Hanshi McGrath Presents
Sensei Branden Newton
March's
Devil Dog
I
consider this young man as a close friend of mine, since I sat next to him at
Gary Alexander's latest Hall of Fame dinner. That night he and I received
similar awards, for Distinguished Leader of American
Martial Arts. Branden was with his mother, Patti, and father, Mike, who are
excited and Interested In his role in martial arts.. My wife Gene and I struck
up a conversation with them and found them to be great Americans, with the
morals and ethics that were normal fare In the 50's. Branden proved to be a
young man that any parents would be proud to know. When he realized who I
was and had studied under Sensei Nagle In the original Isshin-ryu dojo In
America, he began to ask questions about both myself and O'Sensei. I spent the
evening relating Isshin-ryu stories about the first Isshin-ryu dojo In America
and filled him in with details about Nagle, Cates, Niemira, Chapman, Bohan and
the way we trained in those days. Later we got into fighting principles and I
explained my "Essence of Isshin-ryu" which stresses the relaxation during a
fight either on the deck or in real life. He had a lot of Insight and, as you
will find out; this comes from a vast experience in train in, allowing him to
win a myriad of
Championships in kata and
kumite, as well as awards throughout the country.
Branden Newton - San-Dan
He
has been studying Isshin-ryu since the age of five. He studied with Master Phil
Little for approximately ten years. His present Sensei is Fourth Dan Enoch Paul.
He is a large and extremely powerful
man
and Branden has gotten in superb condition. Enoch's dojo is located in Anderson,
South Carolina, where Branden and his family live. Sense' Enoch also studied and
received his rank from Master Phil Little. He has had this dojo for fifteen
years and Branden Newton now Is an Instructor under his new Sensei. Branden has
picked a great dojo, as an enthusiastic young Christian, since when you walk
into the dojo there on the wall in big letters, is written, "'I can do all
things through Christ which strengthens me”. The dojo is located In the Anderson
Mall, with about 10,000 square feet of space. Branden himself teaches six to
eight classes a week. That's a busy schedule for an eighteen year old, who
attends both High school and the local University.
He
Is close to the Tasetano Family and feels blessed to have that relationship, as
I myself do, as well. He has made many good friends In the North through their
help. After talking with him during the evening
about Grand Master Nagle, Branden expressed his SORROW that he was never able to
meet him. I told him how much I miss him as teacher and best buddy. He also
stated that he was disappointed in some of the Grand Masters in Isshin-ryu and
said, “The timing in meeting you was perfect in my life." His father, Mike,
pointed out to Branden, as Branden relates, "He loves it. He feels it. He lives
it, but he puts his karate in the order God Intended. You can tell his wife
loves him unconditionally and so do his understudies and friends. That Is a
Grand Master." That Is one of the most fervent compliments I have ever received
and It Is humbling as well, since I also believe that God has been with Me In
everything I have undertaken, nor could I have had success at any level without
the Lord behind me. Now, stand by, since what follows are the awards and
tributes that my young buddy Branden has garnered over his many years In
Isshin-ryu:
2000
The United States Isshin-ryu Karate Assoc. - Instinctive Tactical Solutions Course II Certification.
The USIKA - Harold Mitchum Seminar Certificate.
The USIKA. - _r. Black Belt of The Year.
The World Head of Family Sokeship Council – Isshin-ryu Outstanding Black Belt.
2002
The Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame - Young Male Black Belt Fighter of the Year – Isshin-ryu.
The USIKA - Gold Medal Certification.
The USIKA - Warrior Spirit Award.
The World Head of Family Sokeship Council - Jr. Black Belt of The Year – Isshin-ryu
2003
World Karate Hall of Fame - Student of the Year Isshin-ryu.
Progressive Martial Arts Instructors Alliance - Phase II Grappling Instructor.
The USIKA - Black Belt Competitor of the Year.
The World Head of Family Sokeship Council- Regional Competitor of the Year – Isshin-ryu
2004
The World Karate Hall of Fame - Jr. Instructor of The Year – Isshin-ryu
American Freestyle Karate Assoc. - Outstanding Martial Artist of the Year.
The International Association of Martial Arts – Jr. Black Belt Competitor of the Year.
The National Black Belt League - Recognized for outstanding contribution to Hurricane Katrina Relief.
American Freestyle Karate Assoc. - Spirit Award and Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts.
2006
Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts.
Hobbies
2001 - Certified Scuba Diver.
2002 - Advanced Certified Scuba Diving.
2003 - Equipment Specialist - Scuba Diving.
2004 - Plays Drums and Percussion for the contemporary Christian Band - Godspeed.
Education
GPA - 4.0.
President of the Teen Council (Student Body).
Assistant Editor of the Yearbook.
Currently dual enrolled at Trinity High School and Southern Wesleyan University (Pre-Med).
Community Service.
Outstanding Service to the Veterans Award 2005.
Tutors 1st Graders on Reading.
Alzheimer Walks.
Meals on Wheels Service.
I noted that many of his awards are prefixed with the term Jr. After touring his selfless accomplishments I don't think of him as a Jr. but as a young, man's man, Blessed by The Lord. Congratulations my young friend.
Your Friend,
Ed McGrath, Ju-Dan Grand Master, Isshin-ryu Student of O'Sensei Nagle