12/27/2022
Hunterdon Karate was founded by the late Hanshi (範士) Walter Van Gilson in the nineteen seventies. From that point on, he dedicated his life to the study of Okinawan Te. Walter Van Gilson was given his first instructor certificate from Sensei Tatsuo Shimabuku, founder of Isshi-ryu, on November 16, 1969. He was one of the few Americans who lived, worked, and trained in Okinawa as a civilian after being discharged from the United States Marine Corps. At that time, you needed an Okinawan to sponsor you if you were going to stay in Okinawa as a US Civilian. Shimabuku not only sponsored Walter Van Gilson but also introduced him to the Takesu family, who were family friends of Shimabuku Tatsuo. Walt worked and lived on the Takesu farm and eventually formed a family relationship with them, especially Hanshi Koei Takesu. Hanshi Takesu was around the same age and also studied Isshin-ryu at the same time and became his lifelong brother. Sensei Van Gilson returned to Okinawa throughout his lifetime to study Okinawa culture and karate. He was accepted as a student by Seiki Toma, founder of Seidokan Karate, in 1986. Sensei Toma was a student of Sensei Shimabuku Tatsuo and became so proficient under his tutelage that he eventually became Sensei Shimabuku's assistant. Sensei Van Gilson trained under Sensei Toma until his death in 2007. Sensei Van Gilson received the rank of 9th Dan Ku dan 九段 and the title of Hanshi 範士 under Sensei Toma. After Sensei Van Gilson's death in 2021, Sensei Bill Lowe continues to hold classes honoring Sensei VanGilson's teachings.
