03/22/2026
I am honored to have been nominated and inducted into the Hawkes International Society and want to thank all who have helped me on this journey which it has been a total team effort and adventure. The 2025 year culminated as our 7th world championship title including the Grand Nationals and the USAMA Black Belt National Point Champion for the past year.
This Competitive Journey was heavily invested years ago with Grand Master Robert Trias and the United States Karate Association. Having fought and competed around the globe through the years, I have competed along side some of our countries greatest competitors and have been an American representative on 6 separate United States Karate Teams.
My teachers, coaches, were all Trias International Society members, RA Trias, Robert Bowles, Pete Rabino, Ron White, Glenn Keeney, and Bill Wallace. To mention where it all began with my first instructor Larry Sparks with a back fist to the head “Block what you see coming” I failed that test ha ha, but it was the beginning, with many more hits to come. In this great experience was the love and teaching from Master Nobuchi Oyakawa and his example of what the humble culture of Karate-do and Kobudo is really like in Okinawa. All the hits, throws, chokes, submissions and the laughs from my Jiu Jitsu instructor Steve Roensch forged a combat mindset in all environments.
After the passing of Grand Master Trias and the closing of the USKA, Master James Hawkes picked up the ball and the U.S. Karate Alliance was born. Years later after Master Hawkes passing, the Alliance torch was passed and master Hawkes wife Mrs Sue Hawkes continues the legacy of GM Trias and Master Hawkes with the USAMA. I am humbled to continue to represent my teachers, the work, effort and trust they have put into myself. Pete Pukish, who without him, the travel and back support and so much more over the last 20 years, I could not have made trips.
Most of all my bride Christie and our 7 pound Chihuahua, Piper who
have been cheering and representing all along the way and to God! Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam". "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Thy name give the glory"
Thank you all!!! Have a blessed day.
GS