My Promise To The Master: A Comprehensive Analysis of "The Next Step" for Shoshin Nagamine's Matsubayashi-ryu
Hanshi Frank Grantwas born the ninth of twelve children June 21, 1933 in Paris, Kentucky to James Albert and Elizabeth Grant. When he was eight years old, he and his family moved to the east side of Dayton, Ohio. This was in 1941, the world would soon be at war, but for a boy in America the troubles in Europe, and Asia seemed far away. He was a friendly and amiable boy but few were close to him and many considered him a loner. When he was ten, he worked for a photographer, Mr. Huffman, down the street from his home. One of young Frank’s jobs was to weed the flower garden and Mr. Huffman found it necessary to keep the young man’s mind working as well. He often encouraged young Frank to listen to the flowers as they grew. Although it seemed absurd, the young man made the effort to listen because he figured old Mr. Huffman knew something he didn’t.After high school, Grant was stationed in Japan for 18 months with the United States Marine Corps. He faithfully performed his duties as any other American serviceman, but in off–hours, he traveled the countryside, seeking out the Japanese artisans and observing as they performed their crafts. He became fascinated with Japanese culture and how it differed from his own heritage. He was searching for something, but yet didn’t know what it was.It wasn’t until 1959, that he began to study karate under Sensei James Wax. He knew Wax from his church. While stationed in Okinawa, Wax studied karate under Shoshin Nagamine and became the first American Black Belt in Shorin–Ryu. Grant wanted to learn what Wax had to teach,  and Grant believed Wax was an excellent instructor. It wasn’t too long before Grant discovered he liked the structure and the discipline inherent in karate.Co-author,Jeff Slutskybegan his karate training in 1971 under  Parker Shelton. He now trains under Jack McPeek. He received Sandan in 2013.Photographer,Joyce Bentlebegan training in 2000 with Greg Johnston and is a Sandan.