Stephen H. Armstrong

My name is Richard Kingsberry, I had the privilege of knowing grandmaster Armstrong at one time I went to a workshop at his school in Tacoma And I fought at his tournament. He was always graceful, always helpful outstanding person. He was at the top of my list when it comes to the Martial Arts and a great person.(

Steve stood by his words. He did his best to preserve karate in the Northwest in it's original form. If not for Steve karate would not have become what it is in Washington state today. He will be missed.

Whatever we were in that frozen long ago and whatever we are now, we are bound as one for life in an exclusive fraternity of honor. the only way into our ranks is to have paid the dues of duty, sacrifice and valor by being there. The cost of joining , in short, is beyond all earthly wealth. Farewell my brother.
A fellow Chosin Reservoir survivor and former Tacoma resident.

The first time when i met sensei Armstrong was in his tacoma dojo (1986).
Then i invite him to come to the Netherlands .
This cart was given to me when he left our country.
May the road ise to meet you May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you
In the palm of His hand

Fred van de vijver your student for ever.
Sensei Just migt see you at the next...

Although it was 1988 that I met sensei Steve Armstrong, I will never forget him and his great influence on Isshinryu karate do.
My sympathy to all the family.

I met Mr. Armstrong in 73, and was very impressed with him, his instructors, and the huge influence that he had in the martials world. A truly great man that influenced my life. I miss him deeply.

On first contact, I was blown away by his physical size. I personally stand 6'3" tall, and usually weigh in at 225 lbs. I felt dwarfed by Master Armstrong. This is hard to explain, he wasn't much taller than I was, nor did he weigh much more. It's just that everything about him was big. His hands were huge, and all I could think on first seeing those "paws" was he could kill me if he ever hit me. They were nothing less than battering rams. Master Armstrong was 44 years old and still in his...

Thanks for the memories my friend. I learned so much from you.You taught me that a person has to sweat alot in order to learn life properly. You were a great teacher Steve.!

Armstrong-sensei was an inspiration to Northwest martial artists for many years; not only to students of isshinryu, but to those of kendo, judo, and many other paths as well. His example will not soon be forgotten. Thank you, Armstrong-sensei!