the REN DAO Wellness Center Blog

With the passing of another outstanding human being who stretched, produced and became the best that one could be and more, we all are firmly reminded of our transitory existence and our infinite possibility to realize our true nature and fully manifest it here on this earth, in this lifetime. As humble a man he was, as furious a competitor, teacher, friend, Sensei Monroe was all Goju.

The following is taken from the initial emails send out by Sensei Raymond Fitzpatrick, founder of Nisei Goju-Jitsu, following the passing of Sensei Monroe on September 19th 2008.

It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the DEATH OF EARL MONROE, Kyoshi Sensei of Nisei Goju-Ryu. [He was] 71, Born: May 9, 1937 [and] Died: August 19, 2008.

His martial arts journey began while serving his country overseas. He studied Judo, obtaining the rank of Sho Dan, during his time with the U.S. Army in West Germany. Upon returning home, he quickly became interested in the JuJitsu taught by Theodore West, Antonio Pereira and Florendo Visitacion (all deceased). He was soon excelling in this 2nd art, eventually reaching San Dan rank.

In the mid 1960’s, Mr. West [Professor West founding member of Kyudan Federation Jujitsu, Bronx N.Y.] hired an Urban Goju karate instructor named Frank Ruiz (deceased). West, Sensei required his Jujitsu students to study Judo and Karate prior to obtaining their Dan grade in Jujitsu. A natural fighter being taught by a phenomenon and surrounded by some of the great Goju practitioners on the east coast, Monroe fell in love with Karatedo and was extremely proficient at it. He maintained contact with his original instructor, Theodore West, but devoted the brunt of his training time to Grandmaster, Frank Ruiz, founder of Nisei Goju-Ryu.

From 1970 until his departure from New York in 1985, Monroe, Sensei taught and developed black belts students for the Nisei Goju-Ryu banner at several dojos in The Bronx and Westchester County. In 1985, he moved to Arizona to care for his mother and father. After their passing, he remained there, but often visited New York and U.S. Virgin Islands to visit his Dans.

His last trip east was a year ago, when Zurriane Bennett of San Yama Bushi and Combination Goju hosted a large seminar in Virginia and sent for Monroe, Sensei. Several of Sensei’s students converged on this event and saw their instructor of the last time. We all had a grand time. Less than a year later, he was gone. Sensei Monroe’s legacy travels through four generations of Dans throughout the east coast and U.S. Virgin Islands. He is survived by his sister, Sandra of Phoenix, Az., several generations of black belt students and friends.

Everyone,

Thank you for all your touching remarks. Sensei Monroe is with The Lord, his family, all his Sensei and dojo brothers. He’s in top shape, no longer a stroke victim and prisoner of his own frailties. He’s happy. We are the ones who must adjust and be happy for him, too.

I spoke to his sister again and the cause of death was Hypertension. He will be cremated and the memorial will be either on the 30th or Sept. 6th at a National Cemetery. If you chose to send anything, she is asking for a monetary contribution, in lieu of flowers, etc., as Sensei had no insurance. Her address is:

Ms. Sandra Jones

P.O. Box 1987

Glendale, Az. 85311

I will be attending the service in Arizona. Connie Miller will also be attending.

Everyone,

Once again thank you for all your consideration concerning Sensei Monroe. I will be flying to Phoenix to attend the burial of Sensei, Earl Monroe. It is Friday, August 29th at 10am in Mesa, Arizona. I will give your condolences to the family.

A New York Memorial event will be held on Saturday, September 20th, SITE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED.

I will continue to search for a suitable location so all who wish may attend and pay their respects to this Quite Giant of Goju. I will be in touch upon my return from Arizona.

Raymond A. Fitzpatrick, M.C.S.

Founder of ryuha, Nisei Goju-Jitsu