The Poems of John Patrick Driscoll

Poet Laureate of Isshin-ryu Karate

         John P. Driscoll, has long been known as the Poet Laureate of Isshin-ryu Karate, for the beautiful words and accolades he has written for some of the Sensei's of our style. Among those are such as, Grand Master Don Nagle, Master Don Bohan, Grand Master Ed McGrath and others. What they don't know, is that he is also one of us, starting his Isshin-ryu karate studies in his home State of New Jersey, while serving as a Police Officer, with the State Troopers. Severely injured, on duty, John had to leave the Department, but still took life seriously. He had been a great fighter within Isshin-ryu and now would fight for others, from the viewpoint of a poet. He has, beyond writing in praise of Masters, been writing his magnificent and touching works for each and every child with cancer, whom he has heard about from all around the world. He does not write about their affliction, but gets to know about them and writes his special personalized poem about their specific characteristics, in praise of them. He writes to inspire them and is always successful at that. He is a unique and wondrous person. I am glad and proud to be able to call this man, my friend. It is an honor I cherish.

Ed McGrath, Isshin-ryu

[return] [home]