Mentors
Grand Master Bing Fai Lau (1906-1999)
Tai Chi Chuan Workbook received from Professor Bing Fai Lau
Bing Fai Lau’s Studies
Thomas Young, Hanshi
I had the honor of meeting Thomas Young, Hanshi at Bruce Juchnik, Hanshi’s Gathering in 1994. Given the opportunity to sponsor his attendance, I jumped at the opportunity and was tasked with picking him up at the San Francisco Airport and transporting him to the event in Sacramento. The long drive allowed for more than just idle conversation and gave me my first insights into what a gracious and thoughtful man Hanshi Young was. Over the ensuing years, Hanshi Young not only enlightened me on various aspects of the martial arts but passed on his deep appreciation of family and education. I will always be thankful for the special attention he afforded my wife and children.
Grand Master Al Novak (1924-2011)
Al Novak 10th Degree with R. Ito Sensei
Robert Ito, Renshi’s technical teacher on the study of the human body’s physics of motion in the martial arts.
Professor Louise Imiko Okazaki-Mullins (1938-2008)
Professor Imi Okazaki Mullins and the Okazaki family presented the Esoteric Principles (wooden carved plaque) to Robert Ito, that originally was presented to her sister. Professor Mullins was Robert Ito, Renshi’s guide to ethics, respect, goodwill and passion in the Martial Arts. She was the youngest daughter of Professor Henry Okazaki and motivation for White Tiger Esoteric Principals.
Grandmaster Ming Lum (1926-2011)
Robert Ito, Renshi’s chief mentor in helping to navigate the culture, personalities and history of the West Coast and Hawaiian martial arts communities.
Grand Master Clarence Lee (1927-2016)
Grandmaster Clarence Tai Gu Lee was born in 1927 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the eldest of five brothers. He has taught martial arts in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1953. From 1968 until 1993, Mr. Lee traveled frequently to Okinawa, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China and Indonesia to seek knowledge and train.
As a young man, he was privileged to study Shorin Ryu under the legendary Chosin Chibana Sensei. Later, he studied Shorin Ryu and Kobudo under Fumio Nagaishi Sensei, Eisuke Akamine Sensei, Katsuya Miyahira Sensei, and Shuguro Nakazato Sensei. He also trained diligently in the Chinese Martial Arts and studied Tong Long Tai Chi in Hong Kong with Sifu Kung Quan Wai, Wu Tai Chi in San Francisco with Mr. Wai, Yui Sing; Northern Style Kung Fu with Sifu Bob Louie; and Southern Style Kung Fu with Sifu Y.C. Wong and Sifu Norman Jew. In 2001, he became a student of Sifu John Chang, from Indonesia.
As a resident of San Francisco, Mr. Lee could be found each morning in Golden Gate Park, rising early, meditating, working out daily and teaching the serious devotees that sought him out. He retained a vigorous training schedule until the ripe age of 86. He enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Florida to visit students, friends, and family.
Above are pictures of Mr. Lee and Ann sharing their time at White Tiger activities. We will miss him. The stories Mr. Lee shared with me about these masters, gave me insight into their traditional philosophies and spirit of intent. Mr. Lee emphasized the tradition of earning your way in life.
Grandmaster Michael Young (1931-2013)
Confidential adviser to Robert Ito, Renshi across a myriad of topics, situations and events within the realm of martial arts.
Paul I. Yamaguchi, Hanshi (1925-2021)
Kosho Shorei Shin-Shing Ryu
Influential in developing Robert Ito, Renshi’s understanding of Great Grandmaster James Mitose’s unique teachings of Kosho energy collection. Paul Yamaguchi, Hanshi’s extensive training started with the Grandmaster of Kosho, James Mitose. He is the last of the 1st generation of Mitose’s black belts living. He continued his studies with various esteemed masters including Thomas Young, Hanshi (Kosho Shorei Ryu), O’Shiru Sensei (Shorei Ryu), Kobayashi Sensei (Gojo Ryu), and Fugita Sensei’s specialized breathing techniques. Paul Yamaguchi, Hanshi’s study called Kosho Shorei Shin-Shing Ryu is an integration of the concepts handed down from these masters that greatly influenced Robert Ito’s Inner-Self studies.
Grandmaster Rene Latosa (1951-2022)
Rene Latosa has been studying and teaching the Filipino martial arts of weapons and empty hand for over 30 years all over the world. He is, in fact, the first to bring the Filipino Martial Arts to England and Europe. He began his training at the Stockton Escrima Academy in Stockton, CA, in 1968, with Dentoy Revilar (Serrada), Maximo Sarmiento (Kadena de Mano ), Leo Giron (Largo Mano ) and Grandmaster Angel Cabales (Serrada and Father of Escrima in America). However, the most influential Escrimador in his life was his father, Juan Latosa. Rene’s initial exposure to the Filipino martial arts came through his ethnic and cultural environment in Stockton, a small farming town in central California, which at one time had the largest Filipino community apart from Manila.
In 1984, my good friend Master Herb Cody introduced me to Grandmaster Rene Latosa. His specialized ability in weapons and empty hand was very refreshing.
Over the years, I’ve sought the advice of 2 people, Ron Lee and Rene Latosa. To this day, I still use input and advice I received from Grandmaster Latosa.
We are fortunate to have Grandmaster Latosa come to White Tiger for seminars and share his style of the arts with us.
Bruce Juchnik, Hanshi
In 1992, former student Master Terry Webb paid a visit to my dojo and mentioned that he was continuing his studies under the tutelage of Bruce Juchnik, Hanshi, founder of Sei Kosho Shorei Kai International. Terry further explained that Bruce Juchnik Hanshi produced an annual event, the “Gathering”, which hosts masters from a myriad of martial arts styles to promote education and unity within the martial arts community. This concept intrigued me as I have long believed that the various disciplines and styles of martial arts share a universal set of concepts dictated by the natural laws of physics. That the group might share a common set of values and kinship peaked my interest as well.
Later in 1992, Terry Webb introduced me to Bruce Juchnik Hanshi who subsequently invited me to attend the 1993 Gathering. In 1994, Bruce Juchnik Hanshi offered me the opportunity to sponsor Grandmaster Thomas Young’s participation in that year’s Gathering. This sponsorship proved to be a seminal moment in the direction my martial arts study took over the next two decades.
Through my participation in the Gathering and Grandmaster Thomas Young’s introductions, I have had the honor of meeting and receiving wisdom, guidance and friendship from many esteemed masters (many of whom are listed on this website) and I am eternally grateful to Bruce Juchnik and the Gathering for that opportunity.