Randall G. Hassell

Randall G. Hassell (June 5, 1948 - August 4, 2015)[1] was the Chief Instructor for the American Shotokan Karate Alliance (ASKA), Senior Editor of Tamashii Press, President of the American JKA Karate Association (AJKA), and a Founding Fellow of the International Karate Society (IKS).

Sensei Hassell began his study of the history and philosophy of martial arts in general (and karate-do in particular) while majoring in English Literature at Washington University in St. Louis. As a member of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), Sensei Hassell began karate training in 1960, becoming one of the first Americans to pioneer Shotokan karate and later introducing it to the St. Louis, Missouri area in 1961.

Sensei Hassell later left the JKA in 1984 in order to help form an American counterpart to the JKA, the American JKA Karate Association. On 1 September 2002, he was voted and became President of the AJKA.

In November 2000, Sensei Hassell received honors from many national, state, and local dignitaries in recognition of his 40 years of dedication to Shotokan karate.

As a teacher, Sensei Hassell was known for his concentration on practical application of the fundamental principles of karate and for the application of kata techniques and principles to self-defense and kumite.

In addition to teaching at the ASKA Headquarters Dojo and at various YMCAs and school districts in the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area, Sensei Hassell oversaw the instruction and administration of thousands of students nationwide in ASKA and AJKA affiliated clubs, and traveled extensively, teaching, lecturing, and officiating.

Mr. Hassell died on August 4, 2015, at age 67.