Soki Baize

[Beerman86GT]

Just got a sledge hammer to my heart........



In 1984 I decided I wanted to take Karate lessons. My mother signed me up to Baize Martial Arts. I continued my training there until Highschool in 1991. In which time I obtained a first degree black belt.


The teacher, David Okawa Baize, born Okinawa Japan was the teacher. This guy was built like Bolo Young (the guy Van Damm always fights in his movies) and lightning fast. Fast forward to this year when my 10 year old son wants to quit baseball and get his black belt like dad. We go down and talk with my old teacher and we get started. It was a few classes in before Logan (my son) ever got to see him in action. Now 56, he was faster than ever, and now carrying the rank of Grand Master! No telling how many students he has had since 1973. We pull up tonight to class to an empty parking lot.........




One if the Sensei's comes out to inform us that Soki passed away yesterday afternoon.


I could not help but break down. A true teacher of the art, and a great man, when I showed up the first time with Logan, he remembered me right off the bat, and we shared a laugh about old times.



RIP Soki Baize, you will never be forgotten.


Your student John Bierman 1984-1991.

[tinkey61]

sorry to hear of your loss john.

[daracboy82]

RIP Soki Baize:pray:

[Crossthreaded]

So sorry to hear this man. :pray: sent from the Eller family. Anything I can do to help, just let me know.

[Mustang Leo]

Man sorry to hear of this loss. Prayers sent:pray:

[Notch93]

Sorry to hear of your loss.:sad1:

[Yard Dawg]

Sorry to hear.
Sounds like he left quite a legacy.

I'm sure you will keep his memory/lessons alive.

[1992vert]

Wow, sorry to hear this JB...56 and in great shape, what happened??

[Beerman86GT]

Sorry to hear.
Sounds like he left quite a legacy.

I'm sure you will keep his memory/lessons alive.

I sure will Steve.:yes1: He was a great man. A small peice from the local paper today....


Baize was the owner of Baize Martial Arts Studio at 388 Warfield Boulevard. The studio has been in operation since 1973 and was the first martial arts studio in Clarksville, according to Leaf-Chronicle archives.
Baize had practiced martial arts since he was 10 years old and was a grandmaster. He was president and founder of The United Bujutso Federation. He was known for creating the martial art Kami Bushi Kai, according to the UBF website.
Baize was known by many in the community for having worked as detective at the Clarksville Police Department. He was also a retired Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reserve deputy for criminal investigations, according to MCSO and CPD officials.


Thanks everyone, my son and myself just returned from a memorial service at the Dojo. It was pretty rough, on top of my little man being upset, his two sons (whom I've known since they were my sons age) and two step daughters (whom I went to school with) and of all of the old students like myself that were there, I got a little misty eyed to say the least.


His Brother, also a Martial Arts Insructor, is moving up from Memphis to take over the shool along with Soke's two sons.




PM sent Troy.

[squeaky89lx]

sorry for ur loss and my prayers go out to his family :pray: