Congratulations to Sensei William Christopher Ford on his induction into Masters Hall of Fame. This video has some nice touches to it thanks to Sensei Fords friends and associates who were kind enough to send testimonials his way.
Torrance, Calif. - William Christopher Ford, head instructor at The Kaizen Dojo in Torrance, Calif., was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame at the Thirteenth Annual Awards Banquet at the Orange County Hilton in Costa Mesa on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Sensei Ford received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of his nearly 40 years in martial arts as a student, teacher and actor. He is a 5th dan in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate (Kobayashi Ryu).
Sensei Ford, whose mother was born in Japan, began his instructions in 1974 under the late Sensei Richard Rabago and Sensei Rabago’s mentor Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita. Both Sensei Rabago and Hanshi Yamashita were known for their martial arts training and for their film work, and Sensei Ford has followed in their footsteps. In 1989 he appeared with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita in Karate Kid III, where he played the part of Dennis, one of the Cobra Kai “bad boys.”
“You embody the very best about what it means to be a martial artist, with your commitment to teaching and to the arts.”
-Sean Kanan, Actor, Karate Kid III
“I’m here because of Sensei (Richard) Rabago and I’m“You embody the very best about what it means to be a martial artist, with your commitment to teaching and to the arts,” said actor Sean Kanan, who appeared with Sensei Ford in Karate Kid III. “Remember, Cobra Kai never dies.”
“Kindness and strength of character are two of the greatest testaments that any person can have to the quality of their instructors,” said stunt and fight coordinator David Morizot, who has worked on such shows as NBC’s hit series Chuck. “Your martial arts ethics bring honor both to your teachers and to your system.”
“Kaizen is a Japanese word that means ‘continual improvement,’” Sensei Ford explained, “and that’s the foundation of our philosophy.” Kaizen Dojo teaches the traditional martial art of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate in a new and progressive way, through the introduction of arts such as Western boxing and jiu-jitsu. In addition to teaching at Kaizen Dojo, Sensei Ford also performs at Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, Calif., in the role of “Cut-Throat Jack” the Red Pirate. In the choreographed fights in the show the actors perform many martial arts-influenced moves. For more information about Kaizen Dojo, visit their website at http://www.kaizen-dojo.com/. The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. This year's event featured keynote speaker Kenpo Legend Bob White and Alumni Don “The Dragon” Wilson. This year's event was sponsored in part by Rising Sun Productions, Don “The Dragon” Wilson’s TraditionZ. For more information visit http://MastersHallofFame.org. For press information about the Masters Hall of Fame or William Christopher Ford , please contact Kamatoy Media Group at 619-573-9456.
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