Rick A Montgomery

Rick Montgomery was born on November 27th, 1961. He would’ve turned 59 this year. He passed away on November 10th, 2020 and many hearts are in pain.

Kyoshi Montgomery has trained in the martial arts since 1968. He has studied multiple styles, choosing Shotokan Karate-Do because of its systematic and scientific approach. He has attended and taught at multiple national and international seminars and camps. He has also competed in many traditional and non-traditional tournaments over the years. Kyoshi Montgomery joined the Dai-Ichi Shotokan Karate-Do Association (DSKA) in 1989 and is currently an active member under the Executive Director, Ricardo Johns, Hanshi. Kyoshi Montgomery holds the rank of Roku-Dan (6th Dan) with DSKA. In 1999, he obtained Yudansha rank with SKIF (Shotokan Karate International Federation) headed by Hirokazu Kanazawa, Kancho. In 2006, the Dai-Ichi Shotokan karate-Do Association became actively involved with JKS (Japan Karate Shoto-Renmei) where Kyoshi Montgomery held the position of the Western Regional Director of JKS America. In 2005, he became certified with ISSA (International Sports Science Association) as a personal fitness trainer.

On October 21st, 2011, Rick Montgomery experienced a tragic stroke. Statistically, half of all people who suffer this type of stroke die before they even get to the hospital. Of those that do actually make it to the hospital, another half die before leaving the hospital. Kyoshi Montgomery was unable to use half his body, unable to communicate, and unstable. He fought hard, and was able to go back to his dojo, back to his family, and back to practicing his faith in God.

Rick Montgomery’s faith was stronger than words can describe. He had calluses on his knees from the hours he spent in prayer. He studied the Bible EVERY SINGLE DAY, in hopes of being able to teach and spread the word of God. Anytime someone walked into his house he would stop everything and say, “Pick up that Bible and sit down”. He was at the point of only replying with Bible verses to explain his thoughts. He would often say the verse Matthew 12:48-50; “But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? And who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother”.

Rick’s hope in life was to be able to pass the word of God unto everyone. Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope”. Rick wanted to leave his knowledge with his children and those who were close to him. He’s touched the hearts of many people and will forever be with us through the works of God.

The last words he spoke, Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” 

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