December 3, 1933 to March 9, 2025
Creator of a style of mixed martial arts he called "In-Fighting" which combined various techniques of the individual martial arts he had studied. Over the years Sandy taught countless disadvantaged youths not only martial arts, but how to be a good citizen. Many of these students grew up to pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, nursing, and the armed forces.
View Sandy's Biography.
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October 2, 1934 to March 20, 2024
View Thomas' Biography.
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June 25, 1943 to July 24, 2023
Master Sergeant (Ret) William "Bill" Ryan, 80, died peacefully in his Clarksville, TN home on July 24, 2023 after a valiant battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Bill lived a full life with many chapters and adventures. He was born, grew up in and had fond memories of Charlestown, MA. At the tender age of 17, with his mother's permission, "Peter" joined the Armed Forces. He spent 4 years in the Air Force and 19 & ½ years in the US Army. He did two tours of Vietnam and went on to serve in many units. He retired in 1984 with 23 & ½ years of service.
While serving in the Air Force he began a lifelong hobby in the sport of Judo. He went on to reach the rank of 7th degree black belt (Shichidan). He taught countless students through the Clarksville Judo Club, as well as several Army Units and Police Departments. The highlight of his career in Judo was serving as a Field of Play Marshall for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
In his later years, Bill did security work, and held many posts. He continued to serve the veteran community through the American Legion, Post 289 and was a proud member of their Honor Guard.
He is survived by his bride of 51 years Deborah (Collins) Ryan, his daughter Beth Ryan (Robert Doyle) of Clarksville, granddaughters Kayce Plymill (Austin) of Newark, DE, Emily and Shannon Miller both of Clarksville, TN and great-granddaughter Ari Plymill of Newark, DE as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Florence (Murphy) Nash-Ryan, sisters Virginia Ellington, Frances Johnson and Rosemary Bassett and brother Daniel Ryan.
{credit: Sykes Funeral Home https://www.sykesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/msg-william-bill-ryan-ret}
On September 15, 2015 the Shubukan lost a close member of its family, Shubukai Dojo Renshi G. Ralph Darden, age 65, of Manchester, CT. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
May the memory of Renshi Darden be with all those whose lives he so richly touched.
View Renshi Darden's Biography.
On July 14th, 2014 the Shubukan lost a close member of its family, Sensei Jess Jones.
May the memory of Sensei Jones be with all those whose lives he so richly touched.
View Sensei Jones' Biography and photos.
April 7, 2014
It is with great sorrow that we report the departure of our friend and teacher, Karl Edwin Geis on April 7th, 2014, after succumbing to prostate cancer. Mr. Geis was born in Enid, Oklahoma, on October 1, 1933, the son of Martha and Edwin Geis. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mrs. Chamaiporn "Cha" Geis; brother Richard; sister Virginia; sons, Douglas and Kennith, and 5 grandchildren. Mr. Geis was first exposed to Judo while stationed in Japan with the USAF in 1955. He took the opportunity to study with the Bureau of Police and the Kodokan embarking upon a lifelong love affair with Judo.
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He was a profound coach and foremost master teacher. His greatest pleasure did not lie with training national champions; however, it was in training his students to have self-confidence and a sense of their own destiny. He was Judo's supreme psychologist, using his martial art as a tool like a master craftsman to sculpt confident, happy and successful individuals.
Additionally, it was Mr. Geis' Judo background that enabled him to understand Mr. Kenji Tomiki Shihan's Aikido system and to carry it forward in the US where his unique contribution to the art of Aikido was recognized when he was promoted to 6th Dan by Tomiki Sensei, being the first, and only, foreigner to be promoted to this rank. Lastly, under the instruction of Tsunako Miyake Shihan, Mr. Geis internalized Takaji Shimizu's Shindo Muso Ryu Jyodo system to create a viable weapons self-defense system.
Mr. Geis' legacy is not limited to the accomplishments during his life. It carries forward with the very many lives he touched and his many students - who are now teachers. He was our Sensei, and we loved him.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Pavilion on Gessner, 2500 Gessner in Houston. Those wishing to make a gift to Karl Geis's memory may make donations to Houston Methodist Hospital or to prostate cancer research organization.
Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. 24, 2014.
View Karl's Biography.
On October 2, 2013 the Shubukan lost a close member of its family, Ernie Hewitt.
A memorial was held for him on October 10, 2013.
May the memory of Kyoshi Hewitt be with all those whose lives he so richly touched.
View Kyoshi Hewitt's Biography and photos of his Memorial Service.
March 14, 1938 to April 29, 2012
View Rudolph's Biography.
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O-Sensei (Teacher of teachers) Philip S. Porter – November 17th, 1924 to August 7th, 2011
View O-Sensei Porter's Biography.
On October 19, 2006 the Shubukan lost a close member of its family, Dwayne Coverly.
May the memory of Dwayne be with all those whose lives he so richly touched.
