BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- Sensei Jimmy Edwards

Sensei Jimmy EdwardsNanadan

Jimmy Edwards started Wado Karate in July of 1968 under the instruction of the late Mr. C. T. Patterson.  At that time classes were held in Melrose Bushido Dojo.  On March 11, 1970, and during a visit to Nashville, Wado-Ryu’s Late Grand Master Hironori Ohtsuka spot promoted Jimmy to 3^rd Kyu brown belt.  The late Sensei Patterson Promoted Jimmy to Sho-Dan on October 1, 1972.  Jimmy is currently holding the rank of Shichi-Dan after being promoted by the late Sensei Patterson in July 2002.  Jimmy still trained weekly under Sensei Patterson up until his death, where much emphasis on precise technique and detailed movements of Wado-Ryu were taught.  On June 19, 2002 the late Sensei Patterson Appointed Jimmy to the U.S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Federation Board of Directors and Black Belt Examiners.

In the 1990’s Jimmy competed extensively in the Regional Sports Karate Circuit (RSKC).  He was ranked #1 in Senior Black Belt Forms both in 1992 and 1993.  In 1994 Jimmy was ranked #1 as the overall RSKC Adult Black Belt Weapons competitor.  In 1996, 1998, and 2003, he was ranked as #1 in the RSKC  for Senior Black Belt Forms and Weapons.  Jimmy has also been a member of the Priority One National Karate Team from Nashville for both 1991 and 1992.  He was also a member of Force One National Karate team based in Chantilly, VA in 1994.

On March 20^th, 2000, Jimmy was recognized at the 13th Annual U.S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Karate Championships as the Wado-Ryu’s Black Belt competitor of the Decade for having the most 1^st Place wins in Black Belt forms between 1990 and 1999.

On March 20, 2001, Mr. Dale Kirby nominated Jimmy for induction into the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Senior Black Belt of the Year for 2001.  In 2008, Sensei John Patterson inducted Jimmy into the U. S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Federation Hall of Fame.

Jimmy enjoys traveling to different Dojos to conduct Bo and Jo classes. He has taught extensively at Zimmermann Karate School in Hohenwald, and Rocky Bowker's Karate School in Dickson. He presently teaches Wado-Ryu at Bushido Dojo in Joelton, TN, with Mr. Buck Ford and Mr. Melvin Brown.

A native of Nashville and residing in Hendersonville, TN, with wife Kimberlee.  Jimmy attended Hillsboro High and was very active in sports until he started karate.  During High School he was a member of Sigma Phi Omega Fraternity.  He continued his education at Tennessee Technological University earning a BS degree in Business Administration in 1975.  Upon his graduation he received a commission to 2^nd Lt. In the U.S. Army Reserve.  After graduation from college, he completed 4 years of night school in the Electrical Apprenticeship program while working for his family electrical contracting company, George D. Edwards Electrical Company, founded by his late grandfather.  Jimmy is the president of that company and has been employed there for over 30 years.

Jimmy still enjoys competing in the 50 and older tournament division.  His long-range goals are to continue martial arts under Sensei John Patterson, to promote Wado-Ryu karate, to support the U.S. Eastern Wado Federation, and to influence and encourage other martial artists through his traditional attitude and respect for the art.  Jimmy also wants to thank all of the martial artists who have influenced his life, and give a special thanks to Mr. Wayne Tyler for his influence and training, particularly in kata.  Jimmy also expresses his sincerest appreciation to his late Sensei and father of Karate in Tennessee, Mr. C. T. Patterson, without whom none of Jimmy’s martial arts would have been possible.

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