In Memory of ....

Sensei Dale Jenkins

November 11, 1947 - October 9, 1984

On October 8, 2005

Shihan Marvin Carmona and the students of New Jersey Martial Arts Academy dedicated a garden in front of their dojo in loving memory of Sensei Dale Jenkins.

 

Each element of Sensei's Garden lets those who did not have the honor of knowing him personally, be touched by his life.
The fountain reminds us of the gift Sensei gave of changing peoples lives through teaching. "Sensei always said he would never give us a fish to eat, instead he taught us how to fish and feed ourselves" San-Dan Mike Semon recalled during the ceremony.
The Japanese Maple tree is Sensei's tree. It is our way of having him continue to grow with us. We can watch him grow as he can watch us grow.
The kumite statue represents the skill Sensei had as a Martial Artist. Renshi Ron Oringer related a story of how Sensei could quickly throw a side-blade kick and pin you against a wall, and hold you there. "It was more than just the kick, it was the 'lesson' that came along with it."
There are three plaques displayed in the garden. Each contains Sensei's own words - exactly as he wrote them.
They are meant to allow the next generation to be touched by Sensei's teachings and to experience who he was.
And allow those of us who did know him to reflect on how special it truly is what we do, and to remind us to always be loyal.
Shihan Marvin Carmona (center) along with Renshi Ron Oringer (left) and Mr. Michael Semon (right) hold a moment of silence during the ceremony before placing Sensei's plaque.
After Shihan Carmona said a few words, Renshi Oringer and Mr. Semon placed flowers next to the marker.
The ceremony concluded with a kumpai (reflection) and toast by the Black Belts.
Prior to the outdoor ceremony, Shihan Carmona, Renshi Oringer and Mr Semon brought us all closer to Sensei Jenkins by sharing some of their favorite memories.

The following pictures & mementos are from Renshi Oringer's personal collection.

Sensei died at 37 years old of cancer. He was a fighter right to the bitter end. Speak with anyone who trained with Sensei Jenkins during his battle and they will recall his camera. Notice his belt hanging on the side. Sensei had the camera hooked up into his motorhome parked behind the dojo. From his bed, he would watch, and talk through a speaker.

"The eye of the Master will do more work than their hands" Sensei Dale Jenkins.

Here is a picture from Shihan Carmona's testing for his Ni-Dan (second degree black belt). Shihan Carmona was the last person ever tested or promoted by Sensei Jenkins before his death. Sensei Jenkins used his camera setup as his means of testing Shihan Carmona. Sensei stayed up all night during the test, calling all the shots...so to speak.
The program cover from the tournament held just one month after Sensei's passing. Sensei Jenkins ran some of the largest tournaments ever held in the north east. Notice the date of the tournament was November 11. This was also Sensei's birthday.
One thing Sensei was well known for were his sayings. He would write these 'lessons' on the blackboard in the dojo. It was everyone's responsibility to always know what the lesson was, and to be prepared to discuss their interpretation whenever asked.
 

Sensei's dojo rules.

These rules are the rules we follow in our dojo (plus a few more).

Sensei's terminology guide.

Sensei was a well thought man who communicated well.