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Master Allen Wheeler |
Grand Master
Allen Wheeler
10th-Dan
1919 - 2005
Master Allen Wheeler (10th degree Black Belt) was the founder of the Okinawan Karate-Do Union. Master Wheeler opened his first dojo in 1971 in Powell, Tennessee. Wheeler's School of Karate is one of the oldest continuously operating dojos in the Knoxville Tennessee area. Master Wheeler's Dojo and the Okinawan Karate-Do Union takes pride in being family oriented. Master Wheeler was the student of some great masters, was promoted to 5th dan by Master Shimabuku, and in turn has been a role model for thousands of his own students.
Master Wheeler authored and co-authored seven books on Isshinryu Karate and self-defense. His last book "Allen Wheeler - In His Own Words" is an autobiography detailing the life of an incredible master of the martial arts. He is the past president of the International Isshinryu Karate Association and the Okinawan Karate Do Union. Master Wheeler has been inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame, World Martial Art's Hall of Fame and the College of Yudansha. Twice Master Wheeler has been chosen by his peers as the Instructor of the Year.
Master Wheeler is also one of the most kind and humble persons you'll meet, yet his abilities and understanding of the martial arts was deep and thorough. Master Wheeler is accredited with building a strong Isshinryu system all across the United States.
Although for over 20years years Master Jones had been studying with Master Wheeler in conjunction with Master Smith, on December 16, 2003, two years after Master Smith's death, Master Wheeler formally accepted Master Jones as a student. That relationship continued until the time of Master Wheeler's death.
Master Wheeler was a husband, father, friend, master of Isshinryu Karate and devoted Christian. He was a man of great wisdom, abilities, humor and humility. Physically he was very strong. Many of us can tell you stories of his many feats of strength; from driving nails into wood blocks with his hands to placing the back of his head on one chair and his heals on the other, having three men stand on him all while staying completely horizontal.
He was a student of Master Long but also studied under some of the biggest martial arts names in the country, like Walley Jay, Joe Lewis, Rick Moneymaker, George Dillman, Bill Wallace and many more. He was a pioneer into the application of pressure points and their utilization in the martial arts, specifically Isshinryu. He was a former President of the International Isshinryu Karate Association and of course he was the founder of the Okinawan Karate Do Union. He was the recipient of numerous awards and was the author of many books which he hoped would help us understand the beauty of his art. He was also a man who was loved by his community and all those who knew him. It was an honor to meet him and a greater honor to know him and call him my friend and master.
Master Wheeler passed on leaving a legacy of students and instructors who will strive to maintain a devotion to each other, our Creator and to the OKU in a manner that would make him proud.
On February 9, 2005 Master Wheeler, 85, was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee , suffering from complications do to advanced diabetes. On Thursday February 10th, Master Wheeler was moved to a private room where at 10:45pm Monday February 14, 2005 he passed away quietly with his family at his side.
The funeral was held at the First Baptist Church of Powell, across the street from the Wheeler home, on Thursday February 17, 2005. Estimated attendance was in excess of one thousand family, friends, martial artist and dignitaries from around the nation. Graveside service was held the following day, Friday February 18th at the Bookwalter Cemetery, Knoxville Tennessee.
Thank
you Master Wheeler, for the teaching, for the fun, for your love, for your
wisdom and for the many many happy memories.
We will miss you!