Sensei William Christopher Ford Inducts

Eight into Masters Hall of Fame

Costa Mesa, CA – Sensei William Christopher Ford, a 2012 recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 40 years in martial arts, inducted eight new members into the Masters Hall of Fame at the organization’s Fourteenth Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Orange County Hilton. Sensei Ford was honored to add the names of Daryl Vidal, Ginger Taniguchi, Larry Fouts, Alvin Catacutan, Carl Van Meter, David Morizot, Rob Moses and Mario Schapp to a distinguished roster that also includes such legends as Professor Bob White, Don “The Dragon” Wilson and 2014 keynote speaker Lisa “The Black Widow” King.

 “It is an honor to be able to induct these amazing individuals into the Masters Hall of Fame, which is an outstanding organization and one that I am very proud to be a part of.” Sensei William Christopher Ford

Grandmaster Daryl Vidal appeared in the original Karate Kid movie and created the “crane technique” as Pat Morita’s stunt double. He currently teaches martial arts at the Murrieta Parks and Recreation Department. "Grandmaster Vidal and I used to compete against each other back in the 80s,” said Sensei Ford of the Silver Lifetime Achievement honoree. “He was then and still is a great martial artist and I'm very proud to call him friend."

A 2nd degree black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate, Sensei Ginger Taniguchi studied under the late Master Richard Rabago and currently teaches karate and women’s self defense and runs a special needs program at Kaizen Dojo in Torrance, CA. "Loyal, dedicated, humble, caring, Christian, Bushido... all words that accurately describe Sensei Ginger Taniguchi,” said Sensei Ford of the Humanitarian Award recipient. “Congratulations, Sensei!"

An honoree for Outstanding Contributions in the Martial Arts, Sensei Larry Fouts owns and operates Progressive Martial Arts Academy in Placentia, CA. "I really respect Sensei Larry Fout's dedication to his study, research and practice of the martial arts,” Sensei Ford said of the Shorin Ryu Karate black belt. “Keep up the great work, Sensei Fouts!"

A man of many talents, Sensei Alvin Catacutan is a black belt in Shotokan Karate and trains in Filipino martial arts under famed master Guro Dan Inosanto, a protégé of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Sensei Catacutan teaches Shield Karate, a program for kids in Culver City, CA, that helps to provide children with strategies for dealing with bullying. "Sensei Alvin Catacutan runs a fantastic kids' karate program which also implements anti-bullying strategies. He is a terrific teacher, husband, and dad and has a great sense of humor. And he does Shakespeare too!” said Sensei Ford of the Outstanding Contribution in the Martial Arts honoree. “He is truly deserving of his induction into the Masters' Hall of Fame.”

An expert in Filipino martial arts and Muay Thai, Sensei Carl Van Meter works as a stunt coordinator and stunt performer in the entertainment industry. Sensei Van Meter was honored for Outstanding Contributions in the Martial Arts at the Masters Hall of Fame. "Sensei Carl Van Meter is a great martial artist, a true gentleman, and a very good friend,” Sensei Ford said. “He is also being honored by the Martial Arts History Museum in September, and I am very happy for his success.”

A master of Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Sifu David Morizot is a stunt coordinator for film and television, with credits on such shows as Chuck and Alias, among many others. He and Sensei Ford appeared together in  Pirate's Dinner Adventure in Buena park. "Sifu David Morizot and I worked together on a few entertainment projects,” said Sensei Ford of the Pioneer Award recipient. “He is extremely professional and knowledgeable in both martial arts and the entertainment industry, yet he is one of the most humble and funny guys I know.”

Sifu Rob Moses has the distinction of having been the Kung Fu teacher to the late David Carradine, the star of the hit television series Kung Fu. A master of Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Sifu Moses received the Silver Lifetime Achievement Award for his role in the martial arts. "I've known Sifu Rob Moses since about 1980. He is a true master of kung fu and has always been a class act,” said Sensei Ford. “His induction is well deserved and long overdue."

A 2nd degree black belt in Chunjido and a certified instructor in Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Sensei Mario Schapp received the Humanitarian Award for his work with the visually impaired. "Sensei Mario Schapp's work speaks for itself,” Sensei Ford said. “What an honor it is to know such a caring individual."

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. This year the event honored Women in the Martial Arts and featured Full-Contact Muay Thai Champion Lisa King, aka “The Black Widow,” as keynote speaker.

For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at http://www.mastershalloffame.org. For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 619-573-9456 or press@jugglemail.com.