Karate Five Association


The early Karate Five founders started the Karate Five Dojo with the blessings and encouragement of Master Harold Long to help fulfill his vision, "to promote and teach Isshinryu to the inner city youth of Knoxville, Tennessee."  Over the years, the "original five" founders evolved, experiencing several changing of the guards as circumstances occurred.

The Karate Five Dojo was founded in 1980 by five (5) of Master Harold Long's "first generation lineage students" pictured asbove; however following his vision that he instructed us to start teaching martial arts to inner city students in 1974.

Master Harold Long was the original guiding force and highly respected mentor of Karate Five's and its efforts to continue his legacy and vision to bring martial arts training to Knoxville's inner city youth. For over 40 years, Karate Five has honored Harold Long's memory and vision through its programs and commitment to its students. In October 2008, Karate Five honored a tribute to Master Harold Long on the 10th Anniversary of his passing. Click on this link, "A Tornado Named Harold Long Came Out of Rockwood, TN - September 3, 1930"

The original five founders shown in the photo above were Melbert Lee Sr., Willie G. Wilson, Linda Wilson, William Faulkner and Fredrick Brabson Sr. These individuals represent the "original Karate Five founders"; later  the original founders expanded their membership.

Clarence Allen (Fallen Warrior) replaced Linda Wilson and John Whitehead replaced Fredrick Brabson Sr.  When Clarence Allen joined the ranks of the fallen warriors, he was replaced by Daryl Cox.

 Karate Five's Fallen Warriors:

GRANDMASTER MELBERT LEE SR.

Click this link to view Memorial

 CLARENCE ALLEN

JOHN SIMS

RICHARD STONE

Former Masters and Instructors:

Clarence Allen

Daryl Cox

Fredrick "Butch" Brabson

Sarah Martin

William Mason

Grandmaster Msarsa and Grandmaster Harold Long

K-5 1st Sanuces Ryu Tournament

Picture taken from March 25, 1987 Knoxville News Sentinel Article - (L-R) Melbert Lee Sr. and Willie Garfield Wilson

Below is a group picture from Karate Five's early days. Included in this picture are four of the original five K-5 founders.  

Top Row (L-R): Richard Stone, William Mason, Melbert Lee Sr.; Fredrick "Butch" Brabson - Front Row (L-R): Willie Garfield Wilson, Linda Wilson and Charles Allen

1987 Early Founder News!

 Closeup of the above picture

  Early Karate Five Group Team Picture

Moses Powell

Grandmaster Harold Long and Moses Powell pictured at Karate Five's 1st Sanuces Ryu Tournament (1979)

 K-5 1st Sanuces Ryu Tournament

Visit to Grandmaster Harold Long's Dojo (L-R) Maurice Msarsa, Willie Garfield Wilson, Melbert Lee Sr., and Grandmaster Harold Long