Sensei David Schuller (2006)
Sensei David as he was known to his students was and eighth degree black-belt in Japanese/ Okinawan karate and held a black belt in judo and jujitsu. He was the founder of the Ronin-kan dojo. The door of his dojo was opened to any style. David’s personality was larger than life. He could make you laugh or slam you to the floor. Although David was never a formal part of the AOKK he was grafted into our organization after his death. I learned one thing from David’s passing and that is to honor your peers before it is too late. Sensei Schuller is deserving of our respect and honor. He was dedicated to his martial art. David retired and was teaching karate full-time before he passed, and I was able to ask him about retirement and teaching karate and he told me that he had never been happier. David’s life touched so many people that he will not soon be forgotten.
Sensei Charles (Chuck) Baehr (2011)
Sensei Baehr was an 8th dan in Isshin-ryu and Tang-soo-do. He also trained in traditional Chinese martial arts. His Isshin-ryu instructor was the legendary Jesse Gallegos of central Illinois. Sensei Baehr was my friend, mentor, teacher and sometimes conscience. He was the co-founder of the AOKK and influenced the way we perform our weapons kata. His understanding of Chinese weapons gave the traditional static Issin-ryu weapons form a more natural flow. Sensei Baehr taught me much about karate, but his greatest lesson was the way he approached all students with humility. He had time for each student regardless of their rank. He made time for the youngest and the oldest of students. He was the heart of the AOKK and will be missed greatly. Sensei Baehr was one of the kindest men I have ever met, and he will be missed.
Sensei Gary Marcum (2016)
Sensei Marcum was a sixth-dan in Kodakan jujitsu, and was added to the AOKK shortly before his death. He was a quiet and kind man that was always willing to teach his art. His understanding of jujitsu was enormous, and anyone that he placed in a lock could attest to that. I could have spent decades learning the nuances he understood that made a technique effective. Unfortunately, sensei Marcum was taken from us before passing on his wealth of knowledge. He was highly educated man that left behind a legacy that is his wonderful family. It was his family that gave him pride more so than his formidable martial arts knowledge. Gary was very humble and always had a smile on his face. He demonstrated grace and inner strength in less than desirable circumstances, and will remain an example to us all.
Sensei Terry Jones (2020)
It is with great sadness that I am reporting that Sensei Terry Jones passed away this week. I’ve known sensei Jones for a few decades, and he was one of the finest instructors and individuals it has been my pleasure to have known. Sensei Jones was a black belt in both karate (Isshin-ryu) and Judo (Kodokan). While living in Phoenix, he trained in karate with sensei Norman Beasley, and he earned his rank in Judo while serving in Japan . Every time we met, he would brighten my day and make laugh. He served his country as a proud Marine. Sensei Jones was a quiet, noble, and honorable man, and he is someone that I am proud to call my friend.