Mrs. Pat Morgan

Office Administrator

Kyoshi, Stephen Hankins

7th Degree Black Belt

NSGRA Media Relations

Kyoshi started his karate training on February 10, 1977. He was very fortunate to pick the right place to start. He began taking classes with Hanshi Herb Johnson at 53rd and Keystone, later moving to 39th and Keystone.

He was promoted to 1st degree black belt in 1985 by Hanshi Herb Johnson and Hanshi Glenn Keeney. My test lasted seven and a half hours. The reason for taking eight years to go to black belt was that in my mind, I would have to beat most black belts in kumite. Well I didn’t take into consideration that the black belts I was training with were the best in the world. Once I did promote to the level of black belt, I found I could in fact, compete with other black belts. I enjoyed tournament competition until the end of 1998.

He instructed many karate classes from 1984 till 2009 when he suffered a stroke. He was a utility instructor for my Sensei, Hanshi Herb Johnson and was head instructor of his Greenfield location and for a short period at the Allisonville Rd. location.

After 39 years studying karate, he states that he has truly trained with the best in the world. In the early days, training and promotions were different than today. We have evolved from a macho image to a more caring community, helping all to strive and become better human beings. One thing we have always kept true to is respect for others.

True Warrior, Friend and Supporter of the National Shorei Goju Ryu Association.