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Urban's Fight Schools Network. 
The Dues paying "Good Guys" who do the right thing in the traditional way. Urban Loyalists who lead by the consent of the governed.

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 (10.18.07)

Shanando Ryu

                              Institute of Self-Defense Arts & Physical Culture

Grand-Master Sekwii Sha, Ph.D.
The "Electric Panther" Goju Hall No. 046

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Grand Master Peter Urban appointed Hanshi Sha as the Ombudsman [one who resolves complaints and problems] for his USA Goju Karate "Fight Schools Network".
Please make him aware of all up-coming events in the USA Goju World so that conflicts can be eliminated.

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Sensei Sha was born September 19, 1936 to parents who were emigrants from the Netherlands Antilles Dutch West Indies, and was brought up in the West Indian tradition and culture. With a deep seated awareness of his cultural heritage, strength and health played an important part in his upbringing.

One of seven children, he found a role model in his oldest brother Shim, who was a bodybuilder. His brother's influence started him training at the age of eight. He started with push-ups, sit-ups and chin-ups on anything from pipes to trees and doorways.  His first weights were made from cans filled with rocks and cement attached to a pipe.

Sensei Sha enjoyed doing things involving endurance and stamina, and became known for his athletic ability and strength. He was introduced to boxing at the age of twelve, began diligent training, and developed into a promising boxer. Everything in his life was geared toward physical fitness, proper diet and no habits like smoking or drinking. Sensei Sha ate and slept boxing.

Even though Sensei Sha's amateur boxing record was outstanding, he was very anxious to turn professional. He was so anxious that he turned down an invitation to the 1956 Olympic games in Melbourne, Australia.

Training with such pros as Sandy Saddler, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Johnny Saxon at Wiley's Gym, and the Uptown Gym over the Apollo was a thrilling adventure. Although his fighting was going well, it wasn't moving fast enough for Sensei Sha. His aim was to start his own business and make money. He entered the National Institute in Chicago for physical therapy, and in three years, graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy and Swedish Massage.

Possessing a spiritual nature, Sensei Sha joined the Hebrew Order of the Melchisedek: Black Hebrews from the tribe of Judah tracing true history to the Axumite Empire in Ethiopia.
This is when Sensei Sha first became interested in the study of the martial arts. In 1961 he began training with Sensei Peter Urban, Founder and Grand-Master of American Goju Karate.
Maestro Urban became Sensei Sha's mentor, and through his dedication and intense training, was able to progress quickly. He went from white belt to brown belt, skipping the yellow, green and purple belts, and a year later, he was promoted to black belt. Four years later he earned his fourth degree, and after more years of diligent study, he earned his eighth degree. Sensei Sha's current status is Tenth Dan, Grand-Master - Shanando Ryu.

In the 1960's Sensei opened his first school in South Ozone Park, New York,  called "Sha's Karate Studio Dojo". Sensei Sha's zeal for perfection and his dedication to karate carried over to his teaching. He became a taskmaster, wanting and striving for only the best for his students.

Sensei Sekwii Sha has established himself as a major figure among karate head instructors. With over 45 years of martial arts training, he is renown as a Grand Master in Martial Arts Choreography for film and stage.  He is well respected as a teacher of empty hand and weapons fighting, and is sought out as a self defense/conflict avoidance consultant.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• One of the first Afro-American's to study Goju Karate with Maestro Peter Urban.

•  Founder of the Institute of Self-Defense Arts and Physical Culture, 1970.

• Founder of Shanando System of Martial Arts in America, 1982.

• Received Masters in Action Hall of Fame, Ying Yee Honorary Award, 1983.

• Introduced into the Martial Arts Afro-American Hall of Fame, 1991.

• Introduced into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, 1995.

• Received Salute to Black Warriors, 1996.

• Former New York State Champion in sparring, forms, and weapons.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Ph.D., Martial Arts Science, American College of Dan's, 1989.

• Seven Arts Center Dancing School, directed study under Geoffrey Holder, 1967

• Manhattan Martial Acting Academy, directed study under Peter Urban, 1968.

• Graduate of National Institute and the College of Physical therapy and Swedish Massage, Chicago, Illinois, 1960 (Certified Massage Therapist)

At the present time, Sensei's complete focus is taking care of his physical machine, the Body, Mind, and Spirit. This entails daily exercise, rest, and good nutrition. He also spends his days doing personal training, physical therapy and massage, and one-on-one Zen therapy counseling.

Contact Grand-Master Sha:

Email Grand-Master Sha

Grand-Master Sekwii Sha, Ph.D.
Bronx, N.Y.
Phone: 718-410-7087

 

This page last updated on October 18, 2007