The Martial Arts.

George, while preparing his M.A. thesis Romance Languages and Literature, began to study and practice karate in 1966 under sensei Robert Downey in Binghamton, N.Y. He continued private studies with Black Belts in Cleveland. When George came to NYC, he studied under Grand Master Aaron Banks at the New York Karate Academy. At his peak in 1974 as a Goju Black Belt & awarded the Black Belt (sho dan) in 1979. Soon he was promoted to Chief Writer of World Karate Magazine (1979-1981). A sizable volume of insightful martial arts essays, dealing with psychological, tactical, strategic, and philosophical dimensions of street combat without weapons…was lost in the 1985 fire of the Roger Williams Hotel (where George’s iconic mural graced the entranceway).

“When the great drummer Buddy Rich was at the dojo for private lessons, I was used to attack Buddy. Funny: Buddy and I also had the same producer at RCA, the great Pete Spargo”, excerpt from GK’s “FEAST” Short Stories & Epilogue One.

For many years, George was awarded a plaque of distinction for his World Karate Magazine contributions, given to him personally by Grand Master Aaron Banks each year in January, at the annual Madison Square Garden convention.

More highlights, photos, plaques & newspaper articles will be added at a later date. George had a unique way of imparting his Martial Art mindset to any situation that caused personal concern, for which I am grateful & strive to implement. My own daily practice of Sun style Tai Chi is one of my preferred modalities for a healthy body, mind & spirit as it is noncombative & extremely soothing while incorporating Qigong. But, this isn’t about me. I commend George for his tenacity to be, pound for point, the best he could be in all of his personal pursuits~