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Sensei's Interests
General
My interest are most anything that gets me outside and into the woods or on the coast. I roam the back roads on my ATV, Kayak in the coastal canals and beautiful rivers in my area. Fish in the Gulf of Mexico and cruise the marshlands in my air boat or just get in my 4x4 Silveraldo, with my best buddy, Hardrock Parker, and take off on a dirt road. When at either of these places, I have family or friends with me. Since I retired, I spend a lot of time at my Keaton Beach House.
Music
I love most any type of music on XM Radio.
Movies
I enjoy SiFi Movies, Westerns and Samauri Jack.
Television
I mostly watch the Military Channel.
Books
I used to read all kinds of school and education books, now I only read Karate related books and magazines, expecially the Shotokan Karate Magazine.
Heroes
Gichin Funakoshi, Gigo Funakoshi, Tomosaburo Okano, Takashi Akusawa and the American Military Personnel.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Graduated: 1972
Student status: Alumni
Degree: Master's Degree
Major: Educational Leadership
1970 to 1972
University Of Florida
Gainesville,FL
Graduated: 1966
Student status: Alumni
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Major: Mathematics Education
1964 to 1966
North Georgia College And State University
Dahlonega,GA
Graduated: 1962
Student status: Alumni
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Military Science
Clubs: Color Guard
About me: I was born and raised in Perry, Florida. I graduated from Taylor County High School then graduated from North Georgia College, Dahlonega, Georgia with a BS in Business Administration and Military Science. I shortly thereafter served in the US Coast Guard Reserves and received my Honorable Discharge. I earned my Mathematics Teaching Certificate from the University of Florida and started teaching Math at Taylor County High School in the late 60's. I completed my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida State University and transferred to Taylor County Junior High School where I taught Math for 5 more years, became Assistant Principal for 3 years and then Principal for 10 years. I was then Principal at Taylor Elementary for 3 years then moved into the Taylor District Office as Personnel Director for 10 years. I am now retired from Taylor District schools.
I started my Karate career in 1973. My original teachers were Senseis John Hinken and Charlie Parker. Sensei Parker moved away in '75 and Sensei Hinken remained until '79 when he moved to Tampa. He appointed me his successor when I completed my requirements for 1st Dan. We joined the Shotokan-Kenkojuku Karate Association in 1980 and Sensei Koji Sugimoto became my new teacher. By 1996 I was promoted to 3rd Dan by Sensei Sugimoto. I have remained a student of Sugimoto until March 4, 2007. My karate school in Perry, Florida is the home to many excellent students. My students have not only excelled in karate but have become successful in life. Our style of Shotokan Karate is one of the few remaining styles where there are no(full) black belts below the age of 18.
Who I'd like to meet: People who have a sincere interest in karate, especially Shotokan Karate.
My Karate Classes are as follows:
ALL KARATE ON TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 1 hr each.
At Noon-1:00 pm - Adults;
At 3:15 pm - Little Kids;
AT 4:30 pm - Bigger Kids;
AT 5:45 pm - Refinement Class
AT 6:30 pm - Teens & Adults.
Go here for all details:
http://bowdenj.pages.web.com/
Have a great weekend
