SENSEI

Those who made the road before

James Chapman

Isshinryu lineage: Tatsuo Shimabukuro → Don Nagle → James Chapman

James A. Chapman began his study of Isshinryu Karate under Master Don Nagle in May of 1958. He attained the rank of Sho-Dan in the near record time of fourteen months which was awarded him in July of 1959. Soon after his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, he went to Jersey City and became a partner in the association of Master Nagle. His training in karate progressed favorably under Master Nagle and he received the rank of Ni-Dan in March of 1960.

By the time he left Jersey City in October of 1960, he had attained the rank of San-Dan. He moved to Chicago where he opened a karate school in Chicago. He returned to Jersey City frequently for additional training and, in September of 1962, was promoted to the rank of Yo-Dan.

Sensei Chapman opened the Academy of Martial Arts, his second school, in Aurora, Illinois in February of 1963. In addition, he later had schools in DeKalb and Joliet under his direction.

Through countless participation in tournaments, Sensei Chapman proved to be an able and spirited competitor. He won third place in the "First World Karate Tournament" in 1963. His students were likewise known for their fine tournament participation. His teaching ability was well known as he had the rare talent of developing the potential of his students to its greatest efficiency. He was further honored by being elected Division Director of The Society of Black Belts of America.

On May 2, 1971, Sensei James Chapman was killed in an automobile accident. Ironically, he was on his way to the funeral of his friend, Sensei Doug Noxon, who had also died in an automobile accident five days earlier.

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