Sunday, December 14, 2025 by C. Michial Jones
On December 13th, I traveled to the annual Shorei-Goju-Ryu Extravaganza. My initial intent was to be a supportive face in the audience for my friend and training brother, Tim Tucker, who was being promoted to 7th Dan. However, in the martial arts, one should always be prepared for the “Call to the Mat.”
The Style Head, Mr. Phil Morgan, approached me before the ceremony. “Do you have a gi?” he asked. As any practitioner of 49 years knows, the answer is always yes. With that, I was invited to sit on the review board for the day’s promotions.
A Council of Veterans
Sitting on that board was like looking at a living history book of Indiana karate. I found myself surrounded by high-ranking instructors from various organizations, many of whom I have walked beside since I started my journey in 1977.
There is a profound respect that exists among those of us who have stayed the path for nearly half a century. Despite the different patches on our uniforms or the varying trajectories of our organizations, we share a common language of sweat and discipline.
The Trias Line: A Study in Evolution
As a Shibu-Cho for an Okinawan organization, I found the technical demonstrations fascinating. The Shorei-Goju-Ryu system evolved through the Robert Trias lineage, and seeing their kata performed alongside my understanding of the Okinawan Gojuryu forms was enlightening.
While the “root” of the kata is the same, the Trias line has developed its own distinct “flavor”—variations in timing, tension, and application that reflect the evolution of karate in America. Observing these nuances for several hours allowed me to appreciate the diversity within the Goju family. It serves as a reminder that while the “water” may flow differently in different channels, the “source” remains the same.
The Storm and the Spirit
The event was large, and the demonstrations were exhaustive. By the time we concluded the review and celebrated the well-earned promotions, a heavy Indiana snowstorm had moved in.
The drive home was tricky, navigating the white-out conditions on the highway. As I sat behind the wheel, I realized the storm was a perfect metaphor for the past few years of my life: the visibility may be low and the path may be treacherous, but if you stay centered and keep moving, you eventually find your way home.
Conclusion
Congratulations to Kyoshi Tim Tucker on his promotion to 7th Dan. It was an honor to witness his growth and to sit among the masters of the Shorei-Goju-Ryu. My body may still be healing, and the “monster” may still be in the shadows, but on December 13th, I was exactly where I belonged—on the board, in my gi, and among my peers.
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