MASTERS HALL OF FAME 2009

                     

 

 

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.