Midwest Karate

History of Marr Sensei,
Midwest Karate & JKA in Canada

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MASTER NISHIYAMA, once referred to Marr Sensei as a pioneer for promoting and developing Traditional JKA Shotokan Karate in Canada. The development and success of present day Traditional JKA Shotokan, specifically in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, is due largely to the efforts of Marr Sensei.

In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Marr, a shodan in Judo, was training and teaching Judo at the Manitoba Judo Club; but received an injury (dislocated collar bone and separated shoulder) which made continuing Judo practice difficult. One of Marr Sensei’s first Judo instructors was Mr. Ron Fulton. Mr. Fulton had received training from a former British Commando unarmed combat instructor, and of course, passed this knowledge on to Mr. Marr. Marr’s early judo training used not only throwing and grappling techniques, but also incorporated striking, hitting and kicking techniques, similar to those used in Karate. These striking techniques intrigued Marr Sensei and decided to follow this direction. Karate was fairly new to Canada and Marr had to figure out how to get instruction in striking martial arts.

Nishiyama Sensei’s book, “Karate - the art of Empty Hand Fighting” was the only reference material available, so Marr bought a used copy from a Judo associate for $10.00. Using the book as a guide, he began to study and practice Karate. In May of 1963 Marr Sensei was approached by Judo-ka Mr. Roy Roberts; who had some limited knowledge of karate. Mr. Roberts asked Marr if he would like to study under him. Marr Sensei said yes, and spent the next four months - seven days per week, under Mr. Roberts’ instruction; who ironicly used Nishiyama Sensei’s book as reference.

Marr Sensei, had the rare privilege and honor to participate in private Kung-fu practice sessions in a basement of a local restaurant in Winnipeg’s Chinatown.

The fall of 1963, “The Star Weekly” (Canadian Publication), posted an article about the art of karate, in particular Shotokan Karate, with Ary Anastasiadis. It also said that Anastasiadis was with the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and provided contact information. Anastasiadis Sensei, from Montreal, was leaving for Japan, but said that he would try to visit Winnipeg on his return. He was able to make it and Marr Sensei got his introduction to JKA Shotokan Karate.

A year previous, December 19, 1962, Anastasiadis Sensei was given written permission by the Honbu Dojo (headquarters in Japan) to represent the JKA in Canada. Marr traveled many times to Montreal to train with Anastasiadis. Eventually, with the approval of the Judo directors at the Manitoba Judo Club, he began to officially teach JKA karate. A Wado-Ryu (style) black belt, Aki Yamaguchi, was temporarily working in Winnipeg trained with Mr. Marr. Wado-Ryu and Shotokan have some similarities that worked well for the both of them. Marr taught the classes, and in turn, would receive instruction from Yamaguchi-San in Wado-Ryu karate. When Mr. Yamaguchi left, he promoted Marr to 4th Kyu, purple belt.

Richard “Tug” Wilson, was a well known Judo-ka and Karate-ka (Chito-Ryu) in Manitoba and Canada, was also a long time friend. He informed Marr of a Karate  tournament to be held in Minneapolis; through the instructor there named Robert Fusaro. The style that Fusaro taught was JKA Shotokan. Marr contacted Fusaro Sensei, and travelled to Minneapolis to meet and enter the competition. Marr was given the opportunity to meet Nishiyama Sensei, and the  other Japanese instructors that were present: Okazaki Sensei, Mikami Sensei, and Yaguchi Sensei. At that time they were ranked 5th, 4th, 3rd Dans respectively.

November 1964, Marr Sensei boarded a train for Minneapolis. This was the beginning of his formal training in JKA karate under Master Fusaro, and the beginning of an over 50 year friendship. The first lesson was in Fusaro Sensei’s living room.  

Marr Sensei traveled to Minneapolis every 3-6 months when time permitted. Marr would use his vacation time from his employment with the City of Winnipeg to further his training. Upon returning to Winnipeg, Marr would teach the handful of students he had recruited. During this beginning period, Marr Sensei had been using the facilities at the Manitoba Judo Club where he taught both Judo and Karate. Marr then moved to the basement of the A.N.A.F. Hall at Young St. and Portage Ave. In 1964 he opened his own first dojo (part-time) in Manitoba. He named it “Midwest Karate Club”, after his Sensei’s (Fusaro) dojo in Minneapolis. This was the beginning of the Midwest Karate name in Canada.

Marr Sensei was trying to develop the JKA in the central part of Canada. Vancouver, B.C. had a JKA group under the direction of Yamashiro Sensei. Marr travelled to Vancouver a few times to try to form an alliance with Mr. Yamashiro, and connected with Mr. Anastasiadis to form a Canadian JKA organization. During this period, Marr was in close contact and direction  with Sensei’s Nishiyama and Okazaki.

November 1968 Master Masatoshi Nakayama, Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association, taught a seminar in Minneapolis. This year only Marr Sensei and Andy Quirt (good friend from the Twin Cities) were promoted to Shodan by Master Nakayama.

In 1969, Marr Sensei started teaching karate as a full time instructor. With the increasing popularity of martial arts in the early 70’s the main dojo (Winnipeg) soon boasted a membership of over 250 members. Marr Sensei was able to invite Okazaki Sensei and Yaguchi Sensei to Winnipeg, to conduct seminars to expose his students to the high technical standards of the JKA that these famous Masters were to able to demonstrate in their sessions. The first visiting instructors to Winnipeg included two of Fusaro Sensei’s students. Keith Smith and James Morgan visited to pass on their knowledge to the Winnipeg members.George Sasano, 3rd Dan, from Hawaii, also graciously accepted an invitation and extended his trip to Minneapolis to visit Winnipeg.  

At the 1971 U.S. National Championship in Denver, Colorado, a meeting for the formation of the JKA in Canada was called by Nishiyama Sensei and Okazaki Sensei. Mr. Marr and Mr. Reynald LeBeouf of Montreal were present, however, Mr. Yamashiro and Mr. Anastasiadis were unable to attend. Geographically Canada would be split – Marr would be in charge of Western Canada, from Manitoba to British Columbia; and Eastern Canada, from Ontario to Newfoundland would be operated by the Lebeouf ‘s organization in Quebec. This unified JKA in Canada had great success, it also went through many changes.

September 1974, JKA Chief Instructor Master Nakayama 8th Dan, and Tabata Sensei visited Winnipeg for a seminar. Marr Sensei received his Sandan from Master Nakayama.

In 1980 the JKA International of Canada was formed with Nishiyama Sensei taking on the role of technical adviser. It is recognized by the Federal Government Of Canada as a non-profit organization.

The early 80’S brought Katsumata Sensei to Montreal,  where he still resides. The JKA International of Canada then split the duties; Katsumata Sensei became Chief Instructor of the Eastern part of Canada, while Marr Sensei the cheif instructor of Western Canada. Katsumata Sensei eventually followed the path led by Master Asai and the JKS, Marr Senseis’ relationship with him has continued to foster. He participates in the Instructors Program for JKA Int’l of Canada, and conducts seminars in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan for JKA Canada member dojos.

Marr Sensei has received instruction from many different JKA Instructors, (no particular order): M. Nakayama; Miata; H. Nishiyama; T. Okazaki; Y. Yaguchi; T. Mikami; M. Mori; Kisaka; Takahashi; Isaka; Enoeda; Shirai; Kawazoe; Oishi; Tabata; T. Yamaguchi; Arai; Y. Katsumata. Though these great Japanese masters provided years of development, Marr Sensei, maintains that Fusaro Sensei is one of the most technically qualified and had the biggest impact on his training.

One of Marr’s long time friends, Sensei Chris Smaby of Iowa is an instructor with special knowledge and technical skills that offers a deep insight into traditional karate training level by utilizing nerve and pressure point techniques (Kyusho). Marr and Smaby were noted for their dynamic and unique self-defense demonstrations throughout the north central region of the U.S.

There have been thousands of students that have passed through the doors of Midwest Karate. Though to numerous to mention, he thanks all of them to making it all possible. Marr Sensei’s most senior student and long time friend, Don Mckenzie (7th Dan) instructs in the Winnipeg area. Son, Darren Marr (6th Dan) resides and instructs in the Twin Cities area. Son, Jarrett Marr (4th Dan) instructs and trains in Winnipeg. Donece Greg (4th) JKA Canada’s first female black belt and long time friend instructs in Winnipeg. Dick Staples (5th Dan) Saskatchewan and Dale Carlson (5th Dan) Alberta have been long time friends of Sensei and actively teach and run seminars.

The technical requirements for both kyu and dan ranks are a combination of the JKA-US and JKS examination grading syllabus.

The competition rules used are the Traditional (modified) and the original JKA rules.

With countless hours of development, Marr Sensei has truly become an artist. He has a passion for his art and finds an approach so that everyone can be motivated to  reach their potential and achieve their own success. “Every technique has many possibities with many different outcomes in many different scenarios, there are no What-ifs, if something changes-we change, we continue to change and evolve,” says Marr Sensei. "This approach is today’s modern karate!"

 

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Strategic Planning

 

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