Grandmaster Russell Peter Francis Best, Sr. was introduced in 1964 to the martial art of Isshinryu Karate on the Island of Okinawa. Grandmaster Best was instructed under the watchful eyes of it's Grandmaster and Founder of Isshinryu Karate, Grandmaster Soke Tatsuo Shimabuku himself. The majority of students were service personel, who served on the Island of Okinawa for the better part of a year, leaving with a Kyu rank, (Green or Brown). Grandmaster Best is one of the few to leave the Island with the coveted rank of Sho-Dan, 1st Degree Black Belt, presented to him by Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuke personlly. Today, Grandmaster Best remains traditional to the mind and spirit of Isshinryu Karate.

Grandmaster Best

is one of a select

few to have studied

under two generations

of

"Shimabuku"

 

The Grandmaster's, Master's Ring, another symbol of a warrior.