Romaine Staples
Romaine Francis Staples (born March 14, 1944 in Waterbury, CT) is widely known for advancing American karate from its traditional form into a more practical form of self defense.
Staples, known to everyone as "RO", began studying Moo Duk Kwan-Tang Soo Do in the 1960s and achieved the rank of black belt in just 18 months, a feat that was unheard of at the time. He progressed so quickly he could no longer be tested by U.S. instructors and had to be tested by Korean masters, who visited at different times for testing purposes and for the collection of royalties paid for affiliation. Romaine broke away from his instructor when he felt the art was being "sold out" and belts were no longer being earned, but simply paid for.
Staples started his own school the Association of Korean Martial Arts (A.K.M.A) which operated from 1967 until the 1980s. The A.K.M.A became an entity of its own, and did not pay for any membership in the traditional Korean organizations. During the years of Staples competing he never was defeated. He was known for his intensity, speed and massive strength. Staples fought only full contact with no pads. Romaine fought from local venues to Madison Square Garden to underground events. He ended his long career of competition by winning the Florida Toughest Man contest where there were no rules and ring wear consisted of street clothes including boots belts among other unconventional ring attire. Staples won the title while well into his 40s.
Staples was able to shatter the myth that the human hand could only break three inches of pine board with a spear hand (finger tip) He broke six inches stacked with no spacers. This was witnessed and documented by Mas Oyama, who founded Kyokushin Karate, considered the first and most influential style of full contact karate.
Staples was an avid bodybuilder from an early age and was able to dispel the myth that a big man could not excel in martial arts. Staples standing 6 foot 4 inches weighing over 300 pounds could move as quickly and as fluidly as a smaller man. One of his signature demonstration techniques was to kick a regulation height basketball rim.
Staples stayed true to a simple belt system and demanded his students earn the right to test for belts, sometimes waiting years between tests. He was known for brutal training methods preparing students, not only to master the art, but to never lose in a fight. Very few students were ever allowed to test for black belt and only a small percentage passed. Many candidates either quit due to the test being too difficult or because they sustained injury, requiring medical attention. The average new student at the A.K.M.A. lasted only a few weeks The students who followed the teachings of Staples were also known for a high degree of skill and most followed his lead by following a demanding strength training and fitness program. It was Staples' belief that his students with lower belt ranks should be better than other schools' black belts.
Staples taught the martial arts for many years and is known for teaching practical self defense and discarding techniques that are not effective. Staples took the basic principals of the ancient arts and adapted them for real life use.
Staples was registered with Moo Duk Kwan (Cert #007292), He is registered #32 American Tang Soo Do Association, #36 New York Korean Karate Association , #171 Moo Duk Kwan-Tae Kwan Do, #100 A.K.M.A serving on the Board of Directors ,New England Karate Association, CT President of The National Karate Federation
On September 11, 2007, Romaine was awarded the title of "Soke" by the Universal Fighting Arts Fellowship International, in association with Orlando Martial Arts, in a ceremony coordinated by Romaine's former student, Master Vinnie Orlando at his school in Waterbury, CT. The Title Certificate was presented by: Master Vinnie Orlando, Grand Master Ron Russell and Grand Master Ernie Brunelli. Present, via telephone from Florida, UFAFI Soke Eric Breuer.
Soke Staples' art is officially registered as "Death Ro Tang Soo Do".
References[edit]
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