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Grand Master Aaron Banks World Professional Martial Arts Organization Hall of fame banquet
Jan / 2010
On January 17th 2010, history was made once again as Grand Master Aaron Banks held The World Professional Martial Arts Organization Hall of fame banquet. The location was the famous Madison Square Garden in New York City. This is an event that was made popular back in the 1960’s by Grand Master Banks. Banks is credited with being the first to introduce this type of event in the United States along with the Oriental World of Self Defense. The Oriental World of Self Defense featured some of the best martial artist from coast to coast. Grand Master Banks also taught Goju Ryu Karate for many years at his Manhattan New York location. As a result of his dedication to teaching, Banks developed exceptional students and leaders in the Martial Arts Community. While teaching he was also recognized as one of the top promoters of martial arts in the United States. Banks has successfully held this position with strength and integrity for many years. He continuously surprises audiences with the best martial arts shows that he could present.
As always, in the tradition of Martial Arts to its basic core, this event was an amazing success. The event was like a flash from the past; reminiscent of the 1960 and 70’s Martial Arts get together. There were Karate demonstrations with board and brick breaking in the tradition of old. A great many notable Martial Artist were present as history was being made. Some in attendance were Master George Bradley, Master Earnest Hyman, Master Daniel Stewart, Master Wildcat Molina and Master Michael Jai White who was mobbed by his movie fans. Michael Jai White is an actor and accomplished Martial Artist and can be seen in his latest movie’s “Blood and Bone and Black Dynamite.” In the excitement of the event, we managed to interview and asked Master George Bradley a few questions, which were the following; How would you describe this event? Bradley answered without hesitation by saying “Old School with no hype, just tradition.” I then played devils advocate and asked him, what do you think of the people in attendance to which he answered, “Everyone is here because they are dedicated to the arts they practice and were chosen to be here.” “Furthermore, this event is in existence solely to honor individual accomplishments.” Bradley continued, “ This event is being held by Grand Master Aaron Banks who has accomplished a lot in the Martial Arts Community.”
My last question to Bradley was, what do you think about Michael Jai White attending this event. Bradley said, “ Mr. White is a hardcore Martial Artist that trains with dedication and purpose, he successfully competed both on the East and West Coast and trained with some of the best Martial Artist. Mr. White is a true gentleman and was honored for his dedication.”
The event maintained an aura of tradition and warmth with some of the most talented martial artist in attendance. It is my opinion, for many years to come as people speak of the history of Martial Arts there is no question in this writers mind that this event will be the topic of conversation. Thank you and we look forward to next years event!
Eric Myles
Martialforce.com
Online Magazine
MASTER GEORGE BRADLEY AND
GRAND MASTER AARON BANKS
MASTERS MICHAEL JAI WHITE AND GEORGE BRADLEY
GRAND MASTER AARON BANKS AND MASTERS ERNEST HYMAN AND DANIEL STEWART
MASTERS EARNEST HYMAN AND GEORGE BRADLEY
MASTERS DANIEL STEWART AND MICHAEL JAI WHITE
MICHAEL JAI WHITE
GEORGE BRADLEY AND HIS WIFE MILLY
THANK YOU FOR A MEMORABLE EVENT!