Master Charlie Dean
From humble beginnings to humble endings, countless hours of research and application of the dynamic forces internal and external to the human mind, body and spirit. Charlie Dean began martial arts studies 40 years ago with the Korean Marines (ROK) White Horse Battalion in Vietnam, 1970. Charlie is a founding member of the DSI.
After returning to the United States, Charlie began searching for martial arts training commensurate to previous war time training. Many institutions visited found to be lacking in his specific requirements for further study.
The search took an unexpected turn when fate intervened in 1984 and through work related travel to Waynesboro, Va., Charlie met Rick Moneymaker on a job site. The young Texas engineer was immediately the target of intrigue due to a set of ‘warty’ boots (full quill ostrich) and a friendship was bonded. There were many of these extended trips to Waynesboro and Charlie was looking for weights to work out in his apartment when Rick offered up his nautilus center. This led to common interests in martial arts being recognized and being introduced to Tom Muncy and the To-Ri Martial Arts system.
From these events, real martial arts training began. Training exclusively with Tom Muncy and Rick Moneymaker, Charlie was awarded Shodan in 1985. Tom and Rick being true innovators of the arts, totally open to share with all who have the openness to learn, exposed Charlie not only to their specific styles but many greats such as Wally Jay, Remy Presas, George Dillman, Ed Hampton to mention a few.
Charlie fully comprehending the invaluable information and real foundation building research, carried this to his local Texas area finding many attracted to the beneficial training. Texas To-Ri was born. Tom and Rick were destined to make many trips to Texas.
Charlie’s work continued to consist of out-of-state travel where martial arts were ever reaching. Another chance encounter occurred in the 1988-90’s in Phoenix, Az., through an entertainer at a resort hotel.
Mike Anderson was performing and conversation during his break established another friendship.
Martial arts, eventually, was a topic. At the time Mike was studying with Mike Wall, of Robert Trias’s USKA. The excitement was abuzz after learning of Charlie’s studies and it was arranged for him to teachan introductory class at Mike Wall’s school. This resulted in several things.
The meeting of another tremendous martial artist and friend, Master Mike Wall.
An introductory mystery guest in an unmarked gi, being another tremendous martial artist, Ray Fisher. (claims I picked oh Him).
An opportunity to introduce Rick Moneymaker to the Phoenix, Az. Martial arts in future visits.
It was learned that Ray Fisher was head instructor for Tomas Conner’s TRACO International. He indicated that he would like us to present our arts to his school. This resulted in getting Rick Moneymaker to visit the area with Charlie. It was at this time that they worked with Ray, Peter Hill and Charles Stanley. Ray, eventually, founded ACS Martial Arts and the solid friendship carries on to date as a prominent, creative, contributing innovator of the Dragon Society. Charlie, personally, gained invaluable knowledge from Master Ray Fisher, who, so freely, opens his doors of knowledge to those that have the desire to learn.
The Phoenix trips continued into the 1990’s. Charlie’s personal friends, Mike and Cathy Anderson, were inspired to continue the martial arts with the sharing of their version of the arts. What began with one-on-one training in the backyard of their home, drew students to the ideas and vision. This endeavor grew to the opening of Goshin Karate and Judo Academy in October 1991. A success story that continues today.
Afforded by the fulfilling times in Phoenix, other avenues for development came in greatness. Charlie had the opportunity to work with and learn from the extraordinary, Taika Seiyu Oyata in hosted seminars.
Charlie studied and learned Tai Chi Chaun fundamentals from Master Willie Lim in Phoenix, AZ. Master Lim’s teaching aided in resolving some inherent issue to the development and generation of chi energy.
Charlie studied and learned Hsingi fundamentals from Ed Hampton in Blacksburg, Va. Ed is a phenomenal, advanced master of Hsing-I, Ba-qua and Tai Chi that far exceed what is commonly available today in the arts. His concepts and insights provided missing links that only he could fill. Ed having made several trips to Texas with his wealth of deep knowledge to share, established the Texas Energetic Movement Arts with close friend, Randy Fuller.
Throughout this period of martial arts research and development, Charlie delved into the deeper energetic and spiritual nature of the human anatomy. Technologies advanced, research aids and compiled experiences gave opportunities not available in the past and give solid credence to the application of ToriTe Jutsu and it’s development. There are answers to many unanswered questions.
There is a creator and there is a design. Small steps to understanding this design is worth the effort.
Charlie continued to promote the ideas developing in the martial arts and as Tom Muncy and Rick Moneymaker’s roles in Texas continued, there were visits to the Houston area schools of martial artists.
Charlie held seminars and taught at Houston area schools including: Al Garza’s Martial Arts, Young Brother’s Tae Kwon Do – Master David McCloskey, Karate USA – Master Mike Tucker.
It was during this period that five martial artists came together to determine how to pass on the knowledge and research that was awakening through in-depth, studies and real techniques being shared by a few dedicated martial artists. The Dragon Society International was formed. Charlie is proud of his co-founding role in the Dragon Society and of all it’s members. Tom Muncy and Rick Moneymaker are exclusively this generation’s leaders and developers to these martial arts enhancing concepts.
Charlie says, “I would not have wanted to miss knowing what we have learned for anything else in the world.”
Ranks & Certifications:
- 5th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kempo
- 5th Degree Black Belt in ToriTe Jutsu,
- 1st Degree Black Belt – Korean National Federation of Tae Kwan Do. Martial Arts
- Advanced studies include KyuSho Jitsu, Tai Chi, Hsingi and Modern Arnis
- Dragon Society member and co-founder.