On February 28, 2009 internationally known Grand Master Dr. Austin Wright Sr., Ph.D. Ma.D.Sc. And The U.S National Martial Arts NJ Team “Alliance” National Champions were inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame held at the Ramada Inn, Jamaica Queens, NY. Inductees are UWA Martial Arts Top Rated Athletes Competitors and Leaders who were among the “Rising Stars” at the Banquet. UWA Champions won numerous State, Regional and National Championships in 2008 in categories such as Full/Semi Contact Point Sparring, Weapons, Forms, Ju-Jitsu, Self-Defense, Breaking, Creative and Musical Forms.
Austin Wright Sr. (Bayonne, NJ) who is now a Famous Internationally recognized Grandmaster Marital Arts Leader, and a three Times Gold Medalist at World Game Trelawney, Jamaica 2005 who specializes in Personal Protection Family Safety and World Class Team Competition Training.
Master Eddie Calla (Staten Island, NY) of the Go-Ju system stated in his testimony “I remember Austin Wright in the 1980’s as a “Superb Fighting Technician” and a Force to be reckoned with”. I remember when we fought; there were no hand pads, no head gear, and a lot of tape, blood and glory (Old School).”
Professor Kenneth Worthy (Queens, NY) Sugar-Ryu Dojo stated we are the future positive role models for our students and the martial arts community. He also gave credit to Dr. Austin Wright, Dr. Jim Thomas, Master Sup Burges and all in attendance for supporting the Martial Arts Alliance.
At the Hall of Fame Dinner Wright’s First testimony was, he gives the Glory to Christ, his Lord and Savior. Wright stated “A Black Belt is a White Belt Who Never Quit” but It’s Not be Might, nor by Power, but it is by the Spirit that we are Successful. I cannot take the credit alone, because we have great Instructors, Team Players, Leaders, and Parents networking for Higher Black Belt standards. Second, I give Honor and Respect to my father who is the “Supreme Grand Master of the Wright Family Legacy” Dennis Austin Wright Sr. who is known as “Karate’s Hands of Stone”. We (UWA Martial Arts Students) could not be the “Driving Force” that we are today without the Traditions, Knowledge and Wisdom passed down from father to son and to grandson/granddaughter. A Wright Legacy that has successfully passed down Asian Martial Arts Traditions of “Three Generations of World Champions, Training World Champions”.
Later, Dr. Wright received one of the highest awards of the night. Wright was among the first 5 Members from the United States, to head the U.S.A. Alliance International Budo Society composed of only the most Elite Martial Artist. He was one of the first Martial Artists in the Country to receive the “Budo Award”. Austin Wright was selected based upon Outstanding Achievement, Competitive Spirit, Knowledge, Ability and True Unselfishness of the Art. Wright is an accomplished Author and Kids, Teens and Adult Champions Trainer stated Dr. Jim Thomas Head coach for the U.S. National Team Alliance.
Dr. Jim Thomas initially scouted the “Wright Family “and Team Wright in 2004 to compete for his US National Martial Arts Team Alliance. At the Hall of Fame Dinner Dr. Thomas stated, “Wright operates a very successful Martial Arts Studio” and networks with other professionals and upcoming amateur Martial Artist who wish to land their success on becoming a World Class Martial Arts Champion competing for the U.S. National Team Alliance.
Martial Arts World Magazine featured Soke Austin Wright as a successful industry Leader in January 2009 Issue. In fact, Martial Arts World Magazine and Grandmaster Y.K. Kim from Orlando, Florida will induct Austin Wright Sr. and Mr. Chris Shaw Sr. who is one of UWA‘s top Black Belt and National Champion Instructor at the 2009 Martial Arts EXPO Hall of Fame Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada November 2009.
Chris Shaw Sr. (Bayonne, NJ) Who is the father of Chris Jr., were both past Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees. Mr. Shaw stated, “He has an inner feeling of accomplishment, respect and honor which was earned by winning State and National Championships, as well as being inducted as the “Outstanding Black Belt Instructor of the Year” Award for loyalty and dedication to the UWA Martial Arts Federation of America. Mr. Shaw also stated, “My son and I realize we have a purpose and destiny in the Martial Arts world under the directions of Grandmaster Dr. Wright now The International Budo Society Leader”. Like the Bible writes, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. This means my son and I have reached a goal that was only a vision less than twelve years ago. I Thank Dr.Wright for nominating my son and I for this prestigious Hall of Fame Award.
Priscilla Wright (Kearny, NJ) spoke about a daughter’s Love for her father and how future leaders should love their family and spend quality time at home as much as possible because she is going off to college this year to become a Journalist/Newscaster.
Finally, at the end of the night channel 47 TV Station, Telemundo will air UWA Martial Arts Team Wright and their success story which was recorded at the 2009 U.S.A. Martial Hall of Fame Banquet.
Inducted Hall of Fame Recipients:
Dr. Austin Wright — Budo International Award and Grand Master of the Year Award
Priscilla Y. Wright (Kearny, NJ) – Outstanding Female Competitor
Christopher C. Shaw Sr. (Bayonne, NJ) – Outstanding Black Belt Instructor of the Year
Christopher C. Shaw Jr. (Bayonne, NJ) – Jr. Black Belt Martial Artist of the Year
Liam O’Brien (Bayonne, NJ) – Outstanding Achievement Award
Gary O’Brien (Bayonne, NJ) – Most Supportive Father/Coach
Jonny O’Brien (Bayonne, NJ) – Outstanding Jr. Weapons of the year
Kenneth Jackson Jr. III (Irvington, NJ) – Over All Jr. Competitor of the Year