Nidan 12/12/1987
Sandan 7/28/1990
Yondan 6/11/1994
Godan 12/3/1999
Rokudan 5/7/2005
Everything else
Real Estate
Greenbriar
Ode to Conrad Jones
by Bill Menees, December 2005
From the day I first met you, I knew you were one of those incredible guys.
You were funny and easy going, and your teachings were subtle and wise.
You’ve taught me what it means to be a black belt.
You’ve enriched my life in ways I had previously never felt.
As a martial arts instructor you have no equals.
Working out with you is as exciting as the Star Wars prequels.
But I haven’t just learned about Karate; I’ve learned other things as well.
I know how you’ll run things when you’re Mayor, and I know you’ll send terrorists straight to […].
I’ve learned that beach volleyball is much harder than it sounds.
Even playing volleyball in the dojo has me usually falling down.
I’ve learned what to look for on a lobster buffet.
And I know that when you talk about computers, I should run the other way.
You’re always on your game when you’re talking about food,
But you’re kind enough to answer my questions when I bug you about Kusanku.
You have the wisdom and skill of Mr. Miyagi with Chuck Norris’s looks and charm too.
Well, there is that one Horshack picture, but we don’t hold that against you.
I took time away from training to compose this poem for you.
I know it’s a little silly, but there is a point I’m getting to.
I came to this school as a weedhopper, and I’ve grown up a lot along the way.
You’ve made this school a family, and I’m glad for the part I can play.
I’m sure I speak for all of us when I tell you today,
That because of you, our lives are better in many ways.
Our respect and admiration for you grows and will never end.
You will always be our guide, our sensei, and our friend.
