MIAMI – Shihan Newton James a native son of Jamaica , born of humble parents, knows all about the usual struggle of survival, but brought himself up through the art of karate.
He started his Martial Arts career in 1968 at the YMCA in Kingston ; there he was taught karate the Kyokushinkai way under the tutoring of three (3) times Mr. Jamaica Body Builder Champion and karate instructor Allan Monteith.
Shihan James traveled throughout Jamaica doing demonstrations to raise funds for the YMCA and the less fortunate children, many of whom found improvement in their lives through karate.
Shihan James was chosen among those selected for the Jamaican team to participate in various tournaments throughout the Caribbean and the United States , in these events, Newton made his country proud by returning with several championship trophies.
In 1975 Shihan James was also chosen to be on the team led by instructor Errol Lyn to represent Jamaica in the First World Karate Championship in Japan . Newton and his fellow Karateka’s proved to the world that Jamaica was a contender in the Martial Arts.
Newton James migrated to the United States in 1978 where he continued his training at the Karate headquarters in New York City now known as Seido Karate; along with his training he was given the task of teaching new students the art of Seido Karate. He was introduced to the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame by his fellow karateka and close friend Shuseki Shihan William Oliver who was also his senior and a champion in the martial arts world.
Shihan James traveled throughout the United States with senior karateka and close friend Shuseki Shihan William Oliver participating in various karate championship, during this period he was featured in Official Karate Magazine and other martial art publications, Shihan James was also featured on a number of TV shows with Shuseki Shihan William Oliver.
In 1989 Shihan Newton James along with fellow karateka Neville Cohen popularly known as “little tiger” relocated to Miami, Florida where he started and open his own Dojo, First World Seido karate which subsequently changed to World Bas-I Karate, from which a large number of excellent Karateka’s excelled.
Shortly thereafter opening his Dojo in South Florida in which his teachings also includes the Art of Police Tactical Self Defense and MMA Wrestling, Shihan James was then invited to Japan by the Mayor of Tokyo Japan to partake in various demonstrations and tournaments.
Shihan James participated in the production of many martial arts flicks, and a TV commercial for The Bahamian Airline. Newton shows off a few moves in a new movie called “Rebel” which is scheduled to be released soon!
Shihan Newton James most recent achievement is his induction in the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of Master Fumio DeMura and other great martial arts legends, headed by Dr. E. A. Moore President and Hanshi Olen Lane Vice President.
9th Degree Black Belt
On Saturday, April 5th 2008, Shihan Newton James was awarded the title of “Hanshi” and promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt making him the First Jamaican to achieve such accomplishment in the world of Martial Arts. Congratulations Hanshi Newton James.
Celebration
There will be a celebration to congratulate and honor Hanshi Newton James to the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and his promotion to 9th degree black belt on Saturday, June 7th 2008, at Kareem’s Seafood and Wine Bar, at 8 PM until 11PM. Kareem’s is located @ 7529 West Oakland Park Blvd., (east of University) FT Lauderdale.
