Interview Update By Eddie Morales
Martialforce.com Online Magazine
Martialforce: Did you anticipate
Masters Hall of Fame growing to its current status when you took it over?
Dan Hect Hanshi: Absolutely, in fact we are not done growing. I
took over the Masters Organization a little over 2 years ago just before
the 2007 Banquet. In that short time we have doubled in size and the
quality of participation from the Martial Arts Community has never been
better.
Martialforce: Are all the members of your staff Martial Artist?
Dan Hect Hanshi: All of the staff are volunteers that have attended a
past event, or they are students of Soke Dye or myself. However, I was
amazed that at this years event to see several alumni that came to the 10
year Anniversary to honor the 2009 class of inductees working with Sensei
Dye and Sifu Lyn Walker as they were setting up for the events.
This is a
true testament of “Service before Self;” Mind you these were
senior leaders from well respected systems such as Hanshi Michael
Sullenger fro American Karate Systems. I am very proud of the Masters Hall
of Fame’s Alumni for what they are doing in the Martial Arts Community,
but to get into the trenches on “Game Day” and lend a hand reaffirms my
confidence in the organization and its vision.
Martialforce: We noticed you have a new logo, can you tell our
readers about the thoughts that went into its design?
Dan Hect Hanshi: As you know, this event was the Masters Hall of
Fame’s 10 Anniversary; we have spent a decade “Recognizing Excellence in
the Martial Arts,” a big part of what makes the Masters special is the
fact we understand business principle as it relates to “Branding.” When
someone mentions the Masters Hall of Fame you would think of the Masters
Hall of Fame Ring, the ring was used to symbolize the Masters Hall of Fame
and the Excellence that is associated with induction.
After careful consideration we decided to add a designed logo as a part of
the Masters Hall of Fame “Brand.” We needed a logo that had a modern feel
and look to acknowledge the significant achievements of the inductee.
After careful consideration and counsel with Lyn Walker from Graphic
Productions the Masters Hall of Fame was developed.
I believe this design was inspired by Lyn’s passion for the Masters, she
holds the position of Senior Vice President at the Masters and has been
with the organization from day one.
Martialforce: Do you have any other events coming up?
Dan Hect Hanshi: Yes we do, however I do not have contracts signed
yet so I am unable to comment on the details, however I promise you as
soon as I get the contract signed I will give it to MartialForce first.
I can tell you this; it is main stream and will be the biggest thing to
happen to the Masters Hall of Fame in the last 10 years…
Martialforce: Can you give us information about the Academy Of
Masters?
Dan Hect Hanshi: Thank you for asking about the Academy of Masters,
this topic seems to get lost in the excitement of the Masters Hall of Fame
inductions. However I believe it is what drives the Masters events.
The Academy of Masters is designed to Create
Excellence in the Martial Arts Community through mentoring, outreach,
scholarships and opportunities for our youth. The Academy of Masters
memberships go to support the annual Scholarship Awards and other outreach
opportunities in the Martial Arts Community.
I get a lot of people that ask if they can help or be a part of the
Masters Hall of Fame, the short answer is YES, join the Academy of Masters
and support our scholarship fund.The Masters Hall of Fame has and will
continue to have significant influence in the Martial Arts Community; by
joining the Academy of Masters you to can impact the youth of the Martial
Arts Community.
I want to thank you for your time, and the
opportunity you have given to the Masters Hall of Fame in reaching the
MartialForce visitors; keep up the good work and I look forward to getting
back in the dojo with you soon.
The Masters Hall of Fame has just finished its
10th Year Anniversary celebration that was held in conjunction with the
Long Beach International Martial Arts Festival and Competition. What a
great weekend of events… My hats off to the IKC staff on the success of
their tournament.
The Masters Hall of Fame event was a star studded event with Jeff Speakman
from “Lethal Weapon,” Taimak Guarriello from The Last Dragon, Fabian
Carrillo from “Double Tap” Don “THE DRAGON” Wilson Kick Boxing Champion
and Action Move Star, Grandmaster Robert Parham Five time World Kickboxing
Champion, Grandmaster Eric Lee, Grandmaster Benny Urquidez, members from
Sony Pictures looking for a new action movie star, Isaac Florentine action
films director and Grandmaster John Natividad, and the 7 time World Karate
Champion Grandmaster Eric “LIONMAN” O'Neal, Sr. The list could go on and
on…
The stars came out to honor the Masters Hall of Fame Inductees who have
given there life for the betterment of the Martial Arts Community. The
Masters Hall of Fame success is predicated on long held tradition in the
Martial Arts of respecting and honoring leadership in the Martial Arts.
The Masters Hall of Fame Leadership starts with the Special Council to the
Masters Hall of Fame, who were appointed based on their long lasting
service to the martial arts community. Their primary responsibilities of
the Special Council are to counsel Masters Hall of Fame Leadership and to
maintain the integrity of the Masters Hall of Fame. The members that hold
the position of Special Council to the Masters Hall of Fame are;
'Ôlohe Solomon Kaihewalu, Grandmaster Eric Lee, Sifu N. Neil Hardin, as
well as Shihan Alfred Urquidez, who holds the positions of Executive to
the Ambassadors' Council.
It also takes a group of hard working individuals to make the Masters Hall
of Fame operate like a well oiled machine. The Ambassadors are responsible
for the Hall of Fame Nominations were;
Shihan Dana Abbott, Shihan Brent Ambrose, Shihan Jeff Anderson, Sensei
Thomas R. Boganski, Shihan Anthony Calvino, Grandmaster Craig Carter,
Kancho Sam Combes, Sifu Steve Cooper, Professor Carlos de Léon, Master
Robert Deahl, Sifu N. Neil Hardin, Soke Alonzo Jones, Sigung Robert L.
Jones, Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu, Grandmaster Eric Lee, Grandmaster Eric
O'Neal, Grandmaster Robert Parham, Shihan Robert Posslenzny, Shihan Lou
Salseda, Hanshi Dan Sawyer, Sensei Dana Stamos, Grandmaster Mark Shuey,
Shihan Alfred Urquidez, Doshu Ed Wilkes, Shihan Gregg Wooldridge, Master
Anthony Zimkowski. All of the Ambassadors are senior members in the
Martial Arts, and have significant influence in the Martial Arts
Community.
I would be remiss not to mention the Dojo Brothers, and students who were
behind the scenes such as Shihan Paul Hayes, Sensei Wes Watkins, Sensei
Jeff Walker, Sensei Bob Smith, Sensei Paul Willett, Michelle Willett,
Angela Jackson, Sonja Riffle, Katharine and Photographer Jim Koch.
I wanted to extend my sincere thanks to each of you for your extraordinary
help at these years Masters Hall of Fame. I deeply appreciate your
professionalism, patience and tone you set for our Guest. You are a credit
to the Martial Arts Community!
Once again, my sincerely thank you for a job well done!
Sincerely,
Daniel Hect Hanshi
Martialforce:Thank you Dan Hect Hanshi
for this update.