Uncrowned Community Builders

Grace Martial Arts Academy

Martial Arts Biography:
Sensei Vinson Lee Grace-Kyoshi, Budoka*

On the southwest side of Syracuse, where youth often get more attention for violence than for academic achievement, “Sensei” Vinson L. Grace used martial arts to teach discipline, self-respect and self-defense to children and adults. He established the Grace Martial Arts Academy in 1983 at the Southwest Community Center to teach the arts to adults and children who otherwise could not afford the price charged by conventional martial arts schools. He often provided instruction at low cost and “no cost.” At one period in time there were approximately thirty-seven students that received instruction free of charge. The program grew despite funding difficulties, because of Grace’s dedication. “I try to help them understand what their value systems are,” Sensei Grace said of his students. If attitudes needed adjustment, he helped them to make changes. “My plan is very simple; to lead by example…” he explained. In teaching Asian martial arts, Sensei Grace emphasized that all martial arts can be superior in their own respect, recognizing that it is the individual practitioner who makes the system effective. Therefore, no style is superior to another; however, there are superior students of The Way. Although he was conferred the Master Instructor titles of Shihan, Kyoshi and Renshi, he preferred to be called just, Sensei (teacher).

As a competitor, Sensei Grace won many awards and championships as a state, regional, national and international competitor. He demonstrated technical excellence in fighting, forms, weapons and breaking competition. Sensei Grace still competed in Open and Traditional tournaments usually in forms or weapons divisions. His favorite divisions were traditional empty hand kata and traditional weapons, where he competed with kobudo sai and bo staff or with the katana performing either iaijutsu or kenjutsu kata.

Sensei Grace was a highly qualified and sought after referee with a technical and comprehensive knowledge of Japanese, Okinawan, Korean and Chinese martial arts. Sensei Grace served as a pre-selected chief referee for the “World Games” of the National Black Belt League (NBL) from 1996 until his untimely death. Sensei Grace’s work with the physically challenged through New York State’s Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD), led him to develop an inclusive training curriculum for the physical challenged.

Sensei Grace Endeavored to introduce his students to the fine arts whether visual or performing, along with their martial arts curriculum. Sensei Grace was an award-winning artist of many mediums including, but not limited to drawing, painting, sculpture and photography. Those who were fortunate enough to train and study with Sensei Grace or attend one of his seminars indeed found within him a true martial artists and man of many contrasts. He is missed and loved by many.

*Keith Muhammad adapted this biography from a document that he received from Sensei Grace before his untimely departure.