Eddie Black

Eddie’s story starts with the forefather of our striking program, Master Russ.

Russell Olsen grew up in a rough neighborhood in the Compton/ Watts area of Los Angeles. At 9 years old he swept the floors at the local boxing gym until one of the coaches decided to teach him to box, he competed in amateur boxing and also began to train in other styles of martial arts. Barely 18 years old, Russ joined the navy and served two tours in the Vietnam war. Overseas, he trained in Japan and the Philippines, once back in the states he continued martial arts training with the likes of Chuck Norris, sparring with Roberto Duran, attending seminars with Morio Higaonna and many others of the best in the west.

Russ progressed in Goju Ryu karate to “Shihan” 6th degree black belt. More than anything Russ loved to fight and competed in full contact karate and professional kickboxing, developing a style of fighting that combined traditional karate techniques, American kickboxing, Muay Thai and dirty boxing—his version of MMA. In the early nineties Russ moved to Mendocino county and started “North Coast Karate.“

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Eddie Black

Eddie Black attended Russ’s classes and with a similar build, demeanor and gameness in sparring. Russ saw a bit of his younger self in Eddie. After many years of training, testing, sparring a bunch of black eyes, bloody noses, split lips and bruised ribs, Master Russ Olsen promoted Eddie Black to 4th Dan black belt in Goju Ryu Karate and now he continues to teach Russ’s unique style. Coach Black’s quote: “Master Russell Olsen is a legend and an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to know him, learn from him, and train with him, and I’m proud to keep his legacy alive here at Far West.” I love to teach, I love to learn, and I love to train. For me martial arts is self-cultivation, working to be a little bit better every day physically mentally and spiritually and I want to pass that along to my students and teammates. Some of the things we will focus on in our training:

Heart: Confidence Determination Composure
Conditioning: Strength Stamina Agility Flexibility Strategy
Awareness Adaptability Versatility
Technique: Proper body mechanics in striking Movement Combinations
Humility: Be grateful Be respectful Be virtuous

Let’s have fun getting sharp together!

Yours, Coach Black

Eddie Black

More About

Eddie Black

Let’s have fun getting sharp together!

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