SENSEI
Those who made the road
before
James Chapman
Isshinryu lineage: Tatsuo Shimabukuro >
Don Nagle >
James Chapman
 James
A. Chapman began his study of Isshinryu Karate under Master Don
Nagle in May of 1958. He attained the rank of Sho-Dan in the near
record time of fourteen months which was awarded him in July of
1959. Soon after his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, he went
to Jersey City and became a partner in the association of Master
Nagle. His training in karate progressed favorably under Master
Nagle and he received the rank of Ni-Dan in March of 1960.
By the time he left Jersey City in October of 1960,
he had attained the rank of San-Dan. He moved to Chicago where he
opened a karate school in Chicago. He returned to Jersey City
frequently for additional training and, in September of 1962, was
promoted to the rank of Yo-Dan.
Sensei Chapman opened the Academy of Martial Arts,
his second school, in Aurora, Illinois in February of 1963. In
addition, he later had schools in DeKalb and Joliet under his
direction.
Through countless participation in tournaments,
Sensei Chapman proved to be an able and spirited competitor. He won
third place in the "First World Karate Tournament" in 1963. His
students were likewise known for their fine tournament
participation. His teaching ability was well known as he had the
rare talent of developing the potential of his students to its
greatest efficiency. He was further honored by being elected
Division Director of The Society of Black Belts of America.
On May 2, 1971, Sensei James Chapman was killed in
an automobile accident. Ironically, he was on his way to the funeral
of his friend, Sensei Doug Noxon, who had also died in an automobile
accident five days earlier.
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