|
SENSEI MARK RAMSEY
Nippon Kempo Butokukan Karate
Sensei Mark Ramsey began studying martial arts in Carson City at about the age of 14. He earned his first ranking of Shodan in Nippon Kempo Butokukan in March of 1985, … a grading he attributes to the patience and assistance of Sensei Andy Matissen.
Sensei Mark Ramsey realizes the benefits of studying various styles. He attends seminars and workshops whenever possible, and freely shares his knowledge and experience with others. He incorporates what he calls “THE GOOD STUFF” from those other styles into his core-curriculum. Even more, Sensei Ramsey requires his green belts to study other styles of martial arts for a period of time, just so they can experience the true Budo Spirit.
For many years, the art of Nippon Kempo Butokukan karate only had one, then two degrees of black belt. In March of 1996, a group of his martial arts peers unanimously agreed Sensei Ramsey should hold a higher rank. He was promoted to the rank of Sandan.
Realizing there was a gap in his knowledge and wanting to incorporate some of the elements of softer styles into his art, Sensei Ramsey joined the Shoshin Ryu of Nevada and began the study of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, in which he currently holds the rank of Sandan.
Sensei Ramsey is also certified in Japanese Restorative Massage, receiving that certification in September of 1995, from Prof. Ken Eddy.
A student of all martial arts, Sensei Ramsey is an outstanding marksman, with rifle, pistol, or bow and arrow! He is currently training in the Goju Shorei Weapons System, and studies and practices Tai Chi, and the Yang Short Form.
Sensei Mark Ramsey has never taught for money.
He operates the Carson Karate Club as a community service organization, and it is Carson City’s oldest, continually operating martial arts school. A Boy Scout in his youth, Sensei Ramsey requires his students perform community service projects, … in fact, a community service project is a requirement for some belts ranks in his system. He himself has even played Santa Claus for a co-worker’s church youth group.
Sensei Ramsey holds a degree in art from the University of Nevada, Reno, and his work is on permanent display in Carson City, Nevada.
Sensei Mark Ramsey was the 2006 recipient of the Alexander Archie Excellence in Life Award presented by the Silver State Open Karate Tournament. This award is given to a martial artist who is dedicated to the on-going leadership, support, and example set by Hanshi Alexander Archie, this Excellence in Life Award is in recognition for the recipient’s continuous and long-standing contributions in the study of the arts of war . . . and of peace . . . by the demonstration of extraordinary leadership, understanding, tolerance, and patience through the passionate and tireless promotion of harmony between all students, schools, and systems of the martial arts.
Quoting from his wife, Sensei Denise Ramsey, “One of the most important things about Mark is that he will always do the right thing, no matter what the personal cost. That is one of the things I most admire about him, and one of the greatest lessons I have learned from him.”
The example set by Sensei Ramsey is a lesson to all of us about the role of martial arts in today’s world.
|
