Canada Midwest
Karate Sensei Jerry Marr, 7th Dan JKS, Winnipeg, Manitoba, JKA
Shotokan, Martial Art,
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History of Marr Sensei and Midwest Karate Master Nishiyama once referred to Marr Sensei as a pioneer for promoting and developing Traditional JKA Shotokan Karate in Canada. The development and success of present day Traditional JKA Shotokan, specifically in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, is due largely to the efforts of Marr Sensei. Already involved in the martial arts, Marr was training and teaching Judo at the Manitoba Judo Club; but received an injury (dislocated collar bone and separated shoulder) which made continuing Judo practice difficult. Each fall he took would result in back and shoulder adjustments at the chiropractor’s office, so Marr decided to find an alternative Japanese martial art to study. One of Marr Sensei’s first Judo instructors was Mr. Ron Fulton. Mr. Fulton had received training from a former British Commando unarmed combat instructor, and of course, passed this knowledge on to Mr. Marr. Marr's early judo training used not only throwing and grappling techniques, but also incorporated striking, hitting and kicking techniques, similar to those used in Karate. Karate was a new and fascinating art, but there was no one in the area to give instruction. Nishiyama Sensei’s book, "Karate - the art of Empty Hand Fighting" was the only reference material available, so Marr bought a used copy from a Judo associate for $10.00. Using the book as a guide, he began to study and practice Karate. Then, in May of 1963 after a Judo self-defense demonstration, Marr Sensei was approached by Mr. Roy Roberts. Mr. Roberts claimed to have studied Karate from his father, who had apparently had learned karate from a Japanese Master in England. Mr. Roberts asked Marr if he would like to study under him. Marr Sensei of course, said yes, and spent the next four months - seven days per week, under Mr. Roberts’ instruction (who, by the way, also used Nishiyama Sensei’s book for reference). In the fall of 1963, an article in the "The Star Weekly" (a newspaper that carried many articles of events across Canada), the name Ary Anastasiadis and karate appeared. The article was about the art of Karate, and particularly mentioned Shotokan karate. It also said that Anastasiadis was with the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and provided contact information. When Marr telephoned him in Montreal, Sensei Anastasiadis was leaving for Japan, but said that he would try to visit Winnipeg on his return and give Marr instruction in JKA Shotokan Karate. A short time later, Marr received a letter from Anastasiadis (posted from Japan) with the information that he would be in Winnipeg November 1963. This was very exciting for Jerry Marr! The first Japan Karate Association (JKA) representative in Canada was Sensei Ary Anastasiadis from Montreal. On December 19, 1962, Anastasiadis Sensei was given permission to represent the JKA in Canada by the Honbu Dojo (headquarters) in Japan. In addition to being a Ni-Dan (2nd Dan) in JKA karate, Anastasiadis also held the ranks of Ni-Dan in Judo, Ni-Dan in Aikido, and had extensive knowledge in Savate (French foot-fighting) and knife fighting. Anastasiadis Sensei worked for Air Canada, and spoke at least 5 languages (English, Japanese, Greek, French, and Spanish) fluently. The instruction provided by Anastasiadis Sensei gave Marr a new insight into his training, so Marr, with the approval of the other Judo directors in his dojo began to officially teach JKA karate in Manitoba at the Manitoba Judo Club. A Wado-Ryu (style) black belt, Aki Yamaguchi, was in Winnipeg with an import/export company and asked if he could train with Mr. Marr. Even though the styles were different, they were similar enough that this arrangement would benefit both parties. Marr taught the classes, and in turn, would receive instruction from Yamaguchi-San in Wado-Ryu karate. When Mr. Yamaguchi left, he promoted Marr to 4th Kyu, purple belt. Marr Sensei also had the rare privilege and honor to participate in private Kung-fu practice sessions with some of the Chinese exponents in Winnipeg in the basement of a local restaurant. An invitation such as this was extremely rare for even a full Chinese, let alone a half Chinese one. Richard “Tug” Wilson, a well known Judo and Karate (Chito-Ryu) exponent in Manitoba and throughout Canada, was not only a business competitor, but was also a friend of Marr’s. Mr. Wilson informed Marr of a karate tournament in to be held in May at Minneapolis; and that the instructor’s name was Robert Fusaro. In addition, the style that Fusaro taught was JKA Shotokan. Marr contacted Mr. Fusaro, and travelled to Minneapolis to enter the competition and meet Mr. Fusaro. Marr was given the opportunity to meet Nishiyama Sensei, and the other Japanese instructors that were present – Okazaki Sensei, Mikami Sensei, and Yaguchi Sensei. At that time they were ranked 5th, 4th, 3rd and 3rd Dans respectively. Marr made arrangements with Fusaro Sensei, and on November 1964, boarded a train for Minneapolis. Not only was this the beginning of his formal training in JKA karate under Master Fusaro, but also the beginning of an almost 50 year friendship. The first lesson was in Fusaro Sensei’s living room. Marr Sensei's travels to Minneapolis every 6 months changed to 3 months, and when time permitted, Marr would use his vacation time from his employment with the City of Winnipeg to further his training. Upon returning to Winnipeg, Marr would teach the handful of students he had recruited. During this beginning period, Marr Sensei had been using the facilities at the Manitoba Judo Club where he taught both Judo and Karate. Marr then moved to the basement of the A.N.A.F. hall at Young St. and Portage Ave. In 1964 he opened his own first dojo (part-time) in Manitoba. He named it "Midwest Karate Club", after his Sensei's (Fusaro) dojo in Minneapolis. This was the beginning of the Midwest Karate name. A student of Marr Sensei, Kenn White, was enrolled in a commercial arts course at Red River Community College. He asked Marr to assist him in the photography project he was doing. Mr. White later then used the photograph and designed the Midwest Karate logo with the Flying Kick (yoko-tobi-geri) that is used today. (see History of Midwest Logo) Master Masatoshi Nakayama, Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association was scheduled to visit Minneapolis to conduct a teaching seminar on November 1968. Naturally, Marr Sensei travelled to Minneapolis to participate in the seminar, and successfully was promoted to Shodan by Master Nakayama along with his good friend from the Twin Cities, Andy Quirt. They were the only two out of eight that passed. In 1969, Marr Sensei started teaching karate as a full time instructor. With the increasing popularity of martial arts in the early 70's the main dojo (Winnipeg) soon boasted a membership of over 250. Having a dojo with such a large membership, Marr Sensei was able to invite Okazaki Sensei and Yaguchi Sensei to Winnipeg, to conduct seminars to expose his students to the high technical standards of the JKA that these famous Masters were to able to demonstrate in their sessions. Actually, the first visiting instructors to Winnipeg were two of Fusaro Sensei’s students. Keith Smith and James Morgan visited to pass on their knowledge to the Winnipeg members; and George Sasano, 3rd Dan, from Hawaii who was in Minneapolis one year graciously accepted an invitation to visit Winnipeg. The second time Marr Sensei saw JKA Chief Instructor Master Nakayama 8th Dan was in September 1974 when this renowned master visited Winnipeg to teach in his dojo. Assisting Master Nakayama was Tabata Sensei, the largest Japanese person anyone had seen. Not only was everyone was amazed at Tabata Sensei’s skill and speed, but at his gentleness and friendly manner. Truly a gentle giant! It was at this seminar that Marr Sensei received his Sandan from Master Nakayama. During the many years Marr Sensei has received instruction from many different JKA Instructors. The following are the JKA Instructors that Marr Sensei has had the honor and privilege of meeting and training under (This list in not in any preferential order or by ranking): M. Nakayama; Miata; H. Nishiyama; T. Okazaki; Y. Yaguchi; T. Mikami; M. Mori; Kisaka; Takahashi; Isaka; Enoeda; Shirai; Kawazoe; Oishi; Tabata; T. Yamaguchi; Arai; Y. Katsumata. Of all the instructors Marr Sensei has received instruction from; he still maintains that Fusaro Sensei is one of the most technically qualified. One of Marr’s long time friends, Sensei Chris Smaby of Iowa is an instructor with special knowledge and technical skills that offers a deep insight into traditional karate training level by utilizing nerve and pressure point techniques (Kyusho). Marr and Smaby were noted for their dynamic and unique self defense demonstrations throughout the north central region of the U.S. Over the many years that Marr Sensei has trained and taught, he has found that being versatile in his study of karate has been beneficial. The rigid “old school” of performing 1,000 kicks, punches or various techniques were good for developing strong muscles, stamina and a mind-over-matter attitude (I don’t mind and you don’t matter) are reserved for special training courses. Now, with his vast experience and knowledge, he can draw from the instructions of the past masters to develop new and exciting methods of teaching and training. Some senseis are so rigid even today, that if the technique is to the face rather than the body, or slightly off, the person loses points or even a promotion ranking; even though the rest of the technique was correct. This is a rather petty attitude, as it appears more on a personal control factor rather than the quality of the performance. Marr Sensei believes there are at least 4 applications to a technique, and in some cases, a lot more if a slight variation is allowed. The basic heian katas take on a new meaning if the angles change, giving a new perspective and appreciation to those techniques practiced so many, many times. With input from his friend Smaby Sensei, Marr is incorporating the Kyushu (pressure point) techniques in his repertoire. This further allows for a more in depth insight into the historical value of today’s modern karate.
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Contact: Jerry Marr karatemb@mts.net
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