Hubert Lee "Sandy" Sanderson started his martial arts career after he was drafted into the military. He was deployed to the Far East during the Korean conflict. It was there he learned the arts from the great masters. It wasn't without cost. A black American from Georgia was a rare site in a Japanese dojo seventy years ago. He studied Aikido, Judo, Jujitsu, Japanese Karate, and Hapkido all over Japan and Korea. When the war ended, he made his home in New Britain.
Throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s, he consistently won national championships in Judo. He competed at the highest levels throughout the country in almost every state. He took over New Britain Judo, Connecticut's longest running Judo dojo, and began spreading his love for the arts. Although he never sought higher education himself, he valued education greatly. He was an avid reader, often reading 2-3 books per week.
His passion for teaching fueled his drive to make martial arts accessible to everyone in the community regardless of race, financial status, or any other reason. To spread his mission further, he founded Valiant Martial Arts, now located in Berlin. Additionally, he helped train countless sports and law enforcement organizations including wrestling teams and law enforcement agencies.
Notably, he achieved the following ranks in each respective martial art:
For over 70 years, he taught thousands of students how to become champions on and off the mat. He reached deep and had a penchant for helping those who society had given up on and felt lost. Through teaching martial arts, he was able to plant seeds of confidence in all those he met - not just his students. Many of the ones fortunate enough to be mentored and taught by him became great human beings, better parents, professionals with careers, and coaches themselves.
He selflessly donated his time, money, and knowledge to individuals who needed it most in his community. Sandy would purchase clothing, food, school supplies, and anything else his students needed and rarely let them go without. His sacrifices to our country, our community, and everyone he served for almost a century will never be forgotten. Those who knew him are all better versions of themselves because of him.
Karol Steczkowski
President | Axim Creative
860-770-6705 | 860-543-1234