TRIBUTES

Excerpts from Journey of a Jamaican Karateka, by Hanshi Newton James...

MAS OYAMA

Many do not realize that Mas Oyama was not Japanese, but was Korean.  He studied Kempo karate at age 9 in Korea, and then moved to Japan five years later, where he started studying Shotokan Karate with Gichin Funakoshi.  He trained with Funakoshi for two years, and then studied Goju-Ryu karate for several years with a senior student of the system's founder, Chojun Miyagi.  He studied boxing, Kodokan (judo), Chinese Tai Kyo Keng, Isshin Ryu/Wado-Ryu, and Shinken Shobu (Shogun matches he fought in), and Shorinji Kempo. 

In his lifetime, he fought 57 bulls, he fought bears, tigers, lions; and, no other person in history has done what this man has done.  He took his vast experience in all these styles, compiled what he felt to be the best of all of them, and produced one of the greatest and most respected styles of the martial arts:  Kyokushinkai.  He began this style, even before Bruce Lee began to mix the martial arts; and, he created the first full-contact knock-out tournament, which even today, is a marvel of martial arts history.  He fought, and displayed his strength and skill, all over the world.  Throughout his lifetime, he became an inspiration to karateka all over the world, and became an icon in the sports world.  His hard work, discipline, and insight into the world of martial arts has arguably made him the most influential martial arts instructor in history.  God bless his soul.  OSU!

 SHIHAN OLIVER

I first met Mr. William Oliver during my first trip to New York City, in 1973.  A team from Jamaica went for a Kyokushinkai tournament being held in White Plains.  This tournament was a Shihan Oyama tournament.  I saw the spectacle of Sensei Oliver and Sensei Claude Battle fighting for 1st and 2nd place in the grand championship.  I fell in love with Oliver's technique and kicking ability. 

Shihan Oliver was born in Alabama, and grew up on Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue. He and I both knew what it meant to grow up poor, and without the teaching and support from a mother and father.  We both had understanding for each other, because of this similar background.  Oliver excelled in High School in wrestling, gymnastics and in boxing; and, later, joined Nakamura’s dojo, at Brooklyn Academy of Music, beginning his karate journey in 1968. 

Shihan William Oliver would dazzle your eyes with his legs:  he was very gifted.  God gave him a great heart, great flexibility, and amazing strength.  I learned so much from this man:  when he was in Jamaica, I taught him how to speak Jamaican, and thus called him Jamarican.  Anyone who would see him or heard him talk would think he was Jamaican.  This man had a great heart and not a bad bone in his body:  he loved life, he loved people, especially kids, and we always had a great time when he came to Jamaica.  One day, he asked me when I was coming to live in the states so we could train together.  I said, "Soon"!  I want to learn from you and become better!”  I then moved to New York City in 1977-1978, and from that time, we continued the great friendship which we had left in Jamaica, and began training for tournaments.  Many of the other people who talk about training with him and going to tournaments, do not know that this was after Oliver and I formed the team to travel to tournaments and compete. I travelled all over the world with Shihan Oliver, and competed. 

In 1982, Shihan Oliver participated in New York’s S. Henry Cho’s All-American Karate Open at Madison Square Garden, where he joined Chuck Norris as the only other All-American Open Champion to successfully defend the title.  He also participated in the Joy Santa Maria Champion of Self Defense Tournament on Long Island.  Shihan Oliver and I emerged victorious after 40 competitors, as self-defense champions for the year.

 Prior to this tournament, Oliver competed in several amateur tournaments from 1978, where he never failed to win or place in his events—kata or kumite.  This special event drew 100’s of competitors from all over the world, and I remember he coached me through this tournament, to win 1^st place the middle weight division. Newspapers reported his unbelievable speed with multiple leg techniques, and a strong punch, which was surprising coming from man of such small physical stature.  Most notably, they reported his belief in rigorous self-discipline in training, and his courteousness, respectfulness and humble personality.  He was loved all over the world and a lot of friends from all over the world still ask me about him. 

He was a great man, and I miss him. Many others miss him as much as I do.  He introduced me to Cynthia Rothrock, Chuck Norris, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, Master June Reid, Nasty Anderson, Flex Wheeler (who is now Mr. Olympia), Ernie Raes Jr., Ernie Raes Sr., Benny the Jet and many other martial artists.  These are people whom he looked up to and whom he said made him stronger and pushed him to move on to be greater.  We taught people from all walks of life.  I learned so much from this powerful little man:  we were like brothers, with him being the best man at my wedding. 

I later moved to Miami:  Oliver's heart was broken when I moved; but I had to move on to a better life.  I felt sad leaving my best friend, but we always kept in touch with each other.  The last time I saw Oliver was only a month before he passed away.  When I heard of his death, I grieved and I cried.  My closest friend, my brother, and my mentor, had passed away.  I went back to a voicemail he had left on my phone prior to his death, and it broke my heart.  Oliver said:  “Hey, brother.  Where are you?  I miss you.  All my friends have abandoned me when I need them.  I need you...Call me.”   I know God has His reasons why he took Oliver, but even writing this, tears come to my eyes, because I still miss him.  A lot of people reading this will not understand this, because they don't understand the amazing close friendship we shared, and because they don't know him like I do.  Oliver opened my eyes and my life to many things.  In my eyes this man is great.  He was a great martial artist, and everyone knows him to be a great man.  God Bless his Soul!!  OSU!!!