Gene Sekora was a great friend and a great person. In all of my time working with Gene I never heard him speak harshly to another person, or negatively about another person, or participate in gossip, and, I never heard anyone speak negatively about him. Another thing that made him special was that he was always improving himself and helping others to do the same. When he was too exhausted to fully participate in class but still showed up to the school, hed pull a chair up beside the mat and patiently help the lower ranks refine their techniques. Gene was an excellent martial artist in his own right. More than once I've told a new student that Gene could put his fist through them, he just didn't want to. He could easily have opened his own Karate school, but he chose to humble himself and start over with a different art taught by a younger guy with less experience. The most difficult long term goal for most martial artists is to overcome his or her own ego, which he had already accomplished before I met him. Gene was always willing to cast aside his own opinions and genuinely listen to what was being said by others. It reminds me of a quote by The Dalai Lama When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new. Even as a Shihan in both Aikido and Karate, which is the highest title awarded, he would take on the menial tasks of taking role, vacuuming the mats, rolling up the mats, teaching etiquette to new students, or anything that he noticed needed to be done. Sensei Roy Suenaka, the head of our Aikido organization and one of the most renowned martial artists in the world, upon discovering Gene wouldnt be returning to camp, gave Gene an honorary Shihan title. This was the only time Ive heard of such a high rank being awarded as a special promotion. Sensei had wanted to formally test him 2 years prior but things didnt work out. Sekora Shihan held our school together when there was no on

Lit a candle in memory of Eugene Edward Sekora

He was a smart, kind, a great personality. I had the honor to know him and his family since 2001. Rest in peace Gene.

Prayers to the family. I went to school with him and he was always a great person.

There is a martial arts phrase that is Gene Sekora - Indomitable spirit... This was the best quote I could find that defines what I feel when I hear these words. "Breaking it down, indomitable means incapable of being overcome, subdued or vanquished. Spirit has a variety of meanings: the soul; the animating life force; the part of a person associated with the mind, will and feelings; strong loyalty and dedication. Spirit also means to impart courage and determination. Put together, indomitable spirit is that part of a person which makes them unique, that part of a person which provides hope, strength and courage to get up and face each day with a smile. Indomitable spirit is perseverance on a long term basis." Who can read these words and not think of Gene? I was very fortunate to know Gene, work with him and most importantly, call him my friend. As I told our IBM family when I shared news of his passing - Gene was the toughest, gentle man I ever had the good fortune to meet. I will miss you my friend...

Eugene "Sensei" Sekora taught Ishinryu at the United Martial Arts Center. I first met him at St. Francis of Assisi where we just happened to start chatting and I learned of his interest in teaching martial arts. He joined our school and became a favorite and highly respected instructor. He was a perfect example of what a martial arts master should be. He was kind and caring of all his students, and an overall really good man. I feel privileged to have known him.

Lit a candle in memory of Eugene Edward Sekora

Lit a candle in memory of Eugene Edward Sekora