One Of The World’s Highest Ranking Karate Masters Just So Happens To Be A Member Of Mensa
Thanks for stopping by again today.
I haven’t posted as regularly as I normally do during the last couple of weeks due to an increased work and travel schedule, but trust me when I say that you were always on my mind!
Just reading today’s subject line and you know I’m up to something, right?!
So what does Karate have to do with Mensa?
Well, if you happen to be Grand Master Sam Pearson that would be a whole lot to be proud of.
First off, you might have heard of Mensa, but so far didn’t really know what they are all about. Let me enlighten you:
Mensa, the high IQ society, provides a forum for intellectual exchange among its members.
There are members in more than 100 countries around the world.
Activities include the exchange of ideas through lectures, discussions, journals, special-interest groups, and local, regional, national and international gatherings; the investigations of members’ opinions and attitudes; and assistance to researchers, inside and outside Mensa, in projects dealing with intelligence or Mensa.
Mensa is open to persons who have attained a score within the upper two percent of the general population on an approved intelligence test that has been properly administered and supervised.
One of their members is Sam Pearson.
And I will be honest with you: Until this morning I hadn’t heard of him myself.
Grand Master SamPearson is THE man who brought martial arts to the East Carolina town of New Bern in the early 70s.
You have to know that even at the age of 74 he is still a force to reckon with and still works out at the Twin Rivers YMCA.
Sam Pearson was born in 1936. After being raised by his granny in Florida, he was returned to his mom, who according to his own recollection, was on her third husband by then.
His father didn’t play much of role in his upbringing and so as a 17-year old he looked for direction in the outside world.
Thus, in 1953, wanting to change his life and find that direction he was missing, Sam Pearson joined the no-nonsense U.S. Marines who are known till today for promising their recruits a rough time. A promise made is a promise kept.
Nobody else from his high school at the time joined the Marines. His USMC career would last 20 years.
During a tour in Vietnam he was exposed to the devastating Agent Orange which was used to kill the vegatation so the Viet Cong couldn’t hide in it. Only problem was that our guys were affected by it which was denied by government authorities for way too long.
Like what happened to so many servicemen, the exposure broke down his immune system, causing all kinds of debillitating ailments.
Sam Pearson has battled numerous ailments such as PTSD, diabetes and high blood pressure and even Parkinson’s disease.
Only 3 years ago during a short period, everything seemed to be breaking down, including severly painful shingles across his face.
Things looked very bleak and robbed him of his joy of life. But somehow things turned around and he is doing a lot better today.
Way back in 1974, he introduced martial arts to New Bern, NC.
The current head instructor is his former student and New Bern policeman Ronnie Lovick who is a 7th degree black belt.
During the early 70s, karate and other martial arts started to become really popular in the United States after many servicemen returned from Asia.
The school was operated at several locations. During the daytime Sam Pearson worked as head of security of a shopping mall.
He ensured that all of his students were worthy of pursuing the martial arts. He looked for honest and dedicated individuals who also did not smoke or drink.
Counting the years that he instructed in the Marines, Sam Pearson has probably taught more than 2,000 students over almost 50 years.
Besides all his great accomplishments, Sam Pearson is most proud of the fact that he is a member in Mensa, the international IQ-society.
Semper Fi, Sam Pearson!
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15 Comments to One Of The World’s Highest Ranking Karate Masters Just So Happens To Be A Member Of Mensa
A very reputable man, I’m glad to hear he is on the mend.
What’s with the ‘world’s highest ranking black belt’ part though.
Sam looks like a no-nonsense kind of guy, and has probably seen more in his lifetime than five people see in their lifetimes. Inspirational story.
TigerJanuary 21, 2011
Very reputable indeed, Matt.
‘World’s highest ranking black belt’ should have read, as Sam Pearson is a red belt (9th dan), ‘one of the world’s highest ranking karate masters’.
Headline has been updated.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Matt.
TigerJanuary 21, 2011
Matt,
I totally agree. That’s exactly how I saw it when I heard about Sam Pearson.
Always good to hear from you, Matt.
Mensa is where it’s at. I recommend anyone who thinks they can get in to try.
Thank you for taking the time to post this informatio about Sensei. I am one of his students of 25+ years and it is good to see that he is still being recognized for his efforts. Sensei while not necessarly a modest man, is very reserved when it comes to his accomplishments. He is far more comfortable speaking about those of his students. My hope is that I can provide the positive impact on so many lives as he has done through martial arts.
Kindest regards,
Butch Bonner
I wish him all the best, it’s such a shame that the government has tried to avoid the obvious. Thank you for posting…
Anthony
It’s great to see such great words spoken about Sensei Pearson! I haven’t got to know him very well, but for three years I’ve trained under one of his students, Sensei Ronnie Lovick, in New Bern, NC. Our school continues to teach and promote in a more traditional manner, and I am extremely blessed to be part of Sensei Pearson’s Karate family!
I hope that everyone share my joy is seeing my instructor, Master Sam Person again on the web. He has taught many the art of Karate. He is indeed a Master who respects his teachers. I walk closely with my instructor and understands his views about the art. I have been training under Master pearson since 1981, in the city of New Bern N.C. I have traveled several states promoting the art and continue to do the same. Sensei Scott Warren and I (RONNIE LOVICK)presently heads up the Battle Of Carolinas Karate tournament. I was happy to provide some of you the New view of Master Pearson on this new page.
If you want more about Master Pearson and want to be part of the up coming promotions about the Master contact me at 252-671-0089 or 252-672-4241
Your trustworthy student
Ronnie Lovick
TigerApril 26, 2011
Thank you so much for writing in, Sensei.
It is truly a pleasure and an honor.
New Bern will definitely be one of my future NC travel destinations.
Hope to stay in touch.
Again, thank you for writing in.
TigerApril 26, 2011
You are very fortunate to have trained under Sensei Ronnie Lovick to whom Sensei Pearson passed the torch.
Very cool!
Thanks for your comments, Jeff.
Paul MaynardMay 8, 2011
Sensei Sam Pearson is a great man indeed! I have the honor of training under one of his students, Sensei Ronnie Lovick, when I am off school at NCSU, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to train under a student of Sensei Pearson…I have learned a great deal. I have heard many great things about Sensei Pearson and am glad that I can be a part of his karate Family!
Paul ElmoreMay 10, 2011
I have had the honor of meeting Master Pearson, for the first time, last year at the Thanksgiving Classic; and again at this very tournament. I too train under one of his senior students, Sensei Ronnie Lovick, and am honored to study and learn at the New Bern Bushido School of Martial Arts. I have learned quite a bit more than just the art of Karate; we are also taught lessons in life. It is an honor to have met and to know Master Sam Pearson.
David HarrisFebruary 6, 2012
Resuming my training after 22 years. Never too late.
TigerFebruary 6, 2012
That’s awesome, David.
Congrats!
Thanks for writing in and I wish you lots of fun training.
Keep me posted if you like about style, instructors, experiences etc.
Thanks again.
January 20, 2011