Happy 75th Birthday, June 17th – Shihan Sherman Courtney(Soman Koyasu)!

Happy birthday to Shihan Sherman Courtney!  I started training with Sensei Courtney in 1974.  He is a direct student of Koyasu, Michio Sensei of the Soryu-kan style of karate.  After earning 5th dan ranking he received the adoptive name of Soman Koyasu from his teacher.  He was the first American to ever receive this honor!  I had the honor to train with him for four years before he had to move away, receiving my shodan in 1977.  I lost contact with him for 35 years and reconnected in 2009.  Thank you Sensei Courtney for being my first instructor and for giving me a love for the martial arts that I still pass on today!  I hope to see you again someday!  –  Sensei Kevin Gurganus