Anyone who has trained in martial arts consistently understands that it is more than just a practice; it
becomes a way of life—a reflection of how one lives. As we continue this path, we gain knowledge
and experience but also face loss. Many of us have lost teachers or mentors—figures we deeply admire.
This tribute is dedicated to four individuals who have been pivotal to my martial arts journey, three
of whom have since passed. These teachers shaped one another’s actions, forming three organizations
that have become some of the oldest and most respected martial arts institutions created in the
United States.
NKJU, UMAAI, and AGK were all formed from the SSKU (Seishin Kai Karate Union), a Japanese-
based organization. For a time, the SSKU was led by the late Kosho “Shogo” Kuniba, Soke of
Motobu-ha Shito-ryu (1935-1992). Kuniba Soke was an exceptionally talented martial artist with an
unparalleled mastery of Japanese martial arts.
Kaicho Velez and Soke Kuniba
NKJU Kaicho Richard P. Baillargeon Motobu-ha Shito-ryu. (1930-1989)
AGK Kaicho Butch Velez Goshin jitsu. Motobu-ha Shito-ryu (1946-2020)
UMAAI Soshi Hugh Kelley. Motobu-ha- Shito ryu and Kokuba Shin Ha (Present)
My first instructor was Richard Baillargeon, who taught me from 1973 to 1987. Most of us called him “Mr. B,” and he was the one who introduced me to the martial arts, teaching me the fundamentals of
karate, or kihon, including blocks, kicks, punches, kata, and kobudo. My success in martial arts is
directly tied to being Mr. B’s student, as his lessons shaped my early journey.
Years after his passing, I was fortunate to make contact with Kaicho Butch Velez, a Vietnam
veteran and an associate of Mr. B. Kaicho Velez was a master of kata application, jujutsu, kobudo,
and the traditional Chinese/Japanese healing method called shiatsu. He had a unique ability to
see how these different Japanese arts interconnected. It was through Kaicho Velez that I
trained in Goshin Budo jujutsu and began to understand the meaning of kata bunkai.
These principles and traditional values were to be an intricate part of the physical training of the martial arts. They were lacking in those times.
I have seen these principles neglected to be taught in my previous training and are still neglected in most martial arts today. This neglect of both traditions and principles is, in my opinion, the reason why martial arts are gradually on the decline.
Mr. B & Soshi Kelley
Each of these three teachers—Mr. B, Kaicho Velez, and Soshi Kelley—had their own unique skills, perspectives, and teaching styles. This was largely due to the influence of their mentor, Kosho “Shogo” Kuniba. Although I never had the honor of meeting Kuniba Soke, I am privileged to have trained under three of his most outstanding students outside of Japan. The best way I can honor their legacy is to continue refining and applying what they taught me. This is the way.
Soke Kuniba, Mr. B & Kaicho Velez
During this period, I also became a member of UMAAI, founded by Soshi Hugh Kelley. Under Soshi Kelley’s guidance, I realized how very little I truly understood about the traditional values and principles of martial arts. Soshi Kelley taught me.
Kaicho Velez Demonstrating Hanbo Techniques
In future bulletins, I will be going into the ups and downs of the martial arts and how it seems that many treat the dojo as a place for older practitioners to just talk about the old days and the younger ones are just running childcare facilities or after school programs instead of training in the principles that made the martial arts great.
Roy D. Davis III Kaicho NKJU/NKJUI Oct.2024
