HENRY SLOMANSKI

This site is still under construction and may contain some grammatical errors. Please bear that in mind while you read this.

 This website is a little different from others, as this is personal recollections, from myself, John Burkhardt, his last surviving Shi Han Instructor. Also information from his wife and family members of Henry Slomanski, also my first instructor, Melvin L Sauer, who was Henry's number one 4^th degree Shi han instructor, people who knew him personally and other websites which will be mentioned at the end of the article. THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE, THAT MAN IS STILL ALIVE TO REMEMBER. THERE IS NOTHING MORE AMAZING THAN WHAT I AM ABOUT TO TELL YOU, OTHER THAN THOSE EVENTS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE.

After reading this information, seeing credentials, certificates, documents and photos, you have to realize that his authority was awarded by the masters. Anyone who studies the martial arts, listens to their Sensei, learns the history of their style, decorum and custom has to realize that one of the greatest masters ever, has been overlooked.

It is a great injustice to ignore what the masters created and authority and degrees awarded to Henry. To not acknowledge this is to ignore your masters, their decisions and the history of karate.

So you can have an understanding of how great Henry was, we have included a link entitled: "Henry's Unique Accomplishments" that explains some of the things that made him unique, that were told to me and documented in other websites.

LAME AND KILL MATCHES

Now we are going to talk about what took place at the Lame and Kill Matches. I know from instructors who were participants in the matches that Henry started as a 4^th degree under Chitose and Yamaguchi. As the matches progressed the lower belts were eliminated. By the time Henry started matching, they were all 4^th degrees, and needless to say, the very best in the world.

Most likely the majority of the remaining opponents were trained by the two Masters who stood before them, Yamaguchi and Chitose. As I was told by Melvin, Slomanski started matching and defeating all he faced on his first day. I know this sounds familiar as it has been done very well by other websites, (to check for further info, go to “Hank Slomanski” and see “Was Elvis Really A Black Belt” by Al Tracy or any website with “Hank Slomanski”). However, this is first hand knowledge from my instructor, a participant. By the second day he had been severely injured with 6 cracked ribs. I personally have suffered cracked ribs, it is extremely painful and makes it very difficult to continue anything. To think of a person with 6 cracked ribs and to continue on, matching the very best that could be found on the second day is totally phenomenal. But that is exactly what he did going into the second day. As I stated, at this point there was no question that what came before him was the cream of the crop. How many participated the second day, there is no record available. We definitely know that they were the very best. It seems strange that nobody seems to know. Not even one master, student or participant has come forward with any additional information. We know from other websites and articles published by the Military that there were 119 opponents in succession that he defeated. We also know by these same references that he was given the title “World Champion” and title of Commissioner, made the third ranking belt in the world under the direct training of the two Red Belts, Chitose and Yamaguchi and received the one and only tri-colour belt. What this website is providing that was not previously reported is the credentials, certificate and documentation from Pat Slomanski.

As we talk about amazing events in history, we have to realize that these individuals were willing to put their life on the line in order to obtain the 3^rd highest ranking belt in the world. These matches were unique by today's standards. There was no protective gear worn, no rounds, they just matched until their individual match was over. No hold barred meant it was legal and expected to lame or kill. They would pluck eyes, break bones, remove vital organs or parts of the body or whatever it took to win the match. When the matches were over, all participants bowed to Henry as the highest ranking belt, other than Chitose and Yamaguchi. The matches only lasted seconds, due to the high skill level of the participants. This feat was done by one individual, one on one. The situation that he was presented with was a possibility of being lamed for life or even killed.

This event along with the person who did it should be recorded in history and never forgotten. Like the style of the martial arts that he trained under, should be handed down from instructor to student. The one event that separates Henry Slomanski from all other martial artists, is the Lame and Kill Matches that took place August, 1956. The purpose was to have one individual who stood above all other karate experts and martial arts at that time. The prize was higher than any word that you can describe in any language. That would explain or convey the honor, the accomplishment and the pride. So at the end of the matches, so many were severely injured, how many died at the matches, or resulting from the matches, we don't know. The records were not properly kept. We know that they should have been because all knew that this event was very special. We know that when the event took place the heart and soul of the Japanese were on the line. To place one of their own in the position that was available would be the most honorable feat, at that time. However, there would be a changing in the three guards who, in the old days, were the three main masters who protected the Princes and Princess of Japan. They consisted of the two red belts and their understudy, the tri-colour belt. This is important in the ranking in the Federation as all three had equal authority to award belts of the same rank up to a ^4th degree instructor. The red belts were given for their mastery in many styles not because they were founders of their own styles. These two red belts were a position in the Federation that was awarded by the Emperor. The masters in the International Karatedo Federation along with the two red belts set the rules for receiving the one and only tri-color belt which would be the understudy of the two red belts and the 3rd ranking belt in the world. This honor could only be attained by competition and winning in the Lame and Kill matches.

This day one of them was a Caucasian. His name was Henry Slomanski. He was one of the most patriotic Americans this world has ever seen. At the end of this website we delve more deeply into his patriotism and service to his country, along with his devotion to God. Knowing his accomplishments was a tremendous surprise to the Japanese people, both tears and pride were in the air. As the man was trained by the two great masters of that time period. G Yamaguchi and T Chitose. Remember that Henry was taking various martial arts training since the 1940's. There were events in that time period that occurred in the dojos of Japan in which Henry participated. Word soon spread that he was the toughest and best of them all. In a considerably short time, his fame spread through the karate arena like a wildfire. It was not long before the information got back to Chitose and he invited Henry to train directly under him. This situation never happened before, or since. Not only was Chitose a master of the styles of karate that he taught, but he was a master at observing potential greatness, and he knew what was about to happen in the very near future in the Federation. Both he and Yamaguchi knew it would be necessary to make a change in the guard, as an opening would soon be available.

Now the matches are over and all present bowed to the winner, Henry. He now has the tri-colour belt, has the rank of 5^th degree and is the 3^rd ranking belt in the world, under the two red belts.

The 5^th degree that was bestowed upon him was in Goju ryu and Kempo. Both which were studied and taught by the two masters who oversaw the matches. Although his 5^th degree was awarded in Kempo Karatedo by Chitose, there was also a blend of Chito ryu incorporated into Slomanski's rank at that time period. It came under Zen Nihon Karate do Renmei which stands for All Japan Karatedo Federation and there was no mention of Chito Ryu on the Crest. It appeared on the crest in the mid 60s, The Chito Ryu style was not sanctioned by the Emperor until circa 1958 - 1960. You could not award a 4th degree in Chito Ryu before 1958. It had to be in Kempo Karate Do if it was issued by Chitose. Thus When you speak of M. Tsurvoka of Canada or W. Dometrich of the United States, you can see why they had not received their 4th degree untill the middle of the 60's. Anybody who received a 4th degree before 1958 in Chito Ryu wasn't legitimate and could not be recognized, unless it was issued by Henry Slomanski, Chitose or Yamaguchi. It had to be issued under Kempo Karate Do in which Chito Ryu was blended. He incorporated all the styles he had learned from the masters, that along with his tremendous ability, determination and heart is why he won the matches.

The matches are no more---but it was the dream of all Henry's 4^th degree belts, including me, to someday have the opportunity to participate and win.

OK, here we go. The documents that you are about to see have not seen daylight in over 50 years.

CLICK HERE PHOTOS

It is important to note that everything comes under the International Karatedo Federation of Japan. The masters who governed the organization set the rules. The 4^th degree instructor's license is the highest ranking belt that could be issued by the organization and the masters thereof. That would include Henry Slomanski. Nobody in this organization had the authority that would include Yamaguchi and Chitose to issue above that degree. The highest ranking belt that could be received in the organization is a 5^th degree black belt and the only way to obtain that rank would be to participate at the lame and kill matches which were held in the beginning of August, 1956, and win. All the top ranking belts in the world participated. The grand prize was the 5^th degree, which was awarded to Henry Slomanski. The degree was awarded in many different styles. The reason the 5^th degree was the highest given is because it was the rank Funakoshi held. Anything above that would have meant dishonoring him. To be the equal rank of him was the highest honor that could be bestowed on anyone at this time. Henry 's authority consisted of being able to issue a 4^th degree black belt to anyone, anywhere in the world. He was the Commissioner of the United States and surrounding territories. The same authority came under all masters in the above organization.

Where the confusion comes in, when you see higher ranking belts than the 4^th degree, is because they were issued by different masters who are founders of their own style. Such as Yamaguchi in Goju ryu and Chitose in Chito ryu. Another example is Peter Urban, who according to my instructor, was a participant in the matches and came out a 4^th degree. Keep in mind he could never go higher than a 4^th degree in that style. In order to go higher, he founded his own style and achieved higher rank. Under the Federation as it was when Henry obtained his 5^th degree, it was not the rank that you held, but the position that was bestowed. In this case, it was the 3^rd ranking belt in the world under the two red belts who were ranked #1 and #2 in the International Karatedo Federation of Japan. Also received was the tri-colour belt, which meant he would succeed if one of the red belts died. Founders of their own styles had unlimited powers and could do as they felt, unlike existing under the regulations set forth by the Federation. An example: Chitose was the founder of Chito ryu, as such he was a 10^th degree red belt, which was the highest you could go. His authority was unlimited. It is an automatic for a son to become Soke and take over the organization upon his father's death. A prime example is the 6^th degree that was awarded to Henry by Chitose under only Chito ryu which meant that any belts issued by him had to be sanctioned by Chitose. That's why his 5^th degree is under more than one style under the Federation, and the belts he awarded did not have to be sanctioned because of this authority. His authority under the Federation for issuing belts was the same as the two red belts. It is important to note that when the matches reopen, because of the death of one of the three masters, Yamaguchi, Chitose or Slomanski, that it makes no difference what your rank is, you are matching for a position in the Federation, which would be the third ranking belt in the world. There was no one in the world who could be promoted above Henry Slomanski, for his accomplishments and what was awarded to him by the masters at that time. In the aforementioned two styles, promotional ranks were unlimited as high as those individual masters wanted to award in their individual style. Under Slomanski which included their styles and also Kempo which dealt with full contact and many different styles, 4^th degree was the highest that could be awarded. These were the rules that were set by the masters under the International Karatedo Federation of Japan. The only way to go higher was if one of the three masters, Yamaguchi, Chitose or Slomanski died and the matches were reopened. Once again depending on who died, in the case of one of the red belts, Slomanski would move into that position. The matches would be opened to all 4^th degree black belts, most likely in the styles of the masters mentioned. To give an example, when Chitose died in 1984 Slomanski would have moved into his position as #2 ranking belt in the world, along side Yamaguchi. The matches would have been open and all belts that were 4^th degree and above would have been invited. There could be higher ranking belts at the matches under Chito ryu, that were issued by Chitose or Goju ryu that were issued by Yamaguchi. Those ranks whatever they would be, would not mean any more than the 4^th degree. If it was any higher rank than a a 4^th degree, it would have been a contradiction to rules set by the masters (that would include Yamaguchi and Chitose) at that time for that position. This would be for the 3^rd place in the world under those masters. Henry would be the 2^nd highest belt in the world. We know by the credentials shown on this website that his title gave him unlimited authority. His papers show that he had the authority under the Golden Fist Chief Examiner's badge. This would now be in play. He would be in the position where he makes decisions at the Lame and Kill matches.

Now the winner of the matches becomes the third ranking belt in the world, and sitting before him would be Yamaguchi, #1 and Slomanski, #2, the two top ranking belts in the world. In 1989 Yamaguchi died. Once again the matches are open to anyone who is a 4^th degree black belt., The key to this is the 4^th degree black belt is the top rank that can be awarded by Slomanski and also the Federation which takes in the masters. Let me restate the four masters on Henry's certificate who conveyed this authority. They are: Gichin Funakoshi, Juhatso Kyoda, Tsuyoshi Chitose and Gogen Yamaguchi. They are the International Karatedo Federation of Japan. They are the source of the power, authority, rules and regulations that were conveyed to Henry when he became Commissioner and awarded the tri-colour belt. Although the original masters are now deceased it is important that their legacy is followed by decorum and custom. To not do so, would be a great dishonor. Keep in mind, you can't be forgotten because of death. If that was the case, there would be no history of the martial arts. All masters, including Henry, should always be remembered with great respect and honor.

OK, the matches are open again. Who do you think moves to #1 position? The way it was organized by the masters mentioned above and the authority granted by them, none other than the Commissioner, Henry Slomanski. So in 1989 he becomes the #1 ranking belt in the world under the International Karatedo Federation of Japan. #3 becomes #2 and the winner of the matches becomes #3 in the world. Henry has risen from tri-colour belt understudy, to #2 and then #1 ranking belt in the world.. (This is the way it should have been!!! and should be, he wasn't killed in Viet Nam and didn't resign.)

CHITO RYU STYLE

Now let's speak a little about Chito ryu. Chito ryu was a hybrid of Goju ryu and Shorin ryu. We know that Slomanski's Commissionership gave him authority to issue 4^th degree instructor's license in different styles. One was Goju ryu and the other was Chito ryu. He combined styles and incorporated both in his teachings. Once Chitose developed his own style of Chito ryu, his authority to award belts, in his own style, was unlimited. It becomes a little difficult to understand why he wanted to break away from the International Karatedo Federation of Japan, that was set up by the masters in 1956. But it is easy to see why he formed his own style of Chito ryu. The original that Slomanski was trained and then taught his students was with the Kempo, the Goju ryu and combinations of Chito ryu. It was full body contact style karate, with a breathing exercise that was used for absorbing full power punches and kicks. I am sure that Chitose realized that this would be a difficult style to promote, so he changed from the Kempo, full body contact that he taught to Slomanski. Henry remained loyal to the “old style” he was taught in the 1950's by the masters. Chitose knew that the majority of the people were not willing to accept the “old style”. With his style of Chito ryu there was no full body contact, no “ki” or internal power to absorb full power kick and punches and the Lame and Kill matches were eliminated. After changes were made, they tried to down play Henry's part in Karate history. Impossible to do, as people still want to know the entire story.

This was an opportunity for Chitose to commercialize and promote a style that was acceptable to anybody. Keep in mind that Slomanski's style was limited to a small percentage of individuals.

Since the explanation for training is complicated, we are going to go back to Japan in the early '50's where Henry and other students were being trained. You have to remember Henry was learning as many techniques as he could in the martial arts. Also he was never defeated. He won matches in all the different dojos he attended. The important point here is that Chitose found Henry and asked Henry to train under him and his organization (the International Karatedo Federation of Japan). Of course this would include training with the other masters. This is where the real training begins—real organization , real masters. Other students are being trained also. Many things are taking place at this time in Japan.

The type of training Henry received along with other students was not the Chito ryu we recognize today. It was a blend of styles which technically should be called “Slo ryu” (Slomanski style) as this is the style he was taught, modified and taught his students. Chitose was not teaching only Chito ryu at this time, he was teaching Kempo, Goju ryu and forms of Chito ryu. Yamaguchi and Funakoshi were also teaching the blended styles. It's hard to believe that Chitose was teaching only Chito ryu at that time, when you look at Henry's credentials. That came later. It is important to note there was no mention of Chito ryu on any patch or insignia at that time.

Now we've learned what Henry learned and was teaching his instructors. We now know it is not just Chito ryu but a blend of styles. We also know this was recognized by the masters and none of Henry's belts had to be sanctioned.

Now we have two masters starting and commercializing their own styles. The only person who is teaching under the “old style” which was taught to him by the masters under the original Federation , is Henry. Under the Federation the only people authorized to give out 4^th degree instructor's licenses are the two red belts, Yamaguchi and Chitose and Henry Slomanski, who is now wearing the tri-colour belt.

Now that Yamaguchi and Chitose have started their own styles, the only way to receive the “old style” training under the Federation is at the three military bases: Ft Campbell, Ft Benning & Ft Bragg, whose classes are under Henry's control and are staffed by Henry's instructors. Keep in mind that Slomanski's style was limited to a small percentage of individuals. They were the very best in the world, in all four branches of the service. Realizing that all of the very top branches who were trained in guerrilla warfare had to be Jump School qualified. We are talking about the Navy Seals, the Air Commandos and of course, the Army Special Forces. Keep in mind that the very first class of the Navy Seals was trained by Henry. Their paths would cross and some of them would have the opportunity to be trained by the very best in the world, Henry Slomanski. This is the same path that one of Henry's students, Ed Parker chose for Elvis Presley.

6TH DEGREE AWARDED IN ONLY CHITO RYU

Now we have explained the difference in styles. 
In 1960 Chitose promoted Henry Slomanski to a Rokudan, 6^th degree with the authority
to promote up to a Godan, 5^th degree Shi-han Instructor in Chito ryu. (Chito ryu or any style that is associated with Chitose). Nobody in the world had that authority at that time, except for Chitose. Why did Chitose promote Henry to a Rokudan?

First of all, something happened in Japan that never happened before. Chitose sought out the very best student and asked Henry to train under him, not the other way around. What Chitose was looking for at that time was a student that had the ability to participate in the Lame and Kill matches that would be held in the near future. This was a full contact, no holds barred competition. Although he was training other students in different techniques, what he was looking for was the “ultimate” student, who could participate in the matches and win using Chitose's name as his master instructor.

Second, Chitose was a founding member of the International Karate do Federation of Japan, and had not yet broken away to start his own style. He came under all the Federation's rules. He honored all rank and belts awarded by the Federation, including everything won at the Lame and Kill matches.

Third, when Chitose decided to establish himself as a separate style and become the head of it, he still held Henry in the highest regard and honored him for his achievements. His personal code and honor would not allow him to promote anyone over Henry. How could he? It would be a dishonor to both of them after Henry's accomplishments at the matches.

So the questions is, if you are taking Chito ryu (or any style of Chito karate) today, keep in mind Henry was a Rokudan degree in 1960. You should ask your instructor or their instructor, what rank they were at that time. This would exclude Chitose. Then you would know how important it is to put Henry in his proper place in history.

It couldn't be justified to give it to somebody else due to Henry accomplishments at the Lame and Kill matches and Chitose knew that.

In conclusion, Henry was always Chitose's number one choice. You have to keep in mind that Chitose was a red belt when he awarded Henry the tri colour belt and upon Chitose's death, Henry would have inherited the red belt that Chitose wore. End of story.

RUEMANN – DIFFERENCE IN 4TH AND 5TH DEGREE

I will give a prime example. Wallace Ruemann received his 4^th degree instructor's license from Slomanski in the “old style”. He received his Godan, 5^th degree, Shi han from Slomanski in Chito ryu, the way it is taught today, and it had to be sanctioned by Chitose. Chitose would never have recognized his 5^th degree in Chito ryu if he didn't recognize his 4^th degree that was issued by Henry in Chito ryu and did not have to be sanctioned by anyone. You don't have to be a genius to figure out the difference.

TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY

I kept in touch with Melvin Sauer and Henry Slomanski up until their deaths. It is important now that I update my site to provide more detailed information of what transpired. Melvin Sauer told me via a phone conversation that he was granted permission by Henry Slomanski to award black belts through Henry up to a 2nd degree Ni-Dan. I was happy for Melvin when I heard this information about his authority. I had no knowledge that later I would be receiving a call from Henry giving me the same authority. This authority was relayed to me; from my instructor, Henry Slomanski, to me.

CONCLUSION

To end the website there are quite a few people out there who were highly decorated, very few served in three wars. In Henry's case, WWII, Korea, and three tours in Viet Nam, and received more medals than the average person's chest is large enough to hold. You will see his achievements after he left the service where he became an Episcopal priest, a counselor and a Doctor of Cannon Law (PH D). He was a Command Sergeant Major and General Westmoreland's top aide. All these things are tremendous by themselves, but the one thing that nobody else in the world has ever accomplished and will never accomplish again is what took place on August 5, 1956 at the International Lame and Kill Matches in Japan. That was a one in a lifetime event and he won! It should always be prominent in history for those students of the martial arts and people who understand that he is a legend, that should never be forgotten. The whole purpose of this website was to be sure that he would never be forgotten for this dedication, loyalty, patriotism and unique accomplishments. More things will become evident as other people make contributions to this website.

In the future Pat Slomanski will be publishing a book on Henry's entire life. She will have more information from me, Henry's four daughters, her own two children and his commitments and service after the Army. Any information from anyone who served, knew or dealt with Henry would be appreciated and can be sent to the address listed on this website. All information will be forwarded to Pat Slomanski.

ALSO SHOWN IS PHOTO OF PAT AND HENRY.....

SPECIAL THANKS TO PAT SLOMANSKI FOR ALL THE HELP AND INFORMATION SHE SUPPLIED. ESPECIALLY CERTIFICATES, THAT NO ONE HAD SEEN FOR 50 YEARS.

HENRY DEDICATING HIMSELF TO THE LORD.

Special thanks to: 

Rune Ingebrigtsen, information, website & one of the most knowledgeable people in the martial arts world

Al Tracy, information and websites

Don Schmidt, information and website

Peter Guralnick & Ernst Jorgensen “ Elvis Day by Day”, certificates

Elaine Hires, Research

Judy Burkhardt, wife—Research

Lester Whinna, 4th degree Shi Han Black Belt, Senior Master instructor with the title of Han Shi, in Slo Ryu, research and graphics

Michael Sauer, for photos and information regarding Melvin Sauer

Alyssa Whinna for research & graphics

DANEEN WHINNA, FIRST WOMAN TO EVER RECEIVE A SENIOR GRADE BLUE BELT AND A SENIOR GRADE GREEN BELT IN THIS STYLE.

Jonathon(Tex) Schultz -- Webmaster

This site is © Copyright Pegasus Systems 2007-2009, All Rights Reserved