Rank: Black Belt
School: Wests Martial Arts
Richard H. Nguyen's Biography
Richard H. Nguyen, 12, started training in Isshin-ryu karate at the age of 6. He was promoted to Sho Dan (1st degree black belt) at the age of 9, and Ni Dan (2nd degree black belt) at the age of 12 in 2005 under Sensei Brian West. Richard has cross-trained in Goju-ryu, Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Ryuei-ryu, Matayoshi Shinpo's Kobudo, and Jiu-Jitsu.
He has been supporting and participating in many karate organizations. During 2001-2005 competition, he has won over 230 awards across the United States and Canada.
Richard is a many-time national and international champion, and has been recognized numerous times by the Webster Herald, the Webster Post, and the Democrat and Chronicle for his accomplishments.
Presidential Sport Award signed by President George W Bush, Isshin-ryu Hall Of Fame's Young Karate-ka Of the Year, Isshin-ryu Hall Of Fame's Junior Competitor Of the Year, and AOKA Hall Of Fame's Outstanding Youth Black Belt Of the Year are some of the several recognitions.
The Bohan's Isshin-ryu family, Bohans-family.com, has recognized him as the second Rising Star after his older brother Michael as the first.
The following are what people around the country thought of him.
"After watching both Michael and Richard in competition,
I was very impressed with their performance, they are extremely strong competitors.
Equally impressive, is their performance off the floor, they are truly fine
young gentle men and that is not something found everyday. Michael and Richard
are assets to Isshin-ryu Karate and I'm sure Master Shimabuku would say the
same."
Tom Lewis (Isshin-ryu First Generation Karate-ka)
"Dear Michael and Richard... This achievement is the result
of your hard work and commitment to your athletic and personal goals as well
as to your spirit of teamwork. The martial arts have always been held in the
highest regard, not just for its tradition, but also for the values it teaches
about competition, sportsmanship and discipline. It is my hope that you will
continue to enjoy the challenges and rewards of this fine sport."
Michael F. Nozzolio, New York State Senator
"Whenever I see either Michael or Richard Nguyen enter a division I am judging I know the competition will be good. Both of these young men possess a degree of intensity that has not wavered over the years. It is a pleasure to see how they continue to grow and train. The quality of their martial arts serves to bring up the quality of others in their divisions as well. They have earned many awards and grand championships through their diligence to training and performance." Marilyn Fierro, 8 th Dan Isshin-ryu Karate
"Michael and Richard Nguyen are two world class competitors.
They have taken basic martial arts and made it work on the tournament circuit
without destroying the basic fundamentals. Both Michael and Richard are great
kids. They have a wonderful attitude and are a pleasure to be around. It is
so rare to see the amount of devotion they have given their study. This is a
true reflection of their upbringing."
Steve Young, 9 th Dan Isshin-ryu Karate
"Richard is a little man with a big heart. His determination
and drive to excel really set the example for students to follow."
Brian West, West Martial Arts
"Richard is an excellent instructor. It is
very good for the students to get to know him. He is near their size and age
and they have the utmost respect for him. He is kind and very direct with his
instruction. It is also good to know how hard he works at some other sports
and his studies. Plus he is an excellent brother and son. He is a pleasure
to know.
Louise Cleary (Jake Gauger's grandma)
"Richard Nguyen is one of the most influential instructors in
my martial arts career. I started taking karate about 3 years ago. He was the
very first person in the class to come up to me and say hi and welcome me to
the school. Whenever I walk into the dojo, he always walks right up to me and
looks me right in the eye and takes a minute to catch up on what I have been
up to and what's been going on in his life. He plays Basketball, runs in Cross
Country and still takes the time to practice his karate skills. Even though
he is a lot younger than me, I feel like he is one of my good friends. When
I watch him do his kata, I often am awed by how crisp his technique is. He
truly understands the application of the kata and takes the time to explain
them. Richard has a way of explaining things that anyone can understand. I sometimes
help out teaching the children classes. It can be one of the most tiring things.
No one seems to want to listen or they get bored of what you are saying to them.
Even though Richard is close to the same age as the students in the class, he never
has a problem taking control of the class. Whenever I start learning a kata
he is the person I will ask to walk through it with me. I recently went to a
karate tournament in Westchester, PA. I was very nervous because it was one
of my first tournaments. Richard took the time to come over to me and talk to
me to calm me down. Richard definitely takes pride in everything he does. Even
though I am a lower belt he is always willing to listen to a suggestion that
I may make. He is one of the reasons that I stuck with the art. He has a huge
heart and is definitely an asset to Isshin-ryu karate."
Jonathan Frick, Brown Belt - West Martial Arts
"After giving up his beloved ice hockey for karate at the age
of 6, Richard focused on karate and quickly earned his black belt. At 8 years
old he teamed up with his older brother Michael for a series of successful team
empty hand katas, and team bo-sai weapons kumites across the country. He's a
gifted kid who learned by watching his brother performing kata a few times then
he imitated the entire kata. Now at the age of 12, Richard has excelled not
only in karate, but also in cross country running, basketball, and lacrosse.
He ice-skates occasionally with hockey friends to remember his ice hockey past.
Richard enjoys the privilege of teaching karate and receiving many compliments
from students and parents. As always he looks up to his brother. We are very
proud to see both of our sons grow with commitment, team work, and respect as
a result of Isshin-ryu karate training."
Chau & Ginny Nguyen