Very Sad News...

We are very sad to announce the unexpected death of Steve Hassan.

Sensei Steve was one of Sihing Eliot's first martial arts teachers. Sensei Steve taught Isshin Ryu Karate at Rising Dragon Karate in New Hampshire, where Sihing Eliot began taking classes as a child. When Shihan Richard BenAvram (the head instructor) moved to Florida, Sensei Steve took over management of the school, and was ultimately responsible for bringing Sihing Eliot to his first degree black belt in 2004.

Sensei Steve was an accomplished martial artist. In addition to his broad understanding of Isshin Ryu Karate, he was also an expert in Kali Silat, and worked hard to integrate his knife, stick, and self-defense skills into his karate curriculum. He was able to help his students grow as martial artists by drawing upon his own diverse experience, as well as utilizing an impressive network of skilled instructors of various martial arts styles.

Sensei Steve's passion for the martial arts was contagious, and his instruction helped many people to better themselves and the world around them. He will be sorely missed.

(From left to right: Sensei Steve Hassan, Sihing Eliot, and Shihan Richard BenAvram at Sihing Eliot's black belt test in 2004.)