Conaway earns ninth degree black-belt Grand Master status
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Master Al Conaway, a resident of South Salem, was recently promoted to the very high rank of ninth degree black-belt Grand Master before a packed house attending the ceremony at the Bushi-Do Karate School.
Conaway has achieved the second-highest rank in karate in the world.
Conaway founded the Bushi-Do Karate School in 1964 in Greenfield, then moved it to Washington Court House. After he moved the school to Hillsboro, his career began to gain state and national notoriety.
In 1976, Master Conaway held his first Buckeye State Karate Grand Championships tournament with the help of his wife, Janet, who holds a black belt rank. The tournament was held for the next 10 years, drawing competitors from all over midwestern America. One year, there
were seven of the top 10 black belt competitors of mid-America there competing for the prestigious title. National magazine Official Karate covered the huge event every year.
The noted Master was recognized as one of 190 men from all over the world singled out in the book "Founders, Masters and Leaders of the
Martial Arts" in 1983. In 1985, the United States Congressional Records report that Master Conaway was given tribute as a "legend" of
the Ohio martial arts scene. Earlier that year, Master Conaway was inducted into the International Karate Hall of Fame in Cleveland before 3,800 people.
Master Conaway retired from his instructor's duties in 1986, telling his students, "I've had many exceptional, rewarding years. I really don't know what else I can do, so you 70-some black belts I've personally trained can carry on with the knowledge I've given you."
Conaway continues to assist with belt-testing and promotions and will instruct at seminaries upon request.[[In-content Ad]]
Conaway has achieved the second-highest rank in karate in the world.
Conaway founded the Bushi-Do Karate School in 1964 in Greenfield, then moved it to Washington Court House. After he moved the school to Hillsboro, his career began to gain state and national notoriety.
In 1976, Master Conaway held his first Buckeye State Karate Grand Championships tournament with the help of his wife, Janet, who holds a black belt rank. The tournament was held for the next 10 years, drawing competitors from all over midwestern America. One year, there
were seven of the top 10 black belt competitors of mid-America there competing for the prestigious title. National magazine Official Karate covered the huge event every year.
The noted Master was recognized as one of 190 men from all over the world singled out in the book "Founders, Masters and Leaders of the
Martial Arts" in 1983. In 1985, the United States Congressional Records report that Master Conaway was given tribute as a "legend" of
the Ohio martial arts scene. Earlier that year, Master Conaway was inducted into the International Karate Hall of Fame in Cleveland before 3,800 people.
Master Conaway retired from his instructor's duties in 1986, telling his students, "I've had many exceptional, rewarding years. I really don't know what else I can do, so you 70-some black belts I've personally trained can carry on with the knowledge I've given you."
Conaway continues to assist with belt-testing and promotions and will instruct at seminaries upon request.[[In-content Ad]]