I'll probably post this several times so forgive my redundancy. My sensei "Lou Angel" recently passed away. He has considerable notoriety in bring Japanese GoJu Ryu to the Middle US. Starting primarily in Oklahoma, Missouri & Arkansas and branching out from there. I studied under him in the mid 1970's to early 1980's. He study under Peter Urban who also got him an introduction to Gogan Yamaguchi where Sensei Angel traveled, trained & promoted to 3rd Dan in the very late 50's or very early 60's. Its pretty easy to find basic info on him but nothing beyond whats been published on the net over the past 15 years or so. It would an honor if you could look into his tremendous influence in promoting the art over his life time & perhaps mention your findings. His reputation is of great significance in Middle America in how far he advanced not just GoJu Ryu but the martial arts in general. He truly was a great man. Peace.
I studied under Sensei’s James Thornton, Victor Rodrigues and Keith Sharper of Iron Cobra in Camden, NJ starting in 1990! I attained my Brown belt in December 2001 but due to my job had to switch to Taiji years later I believe in 2005! I remember in Iron Cobra, for our yellow belt, you had to perform 10 stances, 10 blocks, 9 Kicks 16 strikes, 10 self defense moves, I believe 6 katas, break 1 board and sparring with the Black belts that were judges usually 4 or more 2 minute rounds! That was an all day event! I also trained with Iron Wolverines for a short time around 1995 ! I was 32 yrs old in 1990! I turn 70 February 2022 and I’m still training in Martial Arts ( Taijiquan) It is a life style that you never stop improving! ☮️☯️
I’ve studied USA Goju Karate since about 1995, at Iona College in New Rochelle NY. The Karate Club there dates to 1967, when it was lead by Sensei Alberto Gotay, a student of GM Urban. Shihan Gotay is now a 10th Dan, head of World Goju. I earned my 4th Dan in May 2012. I like your research and knowledge of the history of Goju Ryu.
i studied American Goju Ryu under Sensei Williams and Sensei Booth in Subic Bay. 1985-1988. Both incredibly skilled and focused practitioners. Thank you. J Lindley
Excellent story about GM Urban Between what you said and what I know about him It’s sound pretty accurate 👍 I started Goju Ryu in 1974-75 From a student of Gosei in San Francisco I attained brown belt after 3 years. In 1978 I joined Nisei Goju under GM Frank Ruiz student of GM Urban. In 1987-88 GM Urban came to my hometown of Miami Florida to rehab in Veterans Hospital and we became friends Until he moved back to north in 1989 I continue in Nisei Goju until today I enjoyed your story
I studied under O’Sensei Peter Urban founder of USA Goju Karate at 232 Canal Street Chinatown Manhattan, later moves his dojo to Wooster St., and 1 Crosby St. Sensei wouldn’t promete me to black belt till I was 17 years old. Block soft, think big, and hit hard. O’Sensei Frank Ruiz founder of Nisei Goju, the kata in this video performed by O’Sensei Owen Watson of Nisei Goju.
That is true...he later changed it to 18 years old. If you don't mind, what is your name? My second USA Goju teachers were Sensei William Liquori and then Sensei Ed Verycken.
Peter Urban trained my master, Joseph Kelljchian. He passed away in 2017. He taught out of Cooper City in Florida (hall 2525). He was by far, one of the greatest men I have ever known to this day. I trained with him and one of his sons who holds a 7th degree black-belt. I can't show enough appreciation towards both of these men for what they have given to myself and so many others. One of his greatest lessons he taught me was, "It's only when your karate is perfect, that you will never have to use it."
My sensei Alexis Morales 9th Dan was taught by Peter Urban also, he is still alive and teaching us at the age of I think 70 (not sure) He’s still fast as can be and is very sharp mentally for his age too
One of Urban's students, Joe Lopez, ended up splitting from Peter and started training under Gosei Yamaguchi. He eventually opened the New York Goju Kai, with its largest facility on Park Row in downtown New York. Lopez had an excellent and very strong, traditional dojo with many blackbelts training with him for a long time.
Greatly informative and accurate account on the History of USA Goju and Peter Urban as the Grand Master he was. A very philosophical and technical Teacher, whom I personally met and encountered entering in conversation as a White Belt in 1974, and I can say from personal knowledge that his primary intent, right to his passing, the proliferation of Goju Principles and its use for efficient Selfdefense. I started studying in College, 1974, under Greg Perry, Shihan who studied under an early very prominent Urban disciple. Greg Perry, Shihan then introduced me to Fred Miller, Shihan who taught me Japanese Goju- Gojukai and introduced-me /taught me to TOGUCHI Shoreikan and to Love and share with All other Martial Arts and Martial Artists regardless of particular Style.
I don't comment much but I just wanted to say I really appreciate these videos. There's so much disinformation in the Marital Arts community for most styles so it's awesome to see someone doing such a focus look back on a particular style. Do you think you could do a video over-viewing the various organisations, their history and their lineages? Jundokan, IOGKF, Goju Kai etc.
I'm glad you've been enjoying the videos! The first video in the History of Goju-Ryu series is an overview of the major organizations that teach Goju currently.
Thank you that was very well done , it bought back some great memories . I had the Honor of studying with Peter Urban from 1970 to 1978 in the China Town Dojo . I also had the Honor of meeting Richard Kim when he came to visit and trained us for a week. I switched to Shorinji Kempo in 1985 to 2009 in NYC City Dojo (Ken Zen Institute ) I am 62 years old now and still train and studies on my own.
I have never done USA Goju, but my teachers teacher trained under Peter Urban. Urban seems to be very eccentric, but his karate is very very solid. Yes he added some kata but many of the traditional Goju kata are all the same. Karate is a deeply personal and spiritual thing for many people. Many of the criticisms I am reading here are irrelevant.
You should make a history video on the Late Hanshi Aaron Banks founder of the New York Karate Academy and promoted of the World of Martial arts yearly show at the Madison Square Garden and if i dnt mistake brought Hanshi Gogen Yamagishi to New York in the 60s...
I trained under Samuel Box who trained with Urban. Samuel Box's dad David Box trained with urban for a long time and evently accepted his mantle. Urban was a genius and an innovator.
I don’t think his 5th degree was all that controversial. My Sensei was an officer in the military stationed in Okinawa. It’s common to get your Shodan in a year if you train everyday and are good. The idea of making someone sit even when they are ready is an American Mcdojo mindset. Blackbelt in Okinawa and in Korea means now you know the basics and can began to learn. Great video 🙏
I came to 1crosby st Chinatown dojo New York City on April 1st 1970,54 years ago im a Hachidan in USA GoJu,since GM pass before he could give me this Rank GM Lou Angel gave me that rank along with my Goju brother Jose Finn in 2017.Oss
I was a student at the Jerome Mackey school in Yonkers, NY, and taught by an instructor in Urban's American Goju. The school was crooked and the teacher left, and I followed for a short time to his school in Mt. Vernon, NY. It was my introduction to the martial arts.
At 7:21, this video shows my O'bosan doing Kuru unfa. The hardest man I ever met. He passed on this kata in his style, Sung Lung Miu. The last of the East Coast Sung Lung Miu dai sempais passed away not too long ago, Grand master Hanshi Wilfredo Roldan. Soke' Peter Urban, O'bosan Owen Wat-son, Hanshi Roldan rest in peace.
Good video! My first Sensei, Ric Pascetta, trained directly under Peter Urban. I'm currently training under Abraham Smalls (one of Pascetta's best black belts) after being away for about 20 years. I'm finally testing for black belt in a few months. I never met Urban but would have liked to have. He came into our Blackwood, NJ dojo one night back in the 90's but unfortunately it was a night when I wasn't there.
@@rbeaver1525 I remember Amy but don't think I know Mike but have heard of him. I trained there from late '91 until '96 I think (school moved to turnersville). Made it to 2nd kyu brown belt. Went back in '02 for several months & school closed shortly after. did a little training with Ric at his home before he got real sick. For last 2 I've been training at Derrick Davis' school under Abraham Smalls who was one of Ric's best black belts. I'm FINALLY testing for black belt this November.
The best champions in the world were taught / trained by PETER URBAN .....namely Joseph Lopez, Thomas Body, Ulysses Edwards, Albert Gotay, Carl Fraracci......so many more
Peter Urban was a man of profound magnitude. He did something for me no man was willing to do. Set me free. He told me to be my own man and not look for a Sensei to save me from myself. He also told me to put my name on everything I do and not share any of my money or glory with anyone else. Here was a person who could have gotten any price out of me he wanted yet he charged me nothing and for free gave me something money couldn't buy. Don't get me wrong I appreciate the Sensei's and mentors that spent countless hours teaching me. I appreciate the mentors God has sent my way.
Urban was an interesting, urban character. Whether his 10th dan was "legitimate" kinda doesn't matter. At his peak I'd bet he'd be quite a dangerous fighter.
Hello, I want to thank so much objective and historical information regarding the gojuryu, practice Karatedo Gojuryu Taishukai in Mexico under the tutelage of Sensei Sixto Laguna and Sensei Isao Nakamura, I send you an affectionate greeting from Mexico City
Sadly, James cama passed away in 2014. A great practitioner and person. Our karate school in Brooklyn rented space to him for several years. At that time he taught Buddha Hand Wing Chun. He wrote a single book, covering the Buddha Hand Wing Chun system, which was published on August 14, 2014 - which was the day he passed away. Rest in Peace, Sensei Cama.
Peter Urban was only in the Navy from 21 July 1953 to 19 July 1957 and he was stationed in Yokosuka (not Yokohama) but not until late December 1954. His whole first year-and-a-half of naval service he was stationed in the U.S. You really should be consulting his service record not Wikipedia or other sources that failed to research the facts.
Not only that, but his doctoral degree was obtained from a now-defunct "diploma mill" that had no national accreditation, no campus, and three employees (including the owner).
My master was a 2 dan in kyokushin given by Mas Oyama daughter but in my country Argentina in the 80 there were no much place to contact karate so he contacted with the head of goju ryu and he was awarded a 4 dan and me a 2 dan. I was surprised but he told me "it's all politics".
As a practicing USA GOJU student and a student of GrandMaster Urban’s direct student MasterMcConnell please post more videos ofUSA GOJU kata, thank you
...interesting. Urban was quite an eccentric character, as was his teacher Gogen Yamaguchi (whom I met first in Seattle and then Tokyo) and another eccentric who started his own karate lineage drawing heavily on gojuryu, Masutatsu Oyama. So as a high-level eccentric, as these other Goju-inspired masters, it's probably fitting that Ishvara inspired him to be the vector of goju to the US.
Chinese Goju is just typical American version of Goju Ryu, and I wouldn't claim to be the strongest on social media if I were you, if I were to do Goju Ryu, it would be the traditional Okinawan version that does conditioning, not the fake usa Goju Ryu!
@@dakentaijutsu2010 so do I and there’s condition in that alone. Kyokushin and Chinese Goju have a relationship due to Peter Urban and Mas Oyama having a relationship
Maestro simply means teacher in Spanish. The east coast has a rich and large hispanic culture so it probably came from the people of the New York/ New Jersey area.
Kind of dumb and ignorant for Yamaguchi to say that when in reality, Goju-Ryu isn't even Japanese and was taught to him by an Okinawan and not even entirely. The Okinawan's held a lot of things when teaching the Japanese Karate.
I read somewhere and I can't remember if it was an article or on a forum. But they said the Okinawan's teached the Japanese the system but not all of the secrets. Also that the Japanese would fill those gaps with their own stuff hence why Japanese Karate is like Kendo they like to attack from long distances. I also read that Japanese masters would go to Okinawa to learn more to take back to Japan...
The legitimacy aspect of gradings is problematic on a number of levels in some quarters. I know of a Karateka who I trained with and he was graded, legitimately, to 7th Dan by a respected 9th Dan, the physical grading was based on the performance of a kata. The 7th Dan would facilitate 4 + hour gradings for his students and would fast track students who were looking at opening up a dojo (all grading fees to the 7th Dan). All Recognised by the official government bodies. When international travel is allowed I intend to visit Okinawa and hopefully train in a Uechiryu dojo, I will be and will remain a ‘forever’ white belt!
Yamaguchi ONLY trained with Miyagi Chojun for 6 moths, yet he is a 10th Dan in Goju, so he, nor ANYONE can, nor should question Master Urban' rank! Having personally trained with Master Urban, I cantell you that not only was he a great fighter, but also an excellent kata practioner! His knowledge of bunkai was unmatched.
Exactly Goju-Ryu isn't even Japanese it's Okinawan so Yamaguchi's point of view of things was dumb imo. He tried to implement Bushido into karate which doesn't make sense since the Okinawans created Karate to defend themselves from the invading Japanese and other foreign enemies. Don't get me wrong I love Japan and I love Japanese martial arts it is my passion but once I got a taste of Okinawan Karate I said to my self I cannot train Karate unless it's Okinawan. It's that damn good and different. Japanese Karate is too militaristic, Which that is fine for their own created arts such as Kendo, Judo etc. But I feel much more at home with the original Okinawan Karate it's much more friendly and laid back and more practical and less sport oriented. I've trained in USA Urban Goju, Japanese Shorin-Ryu, Japanese Goju , and then lastly I practiced Okinawan. What I like about Urban was his philosophy and some of his own created techniques the iron wall is a good one.
Urban destroy Goju Ryu...He was good until he decide to promote himself to 10th Dan and create screw up Katas. For not been patience and wait his time to be a Goju Kai representative because Gogen Yamagushi in my believe was testing his patience. He could be the founder of his U.S.A Goju as an Organization and keep the traditional Katas. Now on this days some USA Goju Dojos are bringing them back. Oss
Bull feathers. Sensei Urban wrote a book that did more to promote Goju in the USA then anything anybody else did. He had the first Goju school in the country. There is more to the story then the video tell's that I won't go into. In the end Sensei Urban and Yamaguchi were friends. Yamaguchi might not have recognized Urban's rank on paper, but they were friends and I don't think he had a problem with it. Just considered it different from what he was doing. I have a picture of the two of them together that at least proves my point to me.
@@drakeshihan5489 He was brilliant he wrote a few good books, but with lack of self respect. Because When he promotes a person to 10th dan of other system in a burger place just because he bought him a burger ,fries and soda and open his briefcase and hand the guy the certificate, what do you call that....
Awarded 5th dan after 5 years of training. Breaks from his teacher after not being advanced to 6th dan almost immediately, creates his own organisation, invents kata. I'd say this is pretty close to McDojo territory.
@@howardgelber6802With pleasure, Shihan! Hanshi Keith Teller Hanshi Teller began training in USA Goju karate in the early 70's. His training began at The Zen Goju Temple in Brooklyn NY. In 1978 Hanshi left NY to continue his college education at the University of west Florida ,where received both his BS and MS in Sport Science. In 1982 he was introduced to the art of Kali. Hanshi opened the Gainesville Dojo in 1985 offering USA Goju to Gainesville.
Batchi! Yamaguchi, himself was never authorized to teach Goju by Miyagi Sensei. So Yamaguchi started the BS followed by Urban, and again by Ron Van C. Lol
Some more inside information has it that Peter left Goju Kai when they wouldn't promote him BEYOND his skill level, as well as above the highest ranking teachers in the United States. I think Peter wanted a 5th Dan and was rightfully denied. You don't demand promotion. After that he went to Oyama.
There are a few points that I like to comment.. 2:27 "5'th dan back belt" Be aware that some say it was Shodan, not Godan. I have not seen the documents myself. But your research about why 5'th is plausable is not unlikely. What we know is that Gogen was more restrective later on. 3:31 "Nirvana". Pure BS. That quote is from the same book that says that Gogen fought a Tiger, something that Gogen (or his family) never claimed. This episode is supposed to happen in 1963-64, and there are several problems with this story. 1) The Gosen/Goshi and finally Gosei theory as you mention. IE there where already a Goju school in US, and it was not Urban that should lead it. 2) Gogen had other white students that started schools abroad prior, and after, Urban with Gogens blessing, like Merv Oakley in 1953.
And the mythical propaganda continues…. Sad! This is how Garden Fertilizer becomes “fact.” Richard Kim could not award a Goju Rank specifically. Even from within the Butokukai.
Yamaguchi had many other great western students, such as Paul Starling, who is still close to the Yamaguchi family to this very day...if Peter urban wasn't such a shady character, I'm sure yamaguchi wouldn't have told him to hit the road.
He didn't tell him to hit the road. Truth be told, Yamaguchi wanted to promote his son who was younger and had not studied as long as Peter over him. Yamaguchi told Peter no westerner could ever head a Karate association because of a Shinto belief (that we would consider racist) he held dear to. He quoted it to Peter. At that Peter sent another quote that Japan would never lose a war. Yamagchi's son told Peter that his dad was really hurt by that statement. Peter felt bad and wrote a letter to Yamaguchi stating that. He told Yamaguchi he would cut off his own finger and send it to him to show him how sorry he was. Yamaguchi excepted the apology. They remained friends until Yamaguchi's death. I have a picture of the two of them together in my files.
I'll probably post this several times so forgive my redundancy. My sensei "Lou Angel" recently passed away. He has considerable notoriety in bring Japanese GoJu Ryu to the Middle US. Starting primarily in Oklahoma, Missouri & Arkansas and branching out from there.
I studied under him in the mid 1970's to early 1980's.
He study under Peter Urban who also got him an introduction to Gogan Yamaguchi where Sensei Angel traveled, trained & promoted to 3rd Dan in the very late 50's or very early 60's. Its pretty easy to find basic info on him but nothing beyond whats been published on the net over the past 15 years or so. It would an honor if you could look into his tremendous influence in promoting the art over his life time & perhaps mention your findings. His reputation is of great significance in Middle America in how far he advanced not just GoJu Ryu but the martial arts in general. He truly was a great man.
Peace.
I'm so glad younger martial artists are doing this kind of research and work. Great!
I studied under Sensei’s James Thornton, Victor Rodrigues and Keith Sharper of Iron Cobra in Camden, NJ starting in 1990! I attained my Brown belt in December 2001 but due to my job had to switch to Taiji years later I believe in 2005! I remember in Iron Cobra, for our yellow belt, you had to perform 10 stances, 10 blocks, 9
Kicks 16 strikes, 10 self defense moves, I believe 6 katas, break 1 board and sparring with the Black belts that were judges usually 4 or more 2 minute rounds! That was an all day event! I also trained with Iron Wolverines for a short time around 1995 ! I was 32 yrs old in 1990! I turn 70 February 2022 and I’m still training in Martial Arts ( Taijiquan)
It is a life style that you never stop improving! ☮️☯️
Maestro Urban was innovative in American karate I am grateful to be affiliated to his style of Goju 🙇🏿♀️
I too am a student of his style!
I’ve studied USA Goju Karate since about 1995, at Iona College in New Rochelle NY. The Karate Club there dates to 1967, when it was lead by Sensei Alberto Gotay, a student of GM Urban. Shihan Gotay is now a 10th Dan, head of World Goju. I earned my 4th Dan in May 2012. I like your research and knowledge of the history of Goju Ryu.
i studied American Goju Ryu under Sensei Williams and Sensei Booth in Subic Bay. 1985-1988. Both incredibly skilled and focused practitioners. Thank you. J Lindley
Excellent story about GM Urban
Between what you said and what I know about him
It’s sound pretty accurate 👍
I started Goju Ryu in 1974-75
From a student of Gosei in San Francisco
I attained brown belt after 3 years.
In 1978 I joined Nisei Goju under GM Frank Ruiz student of GM Urban.
In 1987-88 GM Urban came to my hometown of Miami Florida to rehab in Veterans Hospital and we became friends
Until he moved back to north in 1989
I continue in Nisei Goju until today
I enjoyed your story
Maybe you want to cover nisei GoJu With grand master Frank Ruiz Who created many champions
I studied under O’Sensei Peter Urban founder of USA Goju Karate at 232 Canal Street Chinatown Manhattan, later moves his dojo to Wooster St., and 1 Crosby St. Sensei wouldn’t promete me to black belt till I was 17 years old. Block soft, think big, and hit hard. O’Sensei Frank Ruiz founder of Nisei Goju, the kata in this video performed by O’Sensei Owen Watson of Nisei Goju.
That is true...he later changed it to 18 years old. If you don't mind, what is your name? My second USA Goju teachers were Sensei William Liquori and then Sensei Ed Verycken.
That is a lot of O senseis
@@howardgelber6802 William Lou. Hani Sakas etc…
my sensei Alexis Morales was taught by him too
Do you remember a Tony Pabon "Tony Karate " he had studied under Peter Urban in the early to late 60's. I'm his Son Tony Pabon lll
Peter Urban trained my master, Joseph Kelljchian. He passed away in 2017. He taught out of Cooper City in Florida (hall 2525). He was by far, one of the greatest men I have ever known to this day. I trained with him and one of his sons who holds a 7th degree black-belt. I can't show enough appreciation towards both of these men for what they have given to myself and so many others.
One of his greatest lessons he taught me was, "It's only when your karate is perfect, that you will never have to use it."
I also trained in a sister dojo to Cooper City, my father had trained under Master Kelljchian. Oos✊
My sensei Alexis Morales 9th Dan was taught by Peter Urban also, he is still alive and teaching us at the age of I think 70 (not sure) He’s still fast as can be and is very sharp mentally for his age too
I studied goju in Harlem under sensei MAGEE and GM LEON WALLACE Who studoed under Peter Urban.
One of Urban's students, Joe Lopez, ended up splitting from Peter and started training under Gosei Yamaguchi. He eventually opened the New York Goju Kai, with its largest facility on Park Row in downtown New York. Lopez had an excellent and very strong, traditional dojo with many blackbelts training with him for a long time.
Greatly informative and accurate account on the History of USA Goju and Peter Urban as the Grand Master he was. A very philosophical and technical Teacher, whom I personally met and encountered entering in conversation as a White Belt in 1974, and I can say from personal knowledge that his primary intent, right to his passing, the proliferation of Goju Principles and its use for efficient Selfdefense. I started studying in College, 1974, under Greg Perry, Shihan who studied under an early very prominent Urban disciple. Greg Perry, Shihan then introduced me to Fred Miller, Shihan who taught me Japanese Goju- Gojukai and introduced-me /taught me to TOGUCHI Shoreikan and to Love and share with All other Martial Arts and Martial Artists regardless of particular Style.
I don't comment much but I just wanted to say I really appreciate these videos. There's so much disinformation in the Marital Arts community for most styles so it's awesome to see someone doing such a focus look back on a particular style.
Do you think you could do a video over-viewing the various organisations, their history and their lineages? Jundokan, IOGKF, Goju Kai etc.
I'm glad you've been enjoying the videos! The first video in the History of Goju-Ryu series is an overview of the major organizations that teach Goju currently.
Thank you so so so much! I’ve waited years to hear a video on Peter
urban
His students more than certify his rank👍 I trained under Thomas Bennet a black belt of his and the training was realistic and awesome!
Thank you that was very well done , it bought back some great memories . I had the Honor of studying with Peter Urban from 1970 to 1978 in the China Town Dojo . I also had the Honor of meeting Richard Kim when he came to visit and trained us for a week. I switched to Shorinji Kempo in 1985 to 2009 in NYC City Dojo (Ken Zen Institute ) I am 62 years old now and still train and studies on my own.
Great video!
Black belt under Ismail “Smiley” Dale who is under Master James “Thor” Thornton.
Love this channel, Have you dona a video on Master Ron Van Clief.
Very interesting, I never met Peter Urban but I have heared of Peter Urban. I heared good things and bad things let's just leave it at that. . .
I have never done USA Goju, but my teachers teacher trained under Peter Urban. Urban seems to be very eccentric, but his karate is very very solid. Yes he added some kata but many of the traditional Goju kata are all the same. Karate is a deeply personal and spiritual thing for many people. Many of the criticisms I am reading here are irrelevant.
Interesting stuff! do you happen to know anything more about Richard Kim's training in Goju Ryu?
You should make a history video on the Late Hanshi Aaron Banks founder of the New York Karate Academy and promoted of the World of Martial arts yearly show at the Madison Square Garden and if i dnt mistake brought Hanshi Gogen Yamagishi to New York in the 60s...
I trained under Samuel Box who trained with Urban. Samuel Box's dad David Box trained with urban for a long time and evently accepted his mantle. Urban was a genius and an innovator.
I don’t think his 5th degree was all that controversial. My Sensei was an officer in the military stationed in Okinawa. It’s common to get your Shodan in a year if you train everyday and are good. The idea of making someone sit even when they are ready is an American Mcdojo mindset. Blackbelt in Okinawa and in Korea means now you know the basics and can began to learn. Great video 🙏
My sensei, Pete Richie, trained under Gary Klaus (he's got a few books) who also trained under Peter urban
I came to 1crosby st Chinatown dojo New York City on April 1st 1970,54 years ago im a Hachidan in USA GoJu,since GM pass before he could give me this Rank GM Lou Angel gave me that rank along with my Goju brother Jose Finn in 2017.Oss
I was a student at the Jerome Mackey school in Yonkers, NY, and taught by an instructor in Urban's American Goju. The school was crooked and the teacher left, and I followed for a short time to his school in Mt. Vernon, NY. It was my introduction to the martial arts.
At 7:21, this video shows my O'bosan doing Kuru unfa. The hardest man I ever met. He passed on this kata in his style, Sung Lung Miu.
The last of the East Coast Sung Lung Miu dai sempais passed away not too long ago, Grand master Hanshi Wilfredo Roldan. Soke' Peter Urban, O'bosan Owen Wat-son, Hanshi Roldan rest in peace.
In Japanese “ Obossn” is Grandma or older woman 😂😂😂😂
Good video! My first Sensei, Ric Pascetta, trained directly under Peter Urban. I'm currently training under Abraham Smalls (one of Pascetta's best black belts) after being away for about 20 years. I'm finally testing for black belt in a few months. I never met Urban but would have liked to have. He came into our Blackwood, NJ dojo one night back in the 90's but unfortunately it was a night when I wasn't there.
do you mike Mcfarland and amy lee they trained with pascetta in blackwood
@@rbeaver1525 I remember Amy but don't think I know Mike but have heard of him. I trained there from late '91 until '96 I think (school moved to turnersville). Made it to 2nd kyu brown belt. Went back in '02 for several months & school closed shortly after. did a little training with Ric at his home before he got real sick. For last 2 I've been training at Derrick Davis' school under Abraham Smalls who was one of Ric's best black belts. I'm FINALLY testing for black belt this November.
@@JoseGonzalez-gg6rs Don't think I ever met him. When did he train with Ric?
The best champions in the world were taught / trained by PETER URBAN .....namely Joseph Lopez, Thomas Body, Ulysses Edwards, Albert Gotay, Carl Fraracci......so many more
Peter Urban was a man of profound magnitude. He did something for me no man was willing to do. Set me free. He told me to be my own man and not look for a Sensei to save me from myself. He also told me to put my name on everything I do and not share any of my money or glory with anyone else. Here was a person who could have gotten any price out of me he wanted yet he charged me nothing and for free gave me something money couldn't buy. Don't get me wrong I appreciate the Sensei's and mentors that spent countless hours teaching me. I appreciate the mentors God has sent my way.
More like he brainwashed you into false beliefs!
Great channel i will recommend to all my students and colleagues!
They love him in New York 👊
Urban was an interesting, urban character. Whether his 10th dan was "legitimate" kinda doesn't matter. At his peak I'd bet he'd be quite a dangerous fighter.
Hello, I want to thank so much objective and historical information regarding the gojuryu, practice Karatedo Gojuryu Taishukai in Mexico under the tutelage of Sensei Sixto Laguna and Sensei Isao Nakamura, I send you an affectionate greeting from Mexico City
Do you know if Chuck Merriman trained with Peter Urban?
It looks as if he did train with Peter Urban, as well as several other Senseis.
Chuck Merriman did train with Urban Senseï.
yes he did. One of the best kata guy's ever.
Anyone know the whereabouts of James Kama from Bensonhurst who trained under Peter Urban?
Sadly, James cama passed away in 2014. A great practitioner and person. Our karate school in Brooklyn rented space to him for several years. At that time he taught Buddha Hand Wing Chun. He wrote a single book, covering the Buddha Hand Wing Chun system, which was published on August 14, 2014 - which was the day he passed away. Rest in Peace, Sensei Cama.
@@senseiruss He was very much a gentleman. I met him in Okinawa in 1990.
I knew Sensei and was taught life lessons by him.
Just wondering if you know of any okinawan Goju Ryu schools in Orange or Rockland County NY? Thank you in advance your response.
I love this channel, Thank you for the clarification this explains A LOT.
Your getting better all the time. Keep it up!
Peter Urban was only in the Navy from 21 July 1953 to 19 July 1957 and he was stationed in Yokosuka (not Yokohama) but not until late December 1954. His whole first year-and-a-half of naval service he was stationed in the U.S. You really should be consulting his service record not Wikipedia or other sources that failed to research the facts.
Not only that, but his doctoral degree was obtained from a now-defunct "diploma mill" that had no national accreditation, no campus, and three employees (including the owner).
you should study my sensei Great Grandmaster Hyman
Very informative thank you!
You should do one on Aaron Banks. Good job.
@JF really ? Not at all. He got his black belt from John Kull.
My master was a 2 dan in kyokushin given by Mas Oyama daughter but in my country Argentina in the 80 there were no much place to contact karate so he contacted with the head of goju ryu and he was awarded a 4 dan and me a 2 dan. I was surprised but he told me "it's all politics".
As a practicing USA GOJU student and a student of GrandMaster Urban’s direct student MasterMcConnell please post more videos ofUSA GOJU kata, thank you
How about not, USA Goju is a watered down version of Okinawan Goju Ryu, lacks real training, and conditioning!
@@dakentaijutsu2010 funny you should say something like that about a Grand Master
@@thomaswhite2802 why is that funny?
YAMAGUCHI was Mas Oyama’s teacher despite what other Koreans claim.
I dont koreans are denying this. Is mas oyama claimed he had a different teacher.
This is about 90% accurate which is pretty good :)
...interesting. Urban was quite an eccentric character, as was his teacher Gogen Yamaguchi (whom I met first in Seattle and then Tokyo) and another eccentric who started his own karate lineage drawing heavily on gojuryu, Masutatsu Oyama. So as a high-level eccentric, as these other Goju-inspired masters, it's probably fitting that Ishvara inspired him to be the vector of goju to the US.
I am Chinese Goju, Van Clief lineage. Very proud to be amongst the strongest in American Karate! Chi’en!!
Chinese Goju is just typical American version of Goju Ryu, and I wouldn't claim to be the strongest on social media if I were you, if I were to do Goju Ryu, it would be the traditional Okinawan version that does conditioning, not the fake usa Goju Ryu!
@@dakentaijutsu2010just incorporate it into your regular training.
@@adamgrofik5470 I do Kyokushin, that's enough for me!
@@dakentaijutsu2010 so do I and there’s condition in that alone. Kyokushin and Chinese Goju have a relationship due to Peter Urban and Mas Oyama having a relationship
Maestro? How did that come title come about?? I'd heard it mentioned several times in interviews and articles.
Maestro simply means teacher in Spanish. The east coast has a rich and large hispanic culture so it probably came from the people of the New York/ New Jersey area.
Can you report on undefeated 10 Dan Frank Ruiz?
Good job! I’m familiar with a Brooklyn school of A Urban school called Zen Goju Temple since my Aikijutsu club rent space there for classes
I really appreciate how you try to be truthful in your representation of Peter Urban
That would be Sensei Vincent Mirenda
amazing thanks!:)
Correct, Yamaguchi stated that Westerners could never achieve the discipline of a Japanese person, Yamaguchi also badmouthed Peter urban
Kind of dumb and ignorant for Yamaguchi to say that when in reality, Goju-Ryu isn't even Japanese and was taught to him by an Okinawan and not even entirely. The Okinawan's held a lot of things when teaching the Japanese Karate.
@@MrJames-eb6rp Yes it is ignorant, however Okinawan's never held anything back, that's nonsense
I read somewhere and I can't remember if it was an article or on a forum. But they said the Okinawan's teached the Japanese the system but not all of the secrets. Also that the Japanese would fill those gaps with their own stuff hence why Japanese Karate is like Kendo they like to attack from long distances. I also read that Japanese masters would go to Okinawa to learn more to take back to Japan...
The legitimacy aspect of gradings is problematic on a number of levels in some quarters. I know of a Karateka who I trained with and he was graded, legitimately, to 7th Dan by a respected 9th Dan, the physical grading was based on the performance of a kata. The 7th Dan would facilitate 4 + hour gradings for his students and would fast track students who were looking at opening up a dojo (all grading fees to the 7th Dan). All Recognised by the official government bodies.
When international travel is allowed I intend to visit Okinawa and hopefully train in a Uechiryu dojo, I will be and will remain a ‘forever’ white belt!
I'd like so much to know the history of that hand symbol.
Yamaguchi ONLY trained with Miyagi Chojun for 6 moths, yet he is a 10th Dan in Goju, so he, nor ANYONE can, nor should question Master Urban' rank! Having personally trained with Master Urban, I cantell you that not only was he a great fighter, but also an excellent kata practioner! His knowledge of bunkai was unmatched.
Exactly Goju-Ryu isn't even Japanese it's Okinawan so Yamaguchi's point of view of things was dumb imo. He tried to implement Bushido into karate which doesn't make sense since the Okinawans created Karate to defend themselves from the invading Japanese and other foreign enemies. Don't get me wrong I love Japan and I love Japanese martial arts it is my passion but once I got a taste of Okinawan Karate I said to my self I cannot train Karate unless it's Okinawan. It's that damn good and different. Japanese Karate is too militaristic, Which that is fine for their own created arts such as Kendo, Judo etc. But I feel much more at home with the original Okinawan Karate it's much more friendly and laid back and more practical and less sport oriented. I've trained in USA Urban Goju, Japanese Shorin-Ryu, Japanese Goju , and then lastly I practiced Okinawan. What I like about Urban was his philosophy and some of his own created techniques the iron wall is a good one.
@@MrJames-eb6rp who did you train with in USA Goju?
@@howardgelber6802 Sensei Alexis Morales here in South Florida he is now in Tennessee. He was a student of Urban in NY.
@@MrJames-eb6rp...Alex morales is a student of Sensei Claudio Gonzalez
@@howardgelber6802 Perhaps but I understood he also trained with Urban.
Sweet video man.
Actually Yokohama is quite close to Tokyo. just nearby
Do you have any history on Sensei Ronald Taganashi, which was a Grand Master of goju ryu?
@JF he had a school on the second floor of my neighborhood club in the early 80's, Shinan Sensei Carrera has a dojo in lake Hopatcon in New Jersey.
@@josephcangelosijr.8492 he helped found Nisei Goju Karate Do
@JF which of the Way of the white clouds book is it?
Could you send me a picture of the cover or describe the cover please.
I would like to read it
@JF Thank you
Maybe the First Airport Promotion! His military record does not line up with stories.
Have you ever heard of the UMIPEGS IN OKINAWA MARCELLO THE FATHER AND ROCKEY WAS HIS SON
Never leave out the Maestro attempted to cut off a finger during the Yamaguchi Sensei meeting because of a misunderstanding 👌🏽
Urban destroy Goju Ryu...He was good until he decide to promote himself to 10th Dan and create screw up Katas. For not been patience and wait his time to be a Goju Kai representative because Gogen Yamagushi in my believe was testing his patience. He could be the founder of his U.S.A Goju as an Organization and keep the traditional Katas. Now on this days some USA Goju Dojos are bringing them back. Oss
Bull feathers. Sensei Urban wrote a book that did more to promote Goju in the USA then anything anybody else did. He had the first Goju school in the country. There is more to the story then the video tell's that I won't go into. In the end Sensei Urban and Yamaguchi were friends. Yamaguchi might not have recognized Urban's rank on paper, but they were friends and I don't think he had a problem with it. Just considered it different from what he was doing. I have a picture of the two of them together that at least proves my point to me.
@@drakeshihan5489 He was brilliant he wrote a few good books, but with lack of self respect. Because When he promotes a person to 10th dan of other system in a burger place just because he bought him a burger ,fries and soda and open his briefcase and hand the guy the certificate, what do you call that....
Awarded 5th dan after 5 years of training. Breaks from his teacher after not being advanced to 6th dan almost immediately, creates his own organisation, invents kata. I'd say this is pretty close to McDojo territory.
We have a man in town who studied Goju-Ryu under Urban. He is a 10th Dan. Nicest, humble, kind, and toughest man I've ever met.
If you don't mind, what is his name
@@howardgelber6802With pleasure, Shihan! Hanshi Keith Teller
Hanshi Teller began training in USA Goju karate in the early 70's. His training began at The Zen Goju Temple in Brooklyn NY. In 1978 Hanshi left NY to continue his college education at the University of west Florida ,where received both his BS and MS in Sport Science. In 1982 he was introduced to the art of Kali. Hanshi opened the Gainesville Dojo in 1985 offering USA Goju to Gainesville.
I know Hanshi Teller. Unfortunately he he not doing well now physically. Very nice man
Batchi! Yamaguchi, himself was never authorized to teach Goju by Miyagi Sensei. So Yamaguchi started the BS followed by Urban, and again by Ron Van C. Lol
Peter left Yamaguchi because he wouldn't promote him to his skill level, so he went Oyama
Some more inside information has it that Peter left Goju Kai when they wouldn't promote him BEYOND his skill level, as well as above the highest ranking teachers in the United States. I think Peter wanted a 5th Dan and was rightfully denied. You don't demand promotion. After that he went to Oyama.
There are a few points that I like to comment..
2:27 "5'th dan back belt" Be aware that some say it was Shodan, not Godan. I have not seen the documents myself. But your research about why 5'th is plausable is not unlikely. What we know is that Gogen was more restrective later on.
3:31 "Nirvana". Pure BS. That quote is from the same book that says that Gogen fought a Tiger, something that Gogen (or his family) never claimed. This episode is supposed to happen in 1963-64, and there are several problems with this story.
1) The Gosen/Goshi and finally Gosei theory as you mention. IE there where already a Goju school in US, and it was not Urban that should lead it.
2) Gogen had other white students that started schools abroad prior, and after, Urban with Gogens blessing, like Merv Oakley in 1953.
I'm ironically from this lineage. 🤣
And the mythical propaganda continues…. Sad! This is how Garden Fertilizer becomes “fact.” Richard Kim could not award a Goju Rank specifically. Even from within the Butokukai.
American Goju is so bad it hurts just watching it been practised.
Freestyle Goju Kai is a great style although not well know is a style well founded and on solid ground.
So true.
Yerrrrrrrrrrrr
Where's my Union City people at?!?!?!
Hokama Sensei is 10 Dan.
If I want a history of Goju ryu I will ask Morio Higaonna, not Peter Urban.
Or any other Okinawan Goju Ryu master
You appear to have hair not unlike that of Gogen Yamaguchi, however, you looke like a girl, whereas, Yamaguchi sensei did not.
Yamaguchi had many other great western students, such as Paul Starling, who is still close to the Yamaguchi family to this very day...if Peter urban wasn't such a shady character, I'm sure yamaguchi wouldn't have told him to hit the road.
He didn't tell him to hit the road. Truth be told, Yamaguchi wanted to promote his son who was younger and had not studied as long as Peter over him. Yamaguchi told Peter no westerner could ever head a Karate association because of a Shinto belief (that we would consider racist) he held dear to. He quoted it to Peter. At that Peter sent another quote that Japan would never lose a war. Yamagchi's son told Peter that his dad was really hurt by that statement. Peter felt bad and wrote a letter to Yamaguchi stating that. He told Yamaguchi he would cut off his own finger and send it to him to show him how sorry he was. Yamaguchi excepted the apology. They remained friends until Yamaguchi's death. I have a picture of the two of them together in my files.
@@drakeshihan5489 interesting, thanks for sharing that 👍
@drakeshihan5489 no you don't
10th. Dan "masters", boring!!!
Urban was a real nutjob and his karate sucked! Morio Higaonna is the GOLD STANDARD for GojuRyu! Oyama karate is the best fighting karate worldwide.