It is hard to believe, but today marks 15 years since the passing of Hanshi Ridgely Abele, who was not only a great Karateka but great human being who touched countless lives during his life. Hanshi Abele was my teacher for more than two decades, and I learned something every day I trained under him – both about karate and life. I could relay many stories about his martial arts instruction, but anyone who trained under him – whether it was one class or many years – could do likewise. I would like to relay a different type of story. I taught the morning class at the Columbia School of Martial Arts for years under Hanshi Abele, and several times I would arrive early to the dojo finding the glass door or window broken and the change jar inside having been emptied. I would call Hanshi – and the police. He would arrive and take care of the issue. We both knew the break-in was probably done by one of the down on their luck people who were in the area, but I never heard him say a bad word about that likelihood. Instead, I saw him repeatedly help them. If someone came in to the dojo looking for some money, he would ask them – as an example – to sweep the parking lot and he would give them some money for a meal. It was a small thing, but not really. It was a big thing, and something that has stayed with me for all these years. RIP Hanshi Abele.
I wish I had the chance to meet him, but his spirit is felt in his students who I’ve been blessed to train under.
He was my teacher and friend. We had a very special relationship and he is missed every day. We are fortunate to have Shihan Scoppe to continue his legacy, although Mr Abele could never be replaced. H was one of a kind that is gone to soon
It’s hard to believe it has been 15 years since his death. Time goes quickly and tomorrow is promised to no one so live each day to the fullest. He was my friend and teacher and he is missed by many.
Tim McGuinness.
I had several opportunities to train with Hanshi Abele and they were amazing experiences. I have been most impacted by the quality of the people he attracted as friends and students. I see, directly, how Mr. Abele’s legacy has been carried by my own teacher and the multitude of others whom I have had the honor to know and train with. The quality of character and skill in the art that each of them possesses is a testament to the man, martial artist, and teacher that Mr. Abele was. His legacy has been carried well and through this line of transmission, he lives on with us.
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you all how proud I am if you and your dojo family that have carried on Hanshi Abele’s legacy. Every time I see each and everyone of you it warms my soul to see him through you still out there getting after it. He would be so pleased. He is always watching over you and he had a deep love and admiration for all of you. Not to mention so many laughs and jokes.
I will never forget this day and where I was when I was notified he had passed.
This is a very difficult day each year, but on this day I am always in the dojo sweating and teaching one of his classes that he loved to do. Tonight the tradition continued. Keep it going Rick love to you, all of his students, and Yudansha’s wherever this note may find you.
George Sheridan
I met Hanshi Abele in 1980 shortly after he opened his Columbia School of Karatedo. A few years later my wife, shelby and son, Josh and myself became students. His valuable teachings of principles and body mechanics will serve us always. “Learn from tradition to go beyond”. Truly, we stand on the shoulders of giants.
Thank you Hanshi!