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| Bill Owens of Casco Martial Arts Academy is Financial Trouble |
 I first became aware of Sifu Bill Owens when I was in single digits, and I looked at pictures, in the family photo album, from the late 70's and early 80's of my grandfather, father, uncles, and aunt practicing martial arts techniques that they had learned at Casco's Martial Arts Academy, under the tutelage of the legendary Sifu Bill Owens.After Lovelle Mixon murdered two police officers within sight of the school, in 2009, enrollment has been down. The Black community needs to come together to save this 4 decades old institution, and the ability it gives us to learn from a Black martial arts instructor who has stood the test of time. If you are thinking about getting involved with a martial arts school, and are regularly in the proximity, this should be the school for you. Or if you go to a martial arts school that is not taught by a Black instructor, you might want to transfer. Check out Sifu Bill Owens in his own words. M.O.I. JR: Can you tell us when you started your martial arts school? What inspired it? Sifu Bill Owens: I opened my first martial art school in 1970. My teacher at that time moved to another State. I, being the highest ranked student at that time, was asked to keep the members together. We trained in the park, at recreation centers, and at community halls. We eventually sought a permanent location. We now can say we have the oldest Martial Art School in the East Bay , after 40 years. M.O.I. JR: What have some of your biggest accomplishments been as a martial arts teacher? Sifu Bill Owens: I have been so fortunate to have many accomplishments, from holding many championship titles, to being asked to be a U.S. Representative at the Chinese Martial Art Championships. From being the founder of the African American Art Form (Vijiti) The Talking Sticks, to being the author of several martial art manuscripts. I am also proud to say I have 21 three generation students (students who have brought their children and their children’s children). However the accomplishment that I am the most proud of is watching the joy of a child when they conquer a routine that they formally could not do. M.O.I. JR: How many Black belts would you say you have graduated over the years? Sifu Bill Owens: 121 to this date. M.O.I. JR: How is martial arts relevant to everyday life? Sifu Bill Owens: It is our belief that self defense is every day life. During our classes the kids are asked, “what are you defending against when you brush your teeth? What are you defending against when you go to school? What are you defending against when you eat correctly, when you exercise your body. What are you defending against when you bath and keep yourself clean? What are you defending against when you look both ways when you cross the street. The practice of a true Martial Art system requires and develops discipline, self awareness, self respect, self confidence, and self appreciation to name a few. These qualities you need in all areas of your life. M.O.I. JR: I understand that the school is in financial trouble, and a student drive is underway, can you tell us about it? Sifu Bill Owens: There was a severe drop off of students and a constant enrollment decline after the two police officers were killed in front of the martial art school (Lovelle Mixon incident). As a result of the low enrollment, we went into foreclosure. The students and the community mobilized and began a Student Sponsorship Enrollment Campaign. If each month we can maintain 60 students above our present number, we can meet the note. M.O.I. JR: How can people get more information about your school? Sifu Bill Owens: Request literature or Introduction DVD at sifubill@yahoo.com Or come by 7415 Mac Arthur Blvd. Oakland, 510 -638- 9990 Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites         
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