Urban begat: "I put the Art before my own heart and brains. Everybody who is anybody in All American Goju Systems, all the Dans and Senseis of today have all, repeat; all of their pedigrees from me, Peter G. Urban, Grand Patriarch of all USA GOJU Systems. This is fact, not fantasy!" (end quote)
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I must elaborate and clarify so that there are no misunderstandings on my "TRUE BLUE LOYALISTS" list. Sensei's that have gone beyond the "call of duty", (so to speak), and truly honor my father, (and his last wishes) shall receive special acknowledgement in my own personal endeavor.
Anyone that becomes a "True Blue Loyalist", are to be commended as those who still do the right thing, in the traditional way...
I humbly honor them with my small token of appreciation, (it's all I can offer), through this act. Others will receive "HONORABLE MENTION" for past and current accomplishments.
Thank you.
Original Timeline: Sept. 3, 2007
Updated: Oct.,18th 2008
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Here are the "True Blue Loyalists"/ good guys who are still doing the right thing; in alphabetical order: (as of 8/26/07)
Sensei David Box
Sensei Albert Casale Thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 4/27/08 OSS!
Renshi Charles Clark (*David Box Associate)
Sensei Thomas DeWitt (*David Box Associate)
Sensei Rick Diaz Thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 04/27/08 OSS!
Kyoshi Thomas Drake (*David Box Associate)
Sensei Eddie Figueroa
Sensei Ray Fitzpatrick
Sensei Garry Gascoyne
Sensei Andres Gonzalez Thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 09/03/07 OSS!
Sensei Joel Gonzalez Many apologies, no picture of Sensei Joel Gonzalez available..Nevertheless, thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 4/27/08 - Pls. send picture to me. Thank you...
Sensei Ray Hermann Thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 8/27/07 OSS!
Sensei Robert Jones Thank you, always has been a "TBL" Member OSS!
Sensei William Myers
Sensei Gerald Orange
Sensei Walter Parks
Sensei Wallace Platt Thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 11/07 OSS!
Sensei James Price Thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 02/16/08 OSS!
Sensei Archie Rullan Thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 4/27/08 OSS!
Sensei Sekwii Sha
Sensei Keith Teller Thank you, new "TBL Member" as of 02/22/08 OSS!
Sensei Ralph Viggiano
Kyoshi Butch Whitlow (*David Box Associate)
Sensei Earl Woodbury
*ATTENTION; PLEASE NOTE THAT PICTURES OF THE "TRUE BLUE URBAN LOYALISTS" CAN BE FOUND ON THE URBAN VISUALS PAGE.
The following people sent me monetary support to assist me with expenses immediately after my father passed away. Even though I sent these wonderful people all personal thank you(s), I feel they must be publicly recognized for their heartfelt devotion and sincere generosity. For this I will be eternally grateful...(I know Dad is too in heaven...) Thank you very, very much! Domo Arigato!
(The following people's generosity went above and beyond):
1) Sensei Gerald Orange
2) Teiko Tursi
3) The Joseph Kellijhian Dojo (Student's donations also included)
(The following people's generosity was exemplary):
4) Sensei(s) Denny & Misty Bowe (respective dojo's included)
5) Sensei Garry Gascoyne
6) Sensei Albert Gotay
7) Sensei Tony Rentas
8) Sensei David Box
9) Sensei Andres Gonzalez (student's donations included)
10) Sensei Joe Rinaldi
11) Sensei Rich Fiore
12) Sensei Gianfranco Giacometti of Italy
13) Sensei Wallace Platt of Canada
(The following people's generosity was much appreciated):
14) Sensei Balfour Wright
15) Sensei Ralph Viggiano
16) William Chen
17) Sensei Earl Woodbury
18) Don Warrener
19) Ms. Amy Lee Murray (Student of Ric Pascetta)
20) J.R. Feliciano (of Puerto Rico)
21) Mitchell Falk
22) Sensei Anthony Lau
23) Sensei Orlando Cabrera
24) Sensei Richard Lemole
25) Sensei Zurriane Bennett
26) David Letendre
27) Sensei A.D. Lingo and Students
28) Sensei Dennis Melendez and Ms. Nicole Smalls
29) Tom Brungardt
30) Joseph Bernardo
HONORABLE MENTION SECTION: (in alphabetical order). I must preface this by stating that I know that God shines his "ever loving" light on me always...I am truly grateful, and do not take anything for granted anymore... As my father always said, the good and righteous shall be recognized and rewarded. I am very, very fortunate to have friends like these: (Thank you!)
1) Elias Bonaros: (Student of William Louie): For assisting me through purchasing many Urban related items at every tournament I attend. Please know that I just recently met this young man, (who also happens to be a cardiologist/MD.), at the '07 Legacy Cup. Now that is URBAN devotion in my book!! - Thank you and OSS!
2) David Box: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Box has purchased many items from me including patches and dvds. He is propagating the Urban Goju System's Legacy the correct way too. By this I mean; he is making sure that his designated dojo's "do the right thing" for me, (as Dad wanted)...Bravo Sensei Box! He has also published Dad's last book, "Karate Stories and Values", and has them printed for me to sell. OUTSTANDING!! - Thank you and OSS!
3) Andre Chesimard: (Student of Sensei Robt. Jones); Andre is in my opinion; one of the nicest people I have met so far in my journey in life. He is always present at the "Urban Legacy Tournaments", and always offers assistance in any way possible. He and his lovely wife Perla, give me spiritual encouragement and the feeling of "true friendship"... This is a rare commodity nowadays.
4) Eddie Figueroa: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Figueroa holds the "URBAN LEGACY CUP TOURNAMENT" for me annually. -Thank you and OSS!
5) Raymond Fitzpatrick: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Fitzpatrick has purchased many Urban patches from me too. - Thank you and OSS!
6) Garry Gascoyne: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Gascoyne has purchased many patches from me, and has produced books for me "out of his own pocket". He bought a very beautiful urn in which my father is resting in my home for me. He gave me a very nice, hand carved ivory cane to assist me with walking, but most importantly, he was beside my father's bed when he took his last breaths. - Thank you and OSS!
7) Andres Gonzalez: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Gonzalez has purchased many Urban related items from me. He too, continues to show his respect and devotion to Dad, through me. - Thank you and OSS!
8) Dayton Guinee: For always going above and beyond, and being there for my father in his time of need. - Thank you and OSS!
9) Ray Hermann: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Hermann has purchased many Urban related items including patches and books. Always offers assistance when needed too. - Thank you and OSS!
10) Annamary Holmes: (Student of Sensei Al Casale of PA) This very kind "lady of quality", (as Dad would say), has helped me tremendously by placing a very generous order of the complete line of books that my father left for me to offer. She has always presented herself in the most respectful and kind manner, and I feel as if I've known her for a long time. She always mentions how her Sensei, Al Casale always speaks very highly of my father during class, and I also appreciate that. - Thank you, and OSS! Update: Finally got to meet this classy lady at the Gotay World Goju Tournament, and she was everything and more of what I thought she would be. A class act all the way, indeed...I am very fortunate to have made a new friend like her. It turns out we both have a tremendous love of animals in common too, (our four footed/cold nosed friends, as Dad would say)..Thank you God for all our blessings...
11)Richard Lemole: (Sensei, student of my father and retired NYC Policeman/Also his daughter, Jaymie Lemole-Star) Sensei Lemole recently contacted me to send me very valuable items that pertain to my father. He felt it in his conscience and more importantly, his "heart" that I have these particular items. He knew how it could potentially benefit me to have them. Wow Sensei, you will have helped me and my family more than you could possibly imagine by doing this "very good deed". May God bless you Sensei Lemole for "doing the right thing". For both God and my father know what you have done for me/us. - Thank you, and OSS!
12) Kevin Nordlander: (old time buddy and student/friend of Dad's) For being there for me when needed and for giving me solid moral support and valuable advice. - Thank you and OSS!
13) Sir Gerald "Mongoose" Orange: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Orange has continued to show his true "old school" love and devotion for my father through me. He continues to purchase many Urban related items including the Urban patches from me too. This man is very near and dear to my heart. His beloved son Victor and I used to be playmates in the dojo, (Canal St., Wooster St., & Crosby St.s) as kids/same age. Sensei Orange would bring him over whenever he trained with Daddy. I'll never forget those times...I know we'll see each other once again someday, RIP my friend...- Thank you and OSS!
14) Bro. Jaime Lopez-Ortega: This very benevolent man has purchased the whole Urban Library from me, as well as "Talking Book", and patch. He was familiar with my father from "back in the day", (old school, if you will...)He has decided to pay "homage" to my father by showing me much appreciated support. For this, may I salute you; OSS!!! - Thank you and may God bless you always...
15) Walter Parks: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Parks has purchased many Urban related items from me. Most importantly, along with Sensei Gascoyne, he was right by my father's side when he was taking his last breath...God bless you Sensei Parks, I'm glad you were there... - Thank you and OSS!
16) Wallace Platt: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Platt has sent various gifts and/or support given in the past and still continues to do. - Thank you and OSS!
17) James Price: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Price has continued his efforts in starting and keeping the "Official Urban Honbu Website" alive and well, and has recently started designating dojos to do the "right thing" the Urban way as my father wanted... - Thank you and OSS!
18) Archie Rullan: For helping my father in his various times of need. Sensei Rullan also makes it a point to meet and greet me and my husband at the tournaments we mutually attend in his usual warm and loving manner. He also purchases Urban related items (which he really does not need, or I'm sure already has from my father),as a sign of support, which is appreciated more than you can imagine! He is obviously not only 'loyal', but is a very benevolent man too... - May God continue to shed blessings on you and your family always... Thank you and OSS!
19) Manny Saavedra: For coming forth and making amends with my father through me. He has contributed various very valuable and important Urban related items to me, which I truly appreciate. He is the only person to ever have offered and given valuable Urban Memorabilia to me. Many claim to have them, but never has anyone offered me anything! Only Sensei Manny Saavedra has. WOW! He has also invited and welcomed me to attend his various tournaments and seminars all over the world! Volunteering full compensation also...Nice!! I however, must get over my intense "fear of flying!!" - Thank you and OSS!
20) Javier Sanchez: (Student of Sensei Andres Gonzalez of Florida.) This "gentleman of quality" has purchased many books and continues to show his respect and devotion to my father through me. - Thank you and OSS!
21) Sir Sekwii Sha: Besides being a "TBL", Sensei Sha has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and made sure to look out for my best interests as per Dad's request. He continues to live up to it each and every day. He is also the co-organizer of the "Urban Legacy Cup Tournament", and is another "old school" student of Dad's that is near and dear to my heart. He has known me since I was an infant! - Thank you and OSS!
22) Henri Shawn, Esq.: This "old school" student and longtime friend and legal advisor to my father continues to honor my father's wishes too. He now represents me in any legal matters, especially involving any Urban discrepancies, as he promised my father he would do after Dad passed away. For this I am truly grateful... - Thank you and OSS!
23) Andrew Siegel: (Student of Shihan Manuel of So. Jersey) He has helped to support me and my father's legacy by purchasing various books and other revered Urban related items. Sensei Siegel is also a true "gentleman of quality", and magnificent music teacher in the South Jersey school system. He never hesitates to offer assistance of any kind. I've had the pleasure of meeting him and his lovely family, and I know that my father would have loved him!! A new and "true" friend... - Thank you and OSS!
24) John Sparkes: (of England/United Kingdom), This "gentleman of quality", (as Dad would say), has also assisted me in so many ways, by placing an order for several of the books by my father. That is exactly what my Dad intended after he passed; for his mark that he left to benefit me and my daughter. It still amazes me and puts a huge smile on my face knowing that Daddy has made his mark all over this world...Mr. Sparkes' communications with me have been very kind and heartfelt. A true class act... - Thank you and OSS!
25) Stephen Trost: (Student of William Louie/Elias Bonaros): He has helped to support me by purchasing many Urban related items, at every tournament I attend, and has offered assistance to me in many ideas marketing related. Class act all the way! - Thank you and OSS!
26) Mark Woodside: (of Redwood City, CA) This man has purchased many of my father's literary work(s) and has offered assistance if needed. Good man, indeed! - Thank you and OSS!