On July 4th, 2024, the martial arts misplaced Grandmaster Ron French, a black belt chief whose affect impacted generations.
Grandmaster French earned his 1st diploma black belt on November 4, 1995, from Mile Excessive Karate in Denver, Colorado. He served as an authorized NASKA (North American Sport Karate Affiliation) choose, Prep Cycle Coordinator and CDT Grasp Teacher, and in addition educated with David Cox within the arts of jujitsu, knife protection and stick preventing. He continued to show, prepare and encourage all through his life, finally incomes the rank of ninth diploma black belt.
Complementing his ardour for martial arts, Grandmaster French’s 50-year profession in regulation enforcement included work as a police officer in Chicago, in addition to service with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Division, as Shift Commander CO III on the Colorado Division of Corrections, and on the board of Westwood School’s Prison Justice Program.
An ever-present determine within the colleges and at exams and tournaments, Grandmaster French is remembered for his ardour within the karate group. “A form soul.” “A fantastic man and mentor.” “A brilliant position mannequin for therefore many.” These are just some of the quotes from college students following his passing.
“Grasp French was a grasp at combining toughness with compassion and reaching right into a pupil’s coronary heart to encourage and produce out the most effective in them,” stated Roger Dean. “He was an exceptional man. He actually helped me construct my confidence in my few interactions with him. His ardour and love for the individuals round him might be missed,” stated Peyton Tjeerdsma.
Ripple Impact Martial Arts has been honored to have Grandmaster French as a guiding presence in our colleges, at tournaments and at black belt testing weekends. His invaluable knowledge and help have impressed a whole bunch of black belts younger and outdated, together with our personal Grasp Greg Macy, whose sixth diploma black belt was tied on by Grandmaster French in November 2023. His legacy continues to encourage. Thanks Grandmaster French. You’ll by no means be forgotten.
