Hanshi John Pachivas

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John Athanas Pachivas (b. May 3, 1927 - d. February 14, 2000), was a student of the martial arts for nearly sixty years. He began teaching in the early 1950's. Pachivas is the highest ranking person (10th degree Black Belt) in Shuri-ryu karatedo in the world; title of Grandmaster. He is also the highest ranked American in Okinawan Kobudo. Grandmaster Pachivas also possessed Master degrees in; Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Kempo, Aikido, and Shotokan.

[edit] Biography

Grandmaster Hanshi John Pachivas was known as "The Father of Florida Karate"; the son of Greek immigrant parents,[1] Pachivas grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where his father was the proprietor of a Greek restaurant in downtown St. Louis. Upon completion of high school, Pachivas was offered 23 full scholarships from universities across the United States in football, baseball and basketball. While in college, Pachivas became an honored All American. In 1938 Pachivas began his formal training in wrestling, he has been inducted into many major martial arts halls of fame worldwide and most recently was inaugurated into the Hellenic AHEPA Hall of Fame. Until his death, Grandmaster Pachivas continued to be a vibrant and exciting teacher, who reminded everyone that hard physical training never stops. He’s been named “Coach of the Year” six times and traveled around the world as an Ambassador of Karate.

In 1963 Grandmaster Robert Trias invited him the Hombu Dojo in Phoenix, Arizona. This was the beginning of a special relationship that would last for the next 25 years. Hanshi Pachivas is one of just a few to be personally chosen by Master Trias to be a member of the Trias International Society. Under Grandmaster Trias, Hanshi Pachivas received the highest title within the organization. He is a Chief Instructor and now Director of the United States Karate Association International. Hanshi Pachivas holds a 5th Degree in Judo and in Jujitsu.

[edit] Students

Among his many accomplishments are his students. Three who are members of the Elite Trias International Society. They are Ridgely Abele, Twice World Kata Champion, Andy Horne, and Lori Clapper. Society members are selected on the basis of accomplishment, ability, knowledge, competitive spirit and sincere dedication to the dissemination of true Karatedo. Another of Hanshi Pachivas students whom deserves special mention is Donna Judge. Miss Judge is an eleven time and current USKA Woman’s Black Belt World Champion.