In Memory Of

Master Wheeler was a husband, father, friend, master of Isshinryu Karate and devoted Christian. He was a man of great wisdom, abilities, humor and humility. Physically he was very strong. Many of us can tell you stories of his many feats of strength; from driving nails into wood blocks with his hands to placing the back of his head on one chair and his heals on the other, having three men stand on him all while staying completely horizontal.

He was a student of Master Long but also studied under some of the biggest martial arts names in the country, like Walley Jay, Joe Lewis, Rick Moneymaker, George Dillman, Bill Wallace and many more. He was a pioneer into the application of pressure points and their utilization in the martial arts, specifically Isshinryu. He was a former President of the International Isshinryu Karate Association and of course he was the founder of the Okinawan Karate Do Union. He was the recipient of numerous awards and was the author of many books which he hoped would help us understand the beauty of his art. He was also a man who was loved by his community and all those who knew him. It was an honor to meet him and a greater honor to know him and call him my friend and master.

Master Wheeler passed on leaving a legacy of students and instructors who will strive to maintain a devotion to each other, our Creator and to the OKU in a manner that would make him proud.

Thank you Master Wheeler, for the teaching, for the fun, for your love, for your wisdom and for the many many happy memories.

We will miss you!