MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE
HARLEM GOJU ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD DINNER-DANCE
Written by Franklin Puello
Martialforce.com
Online Magazine
On May 7th, 2011 the HARLEM GOJU ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD DINNER-DANCE, took place in memory of Grand Master “Major” Leon Wallace. Issued were awards for academic Achievements, as well as the Long Overdue Honors for: “OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN MARTIAL ARTS”. In fact, Reading the Profiles of each of these women, I could not have missed the fact that it appears that all were made from one mold, and that mold was The Martial Arts, which helped develop in them the Courage, Stamina and Determination to reach for high standards and Goals, as well as their common desire to empower women to refuse servitude and abuse, to broaden their Minds, lift their Spirits, and fortify their bodies to endure the obstacles that are placed in front of them on their journey to success.
This historic event in memory of Grand Master “Major” Leon Wallace, was orchestrated by the organization’s Chief Executive Officer Grand Master Samuel Mcgee, assisted by Secretary Master Kelly Rice; President Master Robert Rivers Jr.; Vice President Earl Harris; Treasurer Jeff Anderson; Sergeant at Arms Master Dave Thomas; Chaplain Herbert Ronald Goings and took place at place at the Elegant ALHAMBRA BALLROOM, W. 126 Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., NYC.
LUZ PUELLO, VEANDA MARTIN SIMMONS, MALIKAH MCCROREY,
KIM MCCROREY CORKER
The Harlem Goju Association is a non profit organization. It is made up of 10 Professionally run Karate Schools by Black Belt instructors, under GM Sam Mcgee. The objective being to teach Goju Karate to children and adults Free of charge.
“IN RAISING OUR CHILDREN through The Martial Arts, we believe students become more disciplined, raise their self esteem and confidence, gain self control, make better life choices, and are more aware of their surroundings and perform better in schools as well as in the workplace”.
“Major” Leon Wallace, Grand Master, was a truly Unique and unsung Hero who was a Pioneer bringing The Martial Arts, Goju Ryu Karate, to the New York City African American community of Harlem. He is described as “a disciplinarian, using Goju to build character, mind and bodies through hard work and his own special blend of Street Smarts and Eastern Philosophy”. I personally remember Major Wallace, Grand Master, as one of the most Humble, Knowledgeable, and caring Father like figures in the Martial Arts circuit. When I was first introduced, by my Teacher Fred Miller, all I was told was “This is GM Wallace, watch and learn. He will be watching you as one of his”. Major Wallace asked me if I was doing well in school, and told me it was important for me to continue doing well in College and Work Hard to achieve all my goals. From that moment on every time he saw me in competition he would ask about school and Goju instructions under GM Miller. He would counsel me about my techniques and always had a Positive comment to make, and an Encouraging word to keep me going. Grand Master Leon Wallace was a Great Force in the Community whose main interest and passion was to Cultivate and Motivate youngsters to reach for dreams and higher Goals.
The Harlem Goju Association awarded their 2011 Scholarship Awards to the following recipients for their excellence in pursuit of their academic studies:
1. Jordan Cardwell- Brown Belt- Power of Self- Attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice
2. Jennifer Cortes- Brown Belt- Power of Self- Attending- Adelphi University
3. Terence”TJ”McEachin- Purple Belt- Harlem Goju- Attending Northampton Community College
4. Abinadab Scott- Black Belt- N.O. I. Goju- Attending The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Each scholarship winner will receive $1,000 to be paid directly to their school.
In addition to the Awards for Academic Excellence, The Harlem Goju Association presented Honors and Awards to the following OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN MARTIAL ARTS:
MASTER LINDA RAMZY: 8th Degree Black Belt. 35 yrs in the Martial Arts- teaching Fuji Ryu Ju-Jutsu. Founder and CEO for the Women’s Empowerment Self Defense Academy, Bronx, NY., Master Ramzy has taught Self Defense, conducted Seminars, Workshops, Lectures, Conferences and Demonstrations on realistic and practical skills of survival throughout the United States, and internationally including France, London, Holland, Canada, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Master Ramzy teaches that when confronted with Violence, that physically fighting back is a choice and if this choice is made that it must be done with The Four C’s: Courage, Confidence, Commitment and Conviction- All Or None principle. At this time Master Ramzy was inducted into the MAJOR LEON WALLACE HALL OF FAME
.
KIM MCCROREY CORKER: Started The Martial Arts at age 9, earning her Black Belt at age 16, under the Late Sensei Melody Pulliam who was the instructor of the Harlem Branch of the Bronx Shotokan Karte Do Club (BSKC) under Shihan Derrick Williams. As a Tournament competitor in the NY area and Nation Wide competitions Sensei McCrorey won numerous times and was ranked #3 Woman Fighter in 1989 by the North America Sport Karate Association (NASKA) and Sport Karate International (SKI). Kim moved to Albany, NY to attend College, and completed her Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW), continuing to train in the Martial Arts under Sensei Tony Butler, former student of the Late Master William Oliver, until she retired from the Martial Arts. Presently Kim is employed in Schenectady, NY, County Office of Children and Family Services, as a Child Protective Services Supervisor. Very much involved with the Lord’s Ministry with her husband Melvin and her 7 children, Kim retired from her loved Martial Arts, but had this to say, “ although I miss The Martial Arts, I am pleased where God has me today, for I know the plans I have for you” Declares The Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
MALIKAH MCCROREY: Born in Harlem, NY, Malika trained with her sister initially under Sensei David Bowen and Eddie Rhodes at one of GM Henry Cho’s schools, and afterward continued under the Late Sensei Melody Pulliam for 3 to 4 yrs. at the Harlem Branch of the Bronx Shotokan Karate Do Club (BSKC) under Shihan Derrick Williams. Malika received her Black Belt from Shihan Derrick Williams, and remembers his insightful lectures about discipline, especially while students were holding a Horse Stance (Kiba dachi), which he affectionately called “Malika-dachi”. Malika remembers not really enjoying the lectures and the hard demands of training, but realizes that The Martial Arts training helped in achieving all her Goals. Malika graduated from Cathedral H.S. in Manhattan and attended, Graduating, the State University at New York Purchase located in Purchase, NY, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Since 1994 when Malika attended the NYS Department of Correctional Services training Academy in Albany, NY she has been employed as a Correctional Officer and continues through her 16th year. Malika has received multiple commendations for exceptional service. Malika is a Disciple of St. Luke Baptist Church in Harlem. She reflects and considers the significant events in her past, the important aspects of her current life and her future goals. The underlying theme is very simple, appreciating the Discipline her parents and Martial Arts instructors have instilled in her. She believes that through The Martial Arts, she was able to grow more emotionally, socially, and intellectually, and through Jesus Christ, has learned that All Things are Possible.
SISTER VARIAN E. WRIGHT: A 3rd Degree Black Belt and the recipient of a Bachelor Degree of Science from the Florida A&M University started her training in the Martial Arts in the New Breed Life Arts & Educational Association, Inc. where she has been the Executive Director for New Breed Programs voluntarily for the past 25 years. With a passion for writing she has diligently sought out and obtained sponsorship for the New Breed, including Budweiser, Chase Bank, Coca Cola Company, Uptime Vitamins, the Appolo Theater, Sylvias Restaurant, East West Book Store, Sheridan Hotel, Everlast, and many more. Sister Varian is presently employed by the City of New York, Division of Fair Hearing Administration of the Human Resources Administration, as the Director of Field Operations which includes 27 Fair Hearing Units within the 5 boroughs. Sister Varian says that her greatest accomplishments are: raising her young son Jason Wright to become a very successful man, and sharing her life with her partner and companion Kushinda Lamarr Thorton, Grand Master.
SENSEI VEANDA MARTIN SIMMONS: A 6th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, and recipient of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University. She has been training and teaching for over 20 yrs. Under Kushinda Lamarr Thorton. Veanda has been teaching Women empowerment to youth and adults and has served as a panelist during conferences discussing Education through the Martial Arts as how it improves academic performance through discipline, self control and mental focusing. Veanda has dedicated her life to using The Martial Arts training to inform and uplift others, particularly young girls, and presently is an Assistant Karate Instructor at the New Breed Life and Arts School and has created an Organization called Dynamic Visinos of Excellence, Inc. Her Organization focuses on more than just kicking and punching, it also instill leadership skills, building positive image, teaches conflict resolution and the importance of physical fitness as a way of life.
LUZ PUELLO: Born in Puerto Rico, and raised and educated in New York, Luz started training in The Martial Arts with her brothers, for protection and discipline. During her youth, Luz lived in Spanish Harlem, NY and at a time when the Country, and many friends, were falling into the abysm of Drug Use and Abuse, Luz was able to maintain her discipline to continue in school. She attended Bronx Community College and in 1973 enrolled in a Self Defense Class, Kokushi Ryu Goshinho Jujutsu with Sensei Henry Skinner, and then joined a team of Martial Arts Masters and leaned various systems: Fred Miller- Japanese Goju; Errol Bennett- Shotokan; Greg Perry- USA Goju; Jose Santos- Okinawan Goju; James Outlaw and Rick Senior- Miyama Ryu Jujutsu, and various others. Luz received promotion to Black Belt in JuJutsu in 1975 and about that time had started to train together with her husband to be, Franklin Puello, under Fred Miller. Under GM Fred Miller, Luz refined her teaching skills and ability to reach a diverse audience during Self Defense lectures and seminars. Luz competed in many Karate Tournaments during a time when not many women were competing in the Martial Arts earning many awards and a Grand Championship. Luz Graduated from BCC, and attended Hunter College where she earned a Degree in Social Deviance and Control. While involved with the community as a Rape Victims Counselor, Luz became an advocate and founder of the New York Women Against Rape (NYWAR); she then attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she earned a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, while completing internship at the Bronx County Criminal Court- working with Sex Offenders and subsequently being employed by Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Bronx, NY. Luz’ work in the area of Rape prevention and Crisis Intervention, as well as a Thesis completed in a Study documenting the efficiency of Physical Response to an Attack, led her to the recognition to present her work in the area during a National Conference in Houston, Tx. Luz continues to Lecture, and conduct Seminars and Conferences in the subject of Women Empowerment, Rape Prevention and Crisis Intervention, Teaching Self Defense as an ultimate option for survival. After 27 years of service to the Community at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Luz retired but the ardent desire to serve did not abate, she presently is employed at Catholic Health Services, Melville, NY, as the Healthy Sundays Project Coordinator, providing Community outreach and Health Screening services to the underserved population, via the Catholic Parrishes of Long Island. Under her Direction, the Program’s Initiative due to immediate impact and effectiveness was submitted for New York State recognition and recently was awarded the prestigious 2011 COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE AWARD, from the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANY).
MASTER LINDA LUTES: 7th Degree Black Belt, has been involved in the Martial Arts for nearly 50 Years, training in Aikido, Iaido, and Kempo. Her initial training was in Shotokan and later Tae Kwon Do, under Grand Master Henry Cho. Her Way of Action Tae Kwon Do school, Park Slope, NY, established for over 30 years, remains affiliated with GM Cho. In the Late 60’s and early 70’s Master Lutes was a serious competitor and winner, and a major performer and demonstrator in Way of Action Martial Arts Theater show, starring in many TV shows, in over 200 performances at Colleges, Trade Shows, Fairs, Festivals, and Arts Councils throughout the U.S. In 1992 Mater Lutes was one of 12 Masters featured in Michael Militano’s Masters in Action, at the 38th Annual All American open Tournament, and in 1999 was inducted into the All American Open Hall of Fame. She received the Ki Whang Kim Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, presented by GM James Roberts.
MASTER LISA ROBINSON MCGEE: 7th Degree Black Belt, Started in the Martial Arts at age 13 thanks to GM Sam McGee’s daughter Angel McGee, and was instantly drawn to Karate becoming the only female student among men and boys. GM Sam McGee liked Lisa, and trained her the same way GM Leon Wallace trained him, did not take it easy because after all she was a girl who was sending the boys home crying for bothering her little brother. In her training and sparring with boys and men, Lisa developed as a stronger person mentally and physically, and became a favorite of the GM Leon Wallace. Lisa became an avid competitor Nationwide and Canada, and always hated to lose, saying that no woman hit as hard as the men in her Dojo. Lisa retired from competition and married her dojo brother, and now husband of 23 years Dwayne McGee continuing endeavors in the Martial Arts teaching along side of Master Dwayne McGee and GM Sam McGee, motivating young girls and serving as a Role Model.
SHIHAN DARLENE DEFOUR: 9th Degree Black Belt in San Yama Ryu Jujutsu, under Shihan Hector Negron, Shihan’s Motto is “Luck is when Preparation Meets Opportunity”. Daughter of Mr. Wilfred R. DeFour Sr., Documented Original Tuskegee Airman, and Late Ruth C. DeFour, Shihan DeFour is a native of Harlem, NY who attended and graduated from Fisk University and has received a Doctorate Degree from the University of Illinois. Dr. DeFour’s present theme of work is The Exploration of the various ways that violence in the form of Racism and Sexism as well as physical violence affects the everyday lives of adolescent and adult Black females. She is also conducting a Life history Project on the original Tuskegee Airmen exploring experiences with racism and perceptions of the continued significance of Race. Shihan DeFour started Jujutsu while in Graduate school at the University of Illinois, at Urbana-Champaign, in the style now known as Danzan Ryu. After returning to NYC and completing her Doctorate she continued her study of Jujutsu at the Harlem Branch of San Yama Bushi Ryu under Shihan Otis Harris, and continues training with Shihan Negron. In addition, Shihan DeFour holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kushinda Ryu Shotokan Karate. Dr. DeFour is an active member of the National Women Martial Arts Federation, and founding Co-chair of the Anti Racism Committee of the NWMAF. She received, among many honors, a Master Instructor Award in 2004 and Female Master Instructor of Honor in 2006. She continues her commitment to combine her Academic training and Martial Arts to stop violence against Women.
SHIHAN ELBA “COOKIE” MELENDEZ: 7TH Degree Black Belt, is a Native New Yorker with over 40 years in The Martial Arts, building a great reputation as a Professional Kick boxer and a Pioneer in Women’s Martial Arts and Kickboxing. Inducted into the World of Sports Medicine and Martial Arts Hall of Fame and The Latin America Hall of Fame, Cookie is the former First NYS Professional female Kick boxer and Champion. In addition, Shihan Melendez is a Certified Personal Trainer, who trains-coaches fighters and conducts self defense workshops in the NY area. She has conducted training for the NYC Police Academy, Hospitals, Churches, Women groups, Colleges, private and public schools and fundraising Organizations. Among unique accomplishments, Cookie has appeared and conducted her own stunts, in Martial Arts films: Shaolin Popeye and The empty Hands.
I was very fortunate to be in attendance to this unique event, sharing with the many Great Martial Artists in attendance, and my Role Models from my start in Martial Arts, supporting to such worthy cause of: Supporting and promoting Academic Excellence and Achievement in Martial Artists, as well as Supporting the Long Overdue Recognition and Honors Awarded to the Outstanding Women in Martial Arts.
Among these Great Martial Artists were, to name a few and begging for indulgence in not naming all: Chester Miller, Kyoshi and Fiance Nahiya Summerville; Master Wes Geter and Master Kato Wilson, both my (Sempai Dojo Brothers at the Nippon Gojukai Karate Dojo). GM Felix Vasquez, Hanshi Rick Diaz, GM Sabu Lewis, GM Lamarr Thorton, GM Haisan Kaleak, Master Orlando Cabrera, Master Alfred Hinds, Kyoshi Earl Woodbury.
Also in attendance and support were: Master Ben Paris, Master David Moradi, Master John Weaton Master Darryl Austin, Master Amusawirr, Sensei Ralph Melendez, Sensei Peter Flores, Jr., Sensei Arthur Kimmel and Sensei Mario Sierra.
HAISAN KALEAK, LITTLE JOHN DAVIS, ABDUL AZIZ,
CHESTER MILLER, WILL ALLEN
POSTED 05 / 17 / 2011