Master Robert Markovich, 8th Dan

Master Markovich was born 30 August 1940 in Windsor Ontario Canada. He began his Isshinryu training in 1969 under Lloyd Russette, Don Shapland and Doug Noxon. Master Markovich received his Shodan in 1971 and his Hachidan in July of 2002.

Master Markovich has been a member of the American Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA) since 1971, and has instructed in a number of dojos in the Windsor Canada area. His students include Albert Mady and Lamont Kersey. Master Markovich was also a member of the Canadian Isshinryu Karate Association (CIKA) from 1988 until its disestablishment in 1993.

His awards include, the Hall of Fame award for outstanding contributions to Isshinryu Karate in 1999 and the AOKA Spirit of Isshinryu award in 2002. Master Markovich is also a former member of the Canadian Armed forces and Reserves who received his commission as a full lieutenant in 1965. He graduated with a BA in Geography from the University of Windsor and after attending Teacher's College, began his secondary school teaching career in 1969. He completed his Master Degree in Geography in 1971 and a second Masters Degree in Fine Art in 1987. Master Markovich retired from secondary school teaching in 1997, and keeps busy via a variety of activities, including artwork, picture framing and martial arts training.

Master A. Keith Smith, 8th Dan
Committee Chair

 Master Smith was born in Aurora, Illinois on October 7, 1954. He began his Isshinryu training in 1972 under Sensei Patrick Buckley, who promoted him through Nidan. Master Smith later trained with Grand Master Steve Armstrong, and opened the Eastwood Karate Club in 1975 (later renamed to the Midwest School of Isshinryu). In the late 70's Master Smith's worked diligently to locally standardize the Isshinryu kata and began studying with Master Steve Young in 1977.

Master Smith is currently a 8th Dan, and serves on the American Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA) Promotion Board. His awards include the Spirit of Isshinryu in 1994 and Outstanding Black Belt Instructor (Male) in 1997.

Master Smith is an 23-year veteran with the Kane County Sheriff's Office currently assigned to Computer Crimes Investigations and conducting Computer Forensics analysis. He was previously assigned to the Sheriff's Office Special Operations Unit, Juvenile Division and the F.B.I.'s Fugitive Warrant Task Force. Master Smith is married to Ramona Smith, also a Blackbelt, and has six children and 5 grandchildren.

Master Tim Boykin, 7th Degree Black Belt

Master Boykin was born in the Naval Hospital, Charleston SC, February 28, 1958, and was raised in central NC. He began his marital arts training in Isshinryu Karate under Master Mitch Kobylanski in August of 1977 in Monroe NC. The following year, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was stationed in various duty stations including Japan, Spain, Hawaii and the continental US. Despite his overseas assignments, he continued to train in Isshinryu under Master Kobylanski and received his Shodan in August of 1980. Master Boykin received the Spirit of Isshinryu Award in 1996, the AOKA Dojo of the Year (2004), and was awarded his Shichi Dan in 2003. Currently, he is a member of the AOKA Promotion Board. Master Boykin also holds a Yondan in Isshin Do Tai Goshin Jujitsu, a Sandan in Jujitsu (USJA), and a Black Belt in the United States, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. He received an Associates Degree in Science from Wingate College in 1978, a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Mississippi in 1985, and a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from Purdue University in 1991. Master Boykin assumed command of the Naval Reserve Professional Development Center, New Orleans LA in June of 2004. He is married to the former Darcy Chang of Topeka KS and has four children: Zackary, Rachel, Noah, and Kyra.