Karl Geis

Karl Edwin Geis
It is with great sorrow that we report the departure of our friend and teacher, Karl Edwin Geis on April 7th, 2014, after succumbing to prostate cancer. Mr. Geis was born in Enid, OK, on October 1, 1933, the son of Martha and Edwin Geis. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mrs. Chamaiporn "Cha" Geis, brother Richard, sister Virginia, sons; Douglas and Kennith, and 5 grandchildren. Mr. Geis was first exposed to Judo while stationed in Japan with the USAF in 1955. He took the opportunity to study with the Bureau of Police and the Kodokan embarking upon a lifelong love affair with Judo. He was a profound coach and foremost master teacher. His greatest pleasure did not lie with training national champions; however, it was in training his students to have self-confidence and a sense of their own destiny. He was Judo's supreme psychologist, using his martial art as a tool like a master craftsman to sculpt confident, happy and successful individuals.
Additionally, it was Mr. Geis' Judo background that enabled him to understand Mr. Kenji Tomiki Shihan's Aikido system and to carry it forward in the US where his unique contribution to the art of Aikido was recognized when he was promoted to 6th Dan by Tomiki Sensei, being the first, and only, foreigner to be promoted to this rank. Lastly, under the instruction of Tsunako Miyake Shihan, Mr. Geis internalized Takaji Shimizu's Shindo Muso Ryu Jyodo system to create a viable weapons self-defense system.
Mr. Geis's legacy is not limited to the accomplishments during his life. It carries forward with the very many lives he touched and his many students - who are now teachers. He was our Sensei, and we loved him.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 26, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Pavilion on Gessner, 2500 Gessner in Houston. Those wishing to make a gift to Karl Geis's memory may make donations to Houston Methodist Hospital or to prostate cancer research organization.