Grandmaster Hung Wen-Hsueh (September 16, 2012)

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our teacher Grandmaster Hung Wen-Hsueh of Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.  His legacy will never be forgotten.

Grandmaster Hung, Wen-Hsueh was born in December 1916.  He started to learn martial arts from his father at the age of seven.  During the time of his instruction Master Hung was exposed to many types and systems of martial arts, but he specialized in the Southern Systems of the Fukien Temple, which were Dragon and Crane Kung Fu.  He studied martial arts for more than eighty years.

In addition to his father, he studied with Wu, Chiang-Lao (Southern Monkey Boxing), Kao, Fang-Hsien (Shaolin), Cheng, Man-Ching (Yang Tai Chi Chuan), Chang, I-Te (Internal White Crane) and Okinawan and Japanese Judo and Karate Masters.  He also shared time in his study of Fukien White Crane with Master Lio, In-Shan of Taiwan. His knowledge of Japanese arts is also extensive due to living in Taiwan during the Japanese occupation of the island.

Grandmaster Hung was awarded the “Taichung Gold Medal of Honor” in 2005 for his International and National work in the spreading of Kung Fu and Chi Kung.  The medal is the highest award presented to a civilian by the Government of Taiwan.

Grandmaster Hung passed on his teachings to his disciple S. L. Martin, who formally trained and lived with Master Hung in Taiwan.

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Grand Master Peter Urban

The last great Karate icon of the 20th century has passed on... 
Grandmaster Peter G. Urban, Ph.D. Born 1934 passed away April 7, 2004.
He Lived Unafraid, and he Died... Unafraid! His final act was a Lion like Roar to heaven to announce to his peers and teachers that he was on his way.

U.M.A.R.A. extends its condolences to Julia Urban Kimmerley. family, friends, students and descendants of Grandmaster Peter Urban, Grand-patriarch of USA Goju.  He will be forever missed and always remembered.

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Hanshi Ric Pascetta

1950-2012

Hanshi Ric Pascetta passed away Saturday April 7, 2012..  For over 30 years Master Pascetta was as a full time professional MASTER TEACHER who began teaching Karate in the Delaware Valley area, beginning in 1969. He began his martial arts training in 1963.  He was the owner and operator of the American GoJu Karate-Do International school located in Turnersville, NJ.  He has also mentored, advised, and assisted numerous of his Black Belt students in opening and operating MA facilities in multiple locations in the US and overseas since 1974.  He was internationally recognized as one of the few Masters of the American GoJu style who teaches the entire system including all the Kata, the Kihon, Ippon, Aiki-jitsu, and Weapons of the American GoJu system. This system was originally developed by Peter Urban and further evolved through the efforts of his senior black belts. Master Pascetta has done extensive traveling to promote the A.G.K.A.I. organization and to teach his personal and unique version of the American GoJu style.

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Grandmaster Isaac Henry

1928-2010

Shihan Isaac Henry Jr. 82 of Neptune, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2010, Neptune.  Shihan Henry had been employed at Monmouth College Police for 20 years before retiring as the Chief of Police in 1988. Prior to this he had proudly served our country for 23 years in the United States Army.

Despite working hard his entire life, his real passion was karate. He was the Founder and Grand Master of Beikoku Karate-Do Goyukai (BKG), Long Branch. He was known far and wide as one of the most influential figures and a pioneer, instrumental in bringing karate to the East coast. He was inducted into numerous Martial Arts Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the development of the martial arts in America.

Born in Brunswick, Ga, he had lived in various locations around the world while serving in the US Army before permanently settling in Neptune in 1968.

Predeceased by his parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister, Isaac is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Kathy Henry, his 2 sons James R. Henry of San Francisco, Ca. and Fred S. Henry of Neptune, his daughter Sandra Soltau of West Windsor, son-in-law Andrew Soltau, his 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

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Shihan Marty Manuel

1956 - 2010

Martin Bruce Manuel, 54, of Vineland went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, surrounded by his family at home.

Born in Pocomoke, Md., he had moved to Vineland in 1972. Martin was a graduate of Vineland High School, Class of 1974, and attended Glassboro State College for two years. He had a doctorate degree in the philosophy of martial arts, issued from EUSAIMAA.

He was an inspiration to all, in spite of his handicap (spinal arachnoiditis), which left him paralyzed. His accomplishments were 10th degree Grandmaster of Modern Bujutsu School of Martial Arts, seventh degree Modern Arnis, and he was the No. 1 kickboxing contender worldwide in 1978, in the Super Lightweight Division. He had a black belt in martial arts for more than 36 years, and did training and teaching for more than 41 years.

He was a devoted Christian and an avid reader, and enjoyed his C.B. radio with the handle, "Tower Power." Martin was a member of the board of executive advisers committee to EUSAIMAA. He also was a member of the Christian Martial Arts Association, and won many awards in the past 10 years. He was recognized by the Cumberland County Bar Association and Cumberland County DYFS for working with kids. He also received Silver Lifetime Achievement awards and International Instructor of the Year in USA Goju and Modern Arnis from both the World Head of Family Sokeship Council in Florida and EUSAIMAA of Pittsburgh, Pa. His most favorite was the Elvis Presley Award presented by GM Ed Parker and Sidney Poitier in California in 1978.

The grandmasters he trained under were Peter Urban, Owen Watson, Joseph Artesi, Frank Ruiz, Ed Parker, Remy Presas, S.L. Martin, Wilfredo "Willie" Matias and Professor Max Pallen, all from the United States, William Cheung of Australia and S. Hatsumi of Japan.

He was predeceased by his mother, Naomi Manuel; grandmother, Zola Collins; two brothers, Leon and Godchild Manuel; and one sister, Beverly Manuel.

He left to cherish his memory his significant other and student, Linda Reim, and stepdaughter, Sherry Reim, both of Vineland; aunt, Pauline Waters of Maryland; sister, Debra Manuel of Maryland; sister, Tiara Manuel of Maryland; sister, Janet West of Delaware; and a special niece and nephews, Tamesha Townsend, Earl Townsend and Alex Martin Manuel, all of Maryland.

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Master Ed Hampton

January 1, 1952 - April 7, 2010

We want to always remember the beautiful life you lived and keep alive the memories we have through remembering what you did for you're so special to all of us.  A wonderful person indeed your love, laughter and warm smile reflected a heart that believed just in the everyday things we do.   We remember your faith and love in the words you spoke to help us through is a continued reminder for us.  

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Ron Segers

1956-2010

Our deepest condolences to the Segers family and Master Meade

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Mr. Richard Smith

5th Degree Black Belt (Godan Renshi) died, Friday, April 9, 2004.

(August 19, 1946-April 9, 2004)

U.M.A.R.A. extends its condolences to Elaine wife of Mr. Smith, his family, friends, students & instructors of Modern Bujutsu School of Martial Arts.  

The martial arts community has lost a good friend, we will miss you.

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Scott Eric Sileo, Sensei (1968-2019)

Born and raised in Woodbury, NJ, where he began his Karate training in 1986 under Sensei Victor Castagna. Upon the closing of his home dojo in 1989, he became a direct student of Shihan Ric Pascetta. After a nearly 6 year break in training, he once again resumed his studies under Shihan Pascetta, until the birth of his first daughter in 1999. In 2007, he returned to Karate under Sensei Mark Moore, finding  his new and permanent home in April, 2008 at Austino's Goju. In February, 2012, Master John R. Austino, Jr. promoted Scott to the rank of Shodan. In 2019 he was posthumously promoted to 2nd Dan.

Scott was a loving and caring husband and father.  He was the agency owner of Allstate-The Sileo Agency LLC in Williamstown for 15 years. He was a proud member of several career interest groups, including the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce. Scott enjoyed traveling, exploring the City of Philadelphia, the Minnesota Vikings, music of the band Kansas, many trips to Walt Disney World, and Goju-ryu Karate which he was a black belt and Sensei.