A Tribute to Grand Master Ted Tabura

Di Shihan Ted Tabura or as the martial arts students that knew him best called him Uncle. Being able to call him Uncle was more of an Honor that we were given.  Uncle was a Master of movement and fighting skills, that matched his movement. Shihan will never truly be gone for his wisdom will live with us forever.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Grand Master Tabura began his martial arts training under his cousin's tutelage in a backyard dojo.  Later moving to Southern California, Ted discovered the Okinawa-te dojo headed by another Hawaiian-born instructor, Shihan Gordon Diversola.  While training at the Okinawa-te dojo, Tabura met John Louis who became his final instructor in Okinawa-te, then Lima-Lama.  Sensei Louis ranked Tabura as a Black Belt in 1968.

The martial arts have been a way of life for Tabura and his family.  There were many years of tournament competitions where both Tabura and his sons won trophies in their respective divisions. 

Tabura was dubbed 'The Sickle Man' by Sijo Adriano Emperado, founder of Kajunkenbo, for his expertise in the use of the Japanese kama (sickles).  That nickname stuck with Grand Master Tabura for many years.

Uncle's simple way with very complex ideas has become part of our training. He said that you only have two jobs in a fight; Not to get hit and to Hit your opponent really hard.

Di Shihan has through his simple words changed my training forever.
You will always be remembered as well as being missed, Uncle!