American's Grandmasters Council

There are martial arts organizations in the world which cater to just the very elite in the martial arts. They seldom advertise and acceptance into their inner circle is most often impossible for the average martial artist. These types of organizations often take a low profile because of their uncommon nature. One such organization which was formed in May of 1993, not only has the distinction of being America’s first grandmasters council, but also of being one of the largest and most elite grandmasters organizations in the world. It is called the World Head of Family Sokeship Council (the word “Sokeship” being a combination of the Japanese word “Soke” referring to “head of lineage” and the American word “ship” to “transport to a destination”).

The brainchild of its founder, Grandmaster Frank E. Sanchez of Guam, a Founding Member of World Black Belt Inc. who now resides in Jacksonville, Florida. The World Head of Family Sokeship Council is composed of 9th and 10th dan grandmasters and their equivalents. At the present time the Council has over 160 grandmaster members worldwide of every conceivable martial arts style and origin. Their list of members includes the likes of such martial arts legends as Masaaki Hatsumi of Japan, Yip Chun and Yip Ching of Hong Kong, Ernesto Presas of the Philippines, Adriano Emperado of Hawaii, Reylson Gracie of Brazil; and Honorary Members such as Jackie Chan, Ed Parker Jr., Rickson Gracie and Miyako Fujitani amongst others. Its membership roster at http://Bushido.org/~whfsc reads like a virtual “who’s who” of the martial arts world.

Unlike other organizations, the World Head of Family Sokeship Council grants membership solely by invitation or sponsorship only. The main purpose of the Councils’ focus is to bring communication between the different systems through its grandmasters and proliferate the growth of the martial arts through its programs. Programs such as its International Hall of Fame which honors martial artists yearly for their accomplishments; its annual seminar symposium designed to expose martial artists to the teachings of grandmasters and masters in the arts; and its newly formed Masters Division (where dues are payable yearly) designed to mentor up and coming grandmasters in the arts.

For more information on the Council and its programs, you can view their website at http://Bushido.org/~whfsc or you can contact Grandmaster Sanchez at FrankSanchez@WorldBlackBelt.com.