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Passed away at age 92

1932-2024
On August 3, 2024, our beloved Sensei Iha passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his children, Uto and Hiro, and many friends.  Words fail me to adequately express the incredible sadness and empty feeling I have, learning of the death of my teacher Sensei Iha.  Grandmaster SEIKICHI IHA, Hanshi 10th Dan, was a world renowned teacher of teachers, legendary master of karate whose memory and legacy will live on in the karateka (and their students/descendants) who loved, respected and admired him.  The impact he made on the martial arts world is immeasurable.  But even more significant, he was a loving father, brother and son, as well as an esteemed mentor and treasured friend to countless men and women on a global level.  I had the honor and privilege to have even known him but also the great fortune to have been his student, devotee and friend for 35 years.  
  -- Sharon Basinger, Kyoshi 7th Dan

                  Karate STL

JULY 14, 2011, in Lansing, Michigan, Tony Bui was promoted to the rank of 2nd Dan (Nidan), and Ameer Syed was promoted to the rank of 3rd Dan (Sandan).  Congratulations, Tony and Ameer!


JULY 5, 2011, in St. Louis, Missouri, Tawni Miranda was promoted to Junior Black Belt.  Congratulations, Tawni!


APRIL 20, 2011, so very tragically, Anthony (Tony/AJ) Miranda passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 42 due to sudden heart failure.  He was the beloved father of our student Tawni Miranda.  Tawni, who began her training with Sensei Basinger as a Tiny Tiger, is now 12 years old and holds the rank of advanced brown belt.  She attends the youth advanced class at both locations, and often voluntarily assists in other classes.  All of us at Karate STL are truly heartbroken for Tawni and her mother Minerva, as well as for her brother Marc.  They are in our thoughts and prayers, now and always.
 
Many of us came to know Tony and Minerva when they would proudly watch while Tawni trained.  Over the years, a lasting friendship and special bond formed among us as their family became enthusiastically involved in Karate STL activities, among which were attending NTS in Lansing several times, and competing in tournaments.  Tawni and her family have always had such spirit and life, and that they've been touched by this tragedy is simply unfathomable.  It is a tremendous shock and devastating loss to our karate family.  Tony was a warm and caring person, and genuinely devoted to his family.  He always had a smile and his presence lit up a room.  He was intensely loved and respected, and will be sorely missed, by anyone blessed enough to have known him.  This world lost a wonderful man and beautiful soul, but he will remain in our hearts forever.  (These sentiments are shared by the members of Karate STL.)

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DECEMBER 9, 2010 - The Third Annual Program Showcase, Maryland Heights, Missouri, exhibited a sampling of the many programs offered at Maryland Heights Center, including a karate demonstration comprised of youth and adult students from our Karate STL Maryland Heights location.  We are extremely proud of all our students who gave an impressive and crowd-pleasing performance!  A huge and sincere thanks goes to all demo participants as well as to their supportive families.


NOVEMBER 29, 2010 - Karate STL and Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association members mourn the loss of Katsuya Miyahira, Hanshi 10th Dan, President of the Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association, who passed away in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, at age 92.  The world-wide karate community is saddened by the death of this great teacher and leader.  Teacher to Sensei Seikichi Iha, Sensei Miyahira was an extraordinary man who will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.


NOVEMBER 20, 2010 in Lansing, Michigan, Stephanie Faulkingham was promoted to 2nd Dan (Nidan).  Congratulations, Stephanie!


NOVEMBER 12 & 13, 2010:  Celebration of Sharon Basinger's 15th Anniversary of teaching in St. Louis!

 


On Saturday, there was a karate demonstration in the Pattonville Heights School gym, Maryland Heights, Missouri, featuring over 50 of our students from both training locations, enthusiastically displaying their impressive skills which included kata, kumite, bunkai and board breaking.  100+ spectators were in attendance!  There was a 50" x 8" banner and a 36" x 48" poster (both pictured above) on display at the celebration, as well as demo programs that were handed out to the spectators, all painstakingly created by Sensei Basinger's students: Stephen and Chris Green, Chris Hardin and Sara Blackwell-Hardin.  And Stephanie Faulkingham assisted Sensei in preparing and directing students, culminating in a fantastic two days.  So many other students also volunteered their valuable time, effort and amazing expertise resulting in an extremely special weekend:  Among those are Zy Faulkingham, Kevin Queen, Tony Bui...plus, student Laura Jenkins' mom, Lisa Jenkins, who kindly made available her professional photographic skills to Karate STL students (the above group photo is courtesy of Ms. Jenkins of LJ Photography STL).
   
The guest of honor at this momentous event was Sensei Basinger’s teacher, esteemed Grand Master, Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan, who conducted an educational and inspiring two-day training seminar.  Without Iha Sensei’s continuous guidance, support and encouragement that started back in 1989, Basinger Sensei's dojo would have no 15th anniversary to celebrate.  She was surprised and honored to be presented with a very elegant plaque from Sensei Iha in recognition of her years dedicated to furthering Shidokan Shorinryu Karatedo.  We were also very pleased to welcome as seminar guests Yujiro Uza, Sensei 4th Dan, of Chicago, Illinois (who also gave an outstanding performance in the demo!), and Lynn Tanner, 1st Dan, from the Hombu dojo in Lansing, Michigan.  Yuji is Sensei Basinger's longtime friend with whom she trained while living in Dallas.  Sensei and Lynn became friends when they were among the group of students from North America traveling with Sensei Iha to Okinawa last year (see August 10-20, 2009 below).

Sensei Basinger wishes to offer her deepest gratitude to all her students and their families who contributed in countless ways to make this weekend such a huge success -- far beyond her wildest expectations!  She feels truly privileged to be their sensei.  She knows she could never adequately express the magnitude of her pride and appreciation, so she can only say to all of them, "THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!"

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AUGUST 1, 2010 - 1st Annual Karate STL Family Picnic
Vago Park
Maryland Heights, MO
About 60 Karate STL students and their families turned out for hot dogs and some summer fun! 


JULY 16-18, 2010 - 13th Annual National Training Seminar (NTS)
Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
Lansing, Michigan USA
Laura Jenkins, Chris Hardin and Sara Blackwell-Hardin were first-time attendees this year.  Laura and Tawni Miranda gave an exceptional performance in the youth kata tournament.  Like usual, they and all Karate STL students made Sensei Basinger very proud.


NOVEMBER 13-14, 2009 - Karate STL held a two-day training seminar at Pattonville Heights Middle School.  Seminar instructor was world renowned Grand Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan and President of Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association.  We were also honored to welcome as seminar guests Yujiro Uza, Sensei 4th Dan, of Chicago, Illinois, and Lynn Tanner, 1st Dan, from the Hombu dojo in Lansing, Michigan.  An educational and fun time was had by all at the well-attended seminar!


AUGUST 10-20, 2009 - Karate STL Head Instructor, Sharon Basinger had the rare opportunity to travel to Okinawa, Japan, with her teacher Grand Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan, and a group of about 30 other fellow Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association members from North America.  The principal focus of the trip was the 2009 Okinawa Traditional Karatedo World Tournament and Training Seminars at the Okinawa Kenritsu Budokan in Naha City.  There were 1,100 participants from 40 countries at the televised event.  The opening ceremony included karate demonstrations in which Basinger and other Shidokan Shorinryu members proudly performed.  She acted in the capacity of tournament coach; 15 others of her North American group competed in the tournament.  We are all very proud of Laura Chartier, Sensei 5th Dan, of our Clawson, Michigan, shibu dojo, who finished 3rd in her division.  Congratulations, Laura!   Also in attendance were about a hundred Shidokan Shorinryu members from several countries and continents around the globe, including South America, Asia, Europe and Africa.   


This being her second visit to Okinawa, Sensei Basinger was able to intensify the experience.  Her coaching role allowed even deeper interaction with fellow karate-ka, and from a different perspective than when she competed in 1997.  Friendships created on the last trip were renewed, as well as new friendships formed with fellow karate-ka she had previously known only peripherally.  Okinawa sites revisited were even more meaningful because she had time to absorb things she missed before (like seeing a great movie the second time).  The group was also granted the privilege and honor of visiting the dojo of Katsuya Miyahira (1918-2010), Hanshi 10th Dan and President of Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association.  Other than at the Budokan, training was also held at other Okinawa dojos with Okinawan masters.  Among the sites visited were historic Shuri Castle (above), Shikinaen Royal Garden (18th century largest second residence for the Ryukyu royal families), the awe-inspiring Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (second-largest in the world!) within the Ocean Expo Park, an Ancient Okinawa Cultural Village, ancient masters' memorial sites, the beautiful but poignant Okinawa Cornerstone of Peace (over 200,000 names engraved in granite -- soldiers and civilians regardless of nationality -- of those who lost their lives in the 1945 World War II Battle of Okinawa). 
We also visited the Gyokusendo Cave.


JULY 17-19, 2009 - 12th Annual National Training Seminar (NTS)
Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
Lansing, Michigan USA
Tawni Miranda was a first-time attendee this year and gave a terrific performance in the youth kata tournament and banquet demonstration.  She and all Karate STL students made Sensei Basinger very proud, as usual.


JULY 16, 2009 in Lansing, Michigan, Tony Bui was promoted to 1st Dan (Shodan).  Congratulations, Tony! 


JULY 17, 2008 in Lansing, Michigan, Stephanie Faulkingham was promoted to 1st Dan (Shodan), and Ameer Syed was promoted to 2nd Dan (Nidan).  Congratulations, Stephanie and Ameer!


JANUARY 24, 2008 -

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JULY 20-22, 2007 - 10th Annual National Training Seminar (NTS)
Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
East Lansing, Michigan USA 
Excerpt from Iha Sensei's web site:  "This year's NTS was a great success with over 250 Shido-kan karate enthusiasts participating in three intensive days of training with Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan, at Michigan State University. Members of dojos from throughout the U.S., Canada, Okinawa Japan, Colombia and Israel were in attendance this year. We enjoyed many hours of active training time with Iha Sensei each day along with break-out sessions on a wide range of applications with our senior teachers..." 


JULY 20-23, 2006 - NTS & 30th Anniversary
9th Annual National Training Seminar (NTS) & 
30th Anniversary Celebration and Demonstration
East Lansing, Michigan USA
This NTS we commemorated Iha Sensei's 30 years of teaching in the U.S.  Leading the seminar were honored guest karate master teachers, all under the direction of Iha Sensei.  There were more than 320 participants at the tremendously successful event...from the US, Okinawa, Canada, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Israel!  An open-to-the-public demonstration was held at the Wharton Center featuring Iha Sensei and visiting karate masters, traditional Okinawan festival dancers, kobudo (weapons), and creative contributions from each Shidokan dojo including Karate STL.


JULY 20, 2006, in Lansing, Michigan, Ameer Syed was promoted to 1st Dan (Shodan), and Karate STL's Chief Instructor and Missouri Shibu Director, Sharon Basinger Sensei was promoted to 5th Dan (Godan).  Sensei had an additional stripe embroidered onto her deceased husband's 4th Dan obi (belt), so that she could wear it to honor him.  Congratulations, Ameer and Sensei!


MARCH 18, 2006, in Lansing, Michigan, Kristina Carpenter -- was promoted from Junior Black Belt to 1st Dan (Adult Shodan Black Belt).  Congratulations, Kristina!

 
DECEMBER 30, 2005, Shidokan Israel's head instructor, Amit Michaeli took Michal to be his wife in Jerusalem, Israel.  It was truly our pleasure meeting and training with Amit at Karate STL during his April-May, 2001, stay in St. Louis.  His sensei is Paul Snader from the Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Shidokan Dojo.  Congratulations and the very best of our wishes go to Amit and Michal!


FEBRUARY 13, 2005 - Twenty-three Karate STL students participated in a karate demonstration at the "Celebrate the World” International Festival held at Maryland Heights Center.  The students did an exceptional job of exhibiting their skills, and made Sensei Basinger extremely proud to be their teacher.  The festival featured music, dance, folk art and crafts, demonstrations, children’s activities and food from around the world.  Among the many countries represented were Japan, Bulgaria, Kenya, India, Greece, Brazil, Peru, Bosnia, Mexico, Philippines and more.


JANUARY 9, 2005 - Congratulations to Kate and George Fortier on the birth of their son, George IV!  The Fortiers also have two daughters, Eleanor (5/16/01) and Theresa (10/19/02).  George III holds the rank of 2nd Dan at Karate STL.
 

NOVEMBER 30, 2004, in St. Louis, Missouri, Krystal Carpenter was promoted to the rank of Junior Black Belt.  Congratulations, Krystal!


As of SEPTEMBER 27, 2004, Joel D. Hubbard is in no way affiliated with, and any of his previous ranks are revoked by:  Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association and its President/Director, Grand Master Katsuya Miyahira, Hanshi 10th Dan; Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association and its President/Director, Grand Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan; Karate STL and its Director/Chief Instructor, Sharon Basinger, Shihan 6th Dan.


MAY 24, 2004, Melissa Lonsberry from Lansing, Michigan, visited Karate STL.  We were all very pleased that Melissa was able to carve out some time from her business trip to train at our dojo.  It was a real pleasure meeting and training with her!


FEBRUARY 26, 2004, in St. Louis, Missouri, Candice Turner was promoted to Junior Black Belt.  Congratulations, Candice!


DECEMBER 5-7, 2003 - Sensei Basinger's budo friends, Caryl Akamichi and her students (Marie and Elaine) from Long Beach, California, and James Emery from Charlotte, North Carolina, visited Karate STL and attended a training seminar conducted by Grand Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan.  We always have a great time training and socializing with our karate family!  


JULY 4, 2003 - Congratulations to Lisa Humphrey on the birth of her son, Quinten!  Lisa is the daughter of Sharon Basinger, Missouri Shibu Director and Owner/Chief Instructor at Karate STL.


DECEMBER 27, 2002 - Tragically, Karate STL's Gordon Basinger Sensei died of complications from cancer at age 62.  Beloved husband of Sharon Basinger, he was also a highly regarded teacher and friend to many at Karate STL, as well as a respected member of the Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association.  More about Gordon and Sharon Basinger.
 

MAY 17-20, 2002, Karate STL hosted a two-day training seminar including an open-to-the-public karate demonstration, all of which was conducted by Grand Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan, with assistance from Koichi Nakasone, 8th Dan from Okinawa.  Caryl Akamichi from Long Beach, California, traveled to St. Louis for the event.  Unable to participate in the seminar/demo, Frank Samples of the Hombu dojo in Lansing, trained at our dojo the following Tuesday.  It's always great spending time with our karate family.


NOVEMBER 14, 2001 - Congratulations to Bryan and Glenda Petrofsky on the birth of their second son, Aiden!  The Petrofskys' firstborn, Isaac, holds the distinction of being Karate STL's first "dojo baby" -- 2nd generation student.  Isaac and Aiden became Karate STL students upon reaching age 4.  Both parents are 1st Dans at Karate STL, where they met.


OCTOBER 1, 2001 - The City of Maryland Heights requested that Sharon Basinger begin teaching karate at Maryland Heights Center.


JULY 28, 2001 - Our beloved master Seikichi Iha was promoted to 10th Dan by his teacher, Grand Master Katsuya Miyahira on March 25, 2001, making Iha the highest ranking Okinawan master residing in the United States.  However, it was not publicly announced until July 28, 2001 at the Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo 25th Anniversary Celebration in East Lansing, Michigan. The announcement drew an immensely enthusiastic standing ovation of friends, family and hundreds of his students (including several from Karate STL) who were present.  Iha's rank is certified by the Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association, Okinawa, Japan.  Congratulations, Iha Sensei!


JULY 26, 2001 - Karate STL's Sharon and Gordon Basinger were promoted to 4th Dan (Yondan) in Lansing, Michigan, by Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan.  Congratulations, Senseis Basinger!


JUNE 2, 2001 in St. Louis, Missouri, Karate STL's Break-o-Rama was held.  A fun time was reportedly had by all and all boards were successfully broken with bare hands!  Congratulations to our winners for the most funds raised -- First prize winner: Jormond Burch.  Second prize winner:  Tom Lindell.  Third prize winner: Austin Schumann.  Prizes were presented in class Tuesday, June 12, 2001.  Sincere appreciation is extended to all fund-raising participants and their supportive families.  Thank you also to Brett Schumann for his time, effort and expertise in designing and constructing our unique and superb board-breaking stand.


APRIL 26, 2001, Sensei Basinger's budo friend from Lansing, Michigan, Ricardo Briones visited Karate STL.  Ricardo was her coach in August, 1997, at the Okinawa Karate and Kobudo World Tournament in which she was a competitor.  It was great having Ricardo at our St. Louis dojo!


OCTOBER 22, 2000 - Karate STL was elevated from Fuku Shibu to Shibu dojo status, by Head Master Seikichi Iha during his visit to St. Louis.  Shibu dojos are under the direct supervision, tutelage and guidance of Iha Sensei at the Hombu dojo in Lansing, Michigan.


NOVEMBER, 1997 - Karate STL's Sharon and Gordon Basinger were promoted to 3rd Dan (Sandan) in Lansing, Michigan, by Head Master Seikichi Iha.  Congratulations, Senseis Basinger!


AUGUST 17-29, 1997 - Sensei Basinger made her exciting first-time trip to Okinawa, Japan, with her teacher Head Master Seikichi Iha, and a very large group of fellow Beikoku Shidokan Association members.  Sensei Basinger and other Shidokan Shorinryu members proudly performed.  Basinger had the rare opportunity to compete in the momentous tournament where, to her proud surprise, she reached the finals in her division.  Over 2,000 competitors from 50 countries at the televised event commemorated the grand opening of the impressive Kenritsu Budokan (Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts - right.  Also in attendance were countless Shidokan students from several countries and continents around the world including South America, Australia, Asia, Europe and Africa.   

Our North American group was also honored to visit and train with Iha Sensei's teacher Katsuya Miyahira (1918-2010) - (left, with Sensei Basinger), Hanshi 10th Dan and President of Okinawa Shorinryu Karatedo Association.  In addition to the Budokan and  Miyahira Sensei's dojo, training was also held at other Okinawa dojos with distinguished Okinawan masters.  Among the sites visited were historic Shuri Castle, Shikinaen Royal Garden (18th century largest second residence for the Ryukyu royal families), the amazing Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in the Ocean Expo Park, an Ancient Okinawa Cultural Village, ancient masters' memorial sites, the beautiful but poignant Okinawa Cornerstone of Peace (over 200,000 names engraved in granite -- soldiers and civilians regardless of nationality -- of those who lost their lives in the 1945 World War II Battle of Okinawa).


SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - Pattonville School District designated Sensei Sharon Basinger as its exclusive karate instructor.


OCTOBER 11, 1995 - Authorized and sanctioned by Head Master Seikichi Iha, Sharon and Gordon Basinger opened their dojo at Westport Athletic Club located in Midwest St. Louis County, Maryland Heights, Missouri.

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