Legacy of Soke celebrated

Shihan Junior Kistow, Shihan Russell Gomes, and Shihan John Davis of the Golden Eagle Martial Arts Academy in Woodbrook all have much to boast about. The three jiu jitsu masters from Trinidad recently joined their big brother Shihan Runako Mashama in New York, USA to attend the second annual celebration in honour of martial arts legend Soke L’il John Davis. The “invitation only” celebration which took place on Saturday October 9, 2004 included an all-day action packed seminar full of high powered locks, throws and techniques taught and demonstrated by many of the masters of the Kumite Ryu System of jiu jitsu. Soke L’il John, a legendary full-contact fighter and highly sought after seminar instructor,  breathed life into Kumite Ryu, a fierce fighting and grappling system influenced by the styles of his teachers the late Great Grandmaster Vee and Dr Moses Powell.

He possesses great expertise in Judo, Aikido, Karate and Filipino knife and stick-fighting. With over 40 years of martial arts training, he is a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and one of the most feared competitors on the east coast. Soke L’il John remains on the cutting edge of realistic and applicable, tested and proven self-defence techniques. Shihan Russell and Shihan Kistow gave a “mind-blowing” demonstration of some Soke’s standing fight techniques and floor techniques, gaining them a standing ovation from their peers. The essence of Kumite Ryu was definitely felt within the bounds of the World Martial Arts Centre where the seminar was held.  Both martial arts veterans and novices alike had an experience to be remembered. Time appeared to stand still as the honourable Dr Moses Powell founder of the Sanuces Ryu jiu jitsu system and the “Father of Modern Jiu Jitsu” entered the dojo hall.  Dr Powell sat and enjoyed the display of talent put on by several generations of his students and personally commended Shihan Russell and Shihan Kistow, commenting, “You guys are good.” 

Shihan Runako (formerly Martin Koerts) was the first student in Trinidad ever to be awarded a black belt rank in jiu jitsu when the art was first introduced in the island through Sanuces Ryu in the early 1970s. Now residing in Queens, New York, Shihan Runako runs the Amethyst School of Martial Arts teaching his own style of jiu jitsu called Rudo Ryu assisted by his son instructor Berhane Sellassie Mashama. The family-run ASMA also has a branch in Arima run by Shihan Runako’s eldest son Sensei Oluyemi Mashama. Shihan Runako was grateful that his students could meet Soke and the other great martial arts forefathers that were present — an opportunity he dreamed of in his earlier martial arts days.  After 35 years in martial arts, he was finally reacquainted with his roots. The crowd was also graced by the presence of Tayari Cassell, the special guest of Soke L’il John. 

Cassell a great Kung Fu fighter of the 1970s, who often graced the cover of numerous martial arts magazines along with Soke, his long time buddy, specialises in a more rhythmic, African style of fighting. He shared some very graceful, yet powerful techniques based on the movements of the four deadly snakes which are the viper, the cobra, the mamba and the python.  Shihan Runako didn’t hesitate to go out on the floor and assist this martial arts great, whom he admired since he was a teen, in demonstrating the application of his techniques. As expected Soke mesmerised the crowd with some close range attacks, making it look so easy to instantly take out an assailant with some decisive single strikes to various vital points within the human body structure —  all the while keeping that signature smile of his on his face.

What other way to conclude the celebration of the legacy of Soke L’il John, than with a formal banquet which was held later on that evening at the elegant Eastwood Manor. Many gifts, heartfelt speeches, poems, songs and —  of course katas and demonstrations were given in tribute to the Man of the Night. Soke himself spoke very highly of the masters from Trinidad regarding their discipline, motivation and dedication towards the martial arts. All who are interested in being a part of the third Annual Soke L’il John celebration in October 2005 should contact Shihan Russell or Shihan Kistow at the Golden Eagle Martial Arts Academy (688-6708/753-4802) or Shihan John Davis at Victorious Christian Soldiers (761-1842). If you wish to bring a piece of the legacy into your own home, you may also contact these local masters to obtain a DVD or VHS copy of the “Legacy of Soke L’il John.”