Letter to Lizotte by Sensei Ralph Passero

Letter to Lizotte
regarding the AOKA Inc.
by Sensei Ralph Passero



The AOKA, Inc. has in its possession the original trade name certificate from 1974. At that time Master Nagle, Harold Long, Harold Mitchum, and Steve Armstrong were involved. Forty years ago, a handshake and one's word were the bond that men lived by. As a result, there was no thought of incorporation.
In the 90's when Grandmaster Nagle had people inquiring about the AOKA and Lizotte's claim to be the sole head and authority of the association started by Master Nagle, he new something had to be done to protect the original intent of the organization. At that time he took legal action to have the AOKA incorporated. These papers are also at our headquarters in Bayonne. They are also on file with the state of New Jersey.
As a point of reference, please note that Sensei Nagle' s last promotion of Lizotte was San Dan. How someone claims to be a student of Master Nagle and accepts or claims rank from someone else is still a mystery to true karate-kas.
We also have a copy of a letter sent to Lizotte from Master Harold Long, not in favor of his claimed rank. Regardless of what claims Lizotte makes, kindly note that he is NOT one of the leaders of the AOKA, Incorporated the organization created by Grandmaster Nagle.
If Lizotte purchased the name AOKA from Master Armstrong, that is a matter that Lizotte and Armstrong must address together. Master Nagle was not consulted or any part of this transaction. He is the only man credited with bringing Isshinryu to America and he is the one responsible for the creation of the AOKA, Incorporate.
NOTE: He did this in consultation with full approval of Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabukuru
Rest assured that the AOKA, Inc. will continue following Grandmaster Nagle's philosophy. We WILL keep his name alive. We do not charge for testing and promotions. We are committed to just teaching this art for the sake of the art. We will continue to maintain integrity!


Link to letter from Grand Master Harold Long to Lizotte regarding rank


Link to Trade Name Certificate


If there are any questions regarding this letter or the associated materials
please contact me directly - Ralph Passero - Isshinral@aol.com