Hanshi McGrath Presents

Shihan Ernie Temple

Septembers

Devil Dog

My bio is no big deal, born in 1945, started training in the arts (Shotokan) in 1965 while at Fort Dix. I wasn’t really interested in kata at the time, just wanted to fight and learn self defense. I started Isshin-ryu in 1970 with a high school friend who I later split with, Joe Versocki,( he trained under Gary). What Joe did do, was instill a deep love for Isshin-ryu for me. I’ve been at it ever since. I worked out with Preston Carter for 2 years until he died and then with Dr. Ed Boze from East Orange until he retired in the late 80's. Ralph Passero approached me in early 95 and told me that Mr. Nagle wanted to rank me to 8th Dan from 7th Dan, which he did on November 13, 1996. Mr. Nagle inducted me into his Hall of Fame in 1997.

I had my first competition in 1966 and competed in fighting, kata and weapons and touched upon 5 decades until 2002 at Larry Isaac's. I have an organization that consists of a little over 400 students. There are 160 active kyus and Dans at the Dunellen location where I have been since 1977. One of my Black belts, Ed Westling-6th Dan has a program thru the YMCA in Flemington, NJ with over 200 students, mostly children. We also have 2 other fledgling programs starting out in Watchung, NJ and North Brunswick, NJ. Isshin-ryu is alive and well in New Jersey. .

I’m married for the last 38 years to a wonderful gal, Georgia who attained 5th Dan over 25 years of study. We have 3 sons who also trained and received their 1st Dans. Oldest son Jeff, is a police officer, Dan is a Major in the USMC (on his way to Iraq!) and Sean is a chef in Florida. I’ve trained Marines in Philadelphia, Yokosuka, Japan (95 & 97), Camp Courtney, Okinawa (2003), basically, wherever Dan gets stationed. I make it a point to travel to his post and offer up my services. I retired from New Jersey Bell Telephone in 1991 as Chief of Staff for Maintenance & Installation/Long Range Planning

The fact that I did not train with Mr. Nagle directly, may rankle a few people but no one respects his memory more than I. I have a deep abiding respect and love for Isshin-ryu and I try to make it a point to present Isshin-ryu as one of the premier arts where ever I go. My students have competed in every known tournament in this area and are known as strong, respectful competitors.

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