September 14, 1943 to September 19, 2008

Master Noel Fernandez - 7th Dan Black Belt - started his Martial Arts training in the Philippines under the direction of Latino Gonzalez Sensei.  Gonzales Sensei was the first Filipino Karate instructor to introduce Karate in the Philippines.  Gonzales Sensei was the first and only individual to bring Okinawan Karate experts (Seigi Shiroma Sensei and Seikichi Iha Sensei) to teach in his dojo in Manila, Philippines.  Gonzales Sensei was taught Shorin Ryu Karate in Okinawa under the direction of Master Katsuya Miyahira who was taught by Grandmaster Chochin Chibana, 10th Dan. 

Master Fernandez worked for the government and was one of three bodyguards for a former President.  Master Fernandez was known for fighting and won the title Philippine Champion in 1964.  In 1965, he represented the Philippines for Asian Games and won the title of Asian Champion.  In 1966, he passed the title of Philippine Champion to his younger brother.  Master Fernandez was also featured in various movies in the Philippines and was well known for his Martial Arts expertise.

In 1971, he fled the Philippines and immigrated to the United States specifically St. Louis, Missouri to provide a better life for his wife and children.  While in St. Louis, he began to teach and share his love and knowledge of Martial Arts to others.  While in the United States he continued to compete in various tournaments in the Midwest. 

In 1979, he moved his family to the warmer climate of Arizona.  Master Fernandez continued his training and teaching of Martial Arts and flourished in the Valley of the Sun.  Individuals specifically requested to be taught by Master Fernandez as it was rare to find an Asian based dojo.  One of his first students in Arizona was Mr. Eddie Basha and his three sons, Edward, Manny, and Dean.  He also taught Bill Tatum, the owner of the Arizona Ranglers.   

In August 1983, Master Fernandez was featured in the Kung Fu Magazine where he was shown breaking 10 bricks with his elbow.  When Master Fernandez breaks bricks, there are no spaces in between the bricks, therefore, requiring that he break each brick starting at the bottom brick all the way to the top brick.   

In 1995, Master Fernandez closed Commando Karate Studio located on 43rd Avenue and Dunlap to continue his education and pursue his life long dream of attending law school.  He attended Cooley Law School in Michigan in 1998.  He later moved back to Arizona as his wife, Divina, was diagnosis with breast cancer.  She is a breast cancer survivor.  

Master Fernandez continued his passion of teaching Martial Arts to a select few students when he returned to Arizona.  In 2005, Master Fernandez was diagnosed with Parkinson's.   On September 14, 2008 he celebrated his 65th birthday with family and friends and on September 19, 2008 he passed away with his wife, family members, and close friends at his side.  

We will continue to honor Master Fernandez's passion for Martial Arts and carry on his tradition.