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May 05, 2010
Midwest/JKA Dojos & Instructors Association:
JKA 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 Midwest Karate The History of JAPAN KARATE ASSOCIATION (J.K.A.) and MIDWEST in Canada Master Nishiyama once referred to Marr Sensei as a pioneer in 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 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 tumble he took resulted in back and shoulder adjustments at the chiropractor’s office, so Marr wanted to find an alternative martial art to study. One of Marr Sensei’s 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. Much of Marr’s teaching and demonstrations incorporated striking, hitting and kicking techniques, much like 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 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 in England from his father, who had apparently had learned karate from a Japanese Master. 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, in an article in the "The Star Weekly", (a newspaper that carried many articles of events across Canada); the name 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, 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 (J.K.A.) representative in Canada was Sensei Ary Anastasiadis from Montreal. On December 19, 1962, Anastasiadis Sensei was given permission to represent the J.K.A. in Canada by the Honbu Dojo (headquarters) in Japan. In addition to being a Ni-Dan (2nd Dan) in JKA karate, Mr. 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 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. At various occasions, Marr Sensei was invited to study and practice Kung-fu with some of the Chinese exponents in Winnipeg. Marr considered this an honor and privilege, as very few would receive an invitation such as this. Richard “Tug” Wilson, well known Judo and Karate (Chito-Ryu) exponent in Manitoba and throughout Canada, who was not only a business competitor, but also a friend of Marr’s, informed him of a karate tournament in Minneapolis, and that the instructor’s name was Robert Fusaro. Furthermore, the style that Fusaro studied was JKA Shotokan. Marr contacted Mr. Fusaro, and went to Minneapolis to enter the competition and meet Mr. Fusaro. Marr won his first match, lost his 2nd match, but met Nishiyama Sensei, and the other Japanese instructors – 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 the following November, 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 a 44 year friendship. The first lesson was in Fusaro Sensei’s living room. Visits to Minneapolis every 6 months changed to every 3 months, and whenever time permitted, Marr used his vacation time from his employment with the City of Winnipeg to further his training and, upon returning to Winnipeg, Marr would teach the handful of students he had recruited. During the beginning period, Marr Sensei had been using the facilities at the Manitoba Judo Club where he taught 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 link] Master Nakayama, Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association was scheduled to visit Minneapolis to conduct a teaching seminar on November 1968. Naturally, Marr Sensei traveled 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. In addition to his traveling to gain knowledge and develop his ability, Marr Sensei invited Okazaki Sensei and Yaguchi Sensei to Winnipeg to conduct seminars and to expose the students in his area to the high caliber and standard of the JKA Masters currently residing in the United States. Actually, the first visiting instructors to Winnipeg were two of Fusaro Sensei’s students. Keith Smith and Jim Morgan visited to pass on their knowledge to the Winnipeg members; and George Sasano, 3rd Dan, from Hawaii was in Minneapolis one year, and graciously accepted an invitation to visit Winnipeg to teach. Master Nakayama visited Winnipeg. This was the second time Marr Sensei saw Master Nakayama, and it was a great honor to have this renowned master visit his City and teach in his dojo. In 1974, JKA Chief Instructor, Masatoshi Nakayama, 8th Dan, and M. Tabata Sensei 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! 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 the most technically qualified. One of Marr’s long time friends, Sensei Chris Smaby of Iowa is another instructor with technical skills that brings traditional karate to a practical level utilizing nerve and pressure techniques. Sensei Marr has two sons, Darren, 5th Dan and Jarret, 3rd Dan, that continue to train. Darren lives in Minneapolis where he trains and teaches for Fusaro Sensei. Darren has an impressive competition record in Canada and on the international scene. Jarret’s competition ability is also impressive on both the Canadian and international front. Sensei Marr has recently received his Shichi-Dan (7th Dan) by the Technical Board of JKS (Japan Karate Shotokai) in Japan through Sensei Katsumata in October 200 |
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Contact: Jerry Marr karatemb@mts.net
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