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GRANDMASTER DAVE MCNEILL, SOKE
Goju-Shorei Weapons System
Keep On Pushin
Master Dave McNeill started his study of Goju-Shorei
Karate in 1971 under the tutelage of Hanshi Alexander Archie. In
the mid-80s it was decided that the Goju-Shorei System needed a
fresh approach in the teaching of weapons. It was noted that all
of the so-called traditional weapons were illegal in most, if not
all, of the States. The decision was made to teach only weapons
that were legal and practical. With that in mind, Master McNeill
was assigned the task of developing a structured, systematized
weapons system that could be utilized by the general public, as
well as the Goju-Shorei students.
After extensive research McNeill decided that
the cane, knife and fan would best meet the demands of legality
and practicality. The cane being the core weapon since it is such
a practical tool, and is legal anywhere in the world. The knife
blade would be no longer than 3", which is legal in all states.
The fan is the one weapon that has pushed the envelope of practicality,
but it was recognized that women could carry this tool without
generating too much notice.
The size and quality of a cane that could be bought
from drug stores or specialty shops were found to be extremely
inadequate. The wood was too weak and the size of the crook was
too small. Master McNeill launched a search for a source of oak
and hickory canes that could be modified to meet his standards.
After visiting and giving specifications to a company in Arkansas
it was agreed that they would be the sole suppliers of the raw
stock for the Goju-Shorei Weapons System.
Master McNeill then created the many designs on
the horn, crook and shaft of the Cane that would meet the essential
self-defense demands of this unique and powerful weapon.
The next step was to create the ranking standards.
This had to include katas, techniques, exercises and a method of
displaying the rank of a separate, but equal, system. Master McNeill
recruited his friend and student, Scott Rasner, to help him in
this almost impossible task. When McNeill refers to Mr. Rasner
he always says, "If a technique or a move in the kata is totally
unique and effective, then you know that was a contribution from
Scott. He was steadfast in his support of my project and without
him I would never have been able to pull it off." Master McNeill
credits Mr. Rasner as the single most important factor aiding in
the creation of the Weapons System.
An octagonal patch designates the rank of the
Weapons System, with colored chevrons sewn to the outside of the
patch. The colors correspond to the Karate ranking colors of Yellow,
Orange, Purple, Green, three Browns and Black. Requirements were
also developed for eight Black ranks in the System.
In 1994 Goju-Shorei formally adopted the Cane
as its official weapon for the Weapons System, and Master McNeill
was designated head of the Goju-Shorei Weapons System.
Contact Master Dave McNeill
sokemcneill@gojushorei.com
Visit Master McNeill's Web Site
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