Kyoshi Sam Santilli
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Kyoshi Sam Santilli
Hachi Dan (8th Degree Black Belt)
Kyoshi Samuel G. Santilli began training in Isshinryu Karate-do
with two of his sons in June, 1968 under Sensei Doug Noxon,
Sandan, at the Academy of Martial Arts, 1379 Inkster Road,
Inkster, Michigan. Tragically, Sensei Noxon was killed in an
automobile accident on the evening of April 28, 1971. Master
Santilli continued training for a time under Sensei Noxon's
partner, Norbert B. Donnelly, Yondan.
In 1973, Sensei Santilli moved to the Plymouth Karate Health
Spa, operated by Mr. Bob White, then Shodan. Although he
only held the rank of Nikyu, he began his teaching career
under Mr. White's supervision due to the shortage of
Dan-grades at that time. Shortly thereafter, he began formal
instruction under Sensei Willie Adams, then Sandan; Sensei
Adams promoted him to Shodan in 1974.
Sensei Santilli believes that, from a historical perspective,
Karate was developed as a practical fighting art and means of
self-preservation. Conditions in 17th Century Okinawa, when
Karate was being developed, were much different than now,
but there are parallels between the two eras. In general, the
reasons we study Karate today are for self-defense, to "get
in shape" and to satisfy our egos. Spiritual growth is
probably the last reason to study Karate in the mind of
today's beginning Karate-ka. But, following the teachings of
Sensei Noxon, Sensei Santilli is convinced of the importance
of the metaphysical side of Isshinryu.
One of the most important concepts taught to Sensei Santilli
by Sensei Adams is that of returning to the Art that which has
been given to him, and he has tried for many years to pass this
principle on to his own students. His dojo is an extension of
his family; he treats his Dan-grade students like younger
brothers and sisters, his Kyu-ranks are like his own children.
His Isshinryu curriculum is not restricted to punching, kicking
and kata, it includes good citizenship, the importance of
education and also involvement in the community.
Hachi Dan (8th Degree Black Belt)
Kyoshi Samuel G. Santilli began training in Isshinryu Karate-do
with two of his sons in June, 1968 under Sensei Doug Noxon,
Sandan, at the Academy of Martial Arts, 1379 Inkster Road,
Inkster, Michigan. Tragically, Sensei Noxon was killed in an
automobile accident on the evening of April 28, 1971. Master
Santilli continued training for a time under Sensei Noxon's
partner, Norbert B. Donnelly, Yondan.
In 1973, Sensei Santilli moved to the Plymouth Karate Health
Spa, operated by Mr. Bob White, then Shodan. Although he
only held the rank of Nikyu, he began his teaching career
under Mr. White's supervision due to the shortage of
Dan-grades at that time. Shortly thereafter, he began formal
instruction under Sensei Willie Adams, then Sandan; Sensei
Adams promoted him to Shodan in 1974.
Sensei Santilli believes that, from a historical perspective,
Karate was developed as a practical fighting art and means of
self-preservation. Conditions in 17th Century Okinawa, when
Karate was being developed, were much different than now,
but there are parallels between the two eras. In general, the
reasons we study Karate today are for self-defense, to "get
in shape" and to satisfy our egos. Spiritual growth is
probably the last reason to study Karate in the mind of
today's beginning Karate-ka. But, following the teachings of
Sensei Noxon, Sensei Santilli is convinced of the importance
of the metaphysical side of Isshinryu.
One of the most important concepts taught to Sensei Santilli
by Sensei Adams is that of returning to the Art that which has
been given to him, and he has tried for many years to pass this
principle on to his own students. His dojo is an extension of
his family; he treats his Dan-grade students like younger
brothers and sisters, his Kyu-ranks are like his own children.
His Isshinryu curriculum is not restricted to punching, kicking
and kata, it includes good citizenship, the importance of
education and also involvement in the community.
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