By Dr. Michael Willett A wonderful thing happened as I was passing through this life’s journey. As I passed through the trials and tribulations on this complex trip called life, I touched on a bright spot; in a moment of time I met an individual who had a profound effect on me. That individual was Master Fred Miller, one of the greatest martial artists to cross our paths in modern history. To those of you who haven’t been informed, Master Fred Miller has passed on to a higher existence but his legacy burns deep in our hearts. On October 23, 2010 Grand Master Sam McGee, Sensei Franklin Puello and the Harlem Goju family hosted a beautiful and soul stirring tribute to Master Fred Miller. The tribute was hosted at Bronx Community College Gould Memorial Library Rotunda. As reported to me the memorial service for Master Fred Miler was an event to be remembered. Grandmasters, Masters, Sensei’s family and friends all came to say farewell to one of the greatest champions of all time. Master Miller’s mother, brother and sister was present to witness the outpouring of love and respect that has never been witnessed before. Master Kelly Rice, intricate pillar of the Harlem Goju Association and Luz Puello, wife of Sensei Franklin Puello did a masterful job in setting up the logistics to the historic event. Master Miller’s family was presented with a plaque from Grand Master Sam McGee and Sensei Franklin Puello; A New York State Senate Proclamation from State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson of the 83rd Senatorial District; and Congressional Record from Congressman Eliot Engal of the 13th Congressional District of New York City. Kata demonstrations were performed by Master Luis Morales, Sensei Malcolm Livingston and Sensei Franklin Puello. The open mic portion of the program which allowed friends, sensei’s and masters to reflect on the life and times of Fred Miller. One of the highlights came from Fred Miller’s brother Chester. As you could imagine it was an emotional recall of his brother’s life. Even Fred’s mother had the strength to muster a few words to the patiently listening attendees. The Great Grandmaster Aaron Banks reflected on the beginning years of Fred Miller’s life. He recalled when Fred’s father brought Fred to him and said”Take my son, I can’t do anything with him”. Fred Miller trained with many other masters as well, like as Grand Master Rico Guy. Some of those in attendance were: Karriem Abdullah, Master Gene Adams, Master Abdul Musa-wwir, Shihan Abdul Aziz, Grand Master Aaron Bank, Shihan Errol Bennett, Professor Mahaliel Bethea, Shihan Orlando Cabrera, Says Carman, Larry Cheatum, Sijo George Crayton, Master T. Dalton, Sensei Luis Diaz, Hanshi Ray Diaz, Professor Lou Ferrer, Kevin and Kerry Garris, Grand
Master Gerald Gaylord, Grand Master Rico Guy, Tonya Hill, Shihan Alfred Hinds, Master Kenny Hines, Sifu Cecil Howser, Dr. Ernest Hyman, Soke Haison Kaleak, Malcolm Livingston, Master Lookup, Sifu Ralph Macchio, Master Reginald McGee, Luis Morales, Grand Master Reno Moralez, Shihan Robert Ornes, Master Greg Perry, Grand Master Billy Rivers, Master Robert Rivers, Jr., Bernardo Rodriques, Sifu Ralph Rodriquez, Shihan Wilfredo Roldan, Grand Master Archie Rullan, Sensei Sekwii Sha, Professor Shabazz, Master Reggie Simanca, Henry Skinner, Master Dave Thomas, Master Kenya Smith, Master Kevin Thopmson, Kushinda Lamarr Thrornton, Sammy Tossas, Master Felix Vasquez, Eddie Williams, Shihan Derrick Williams, Arthur Wilson and Master James Zeno
to name a few, as it was reported to me. I was asked by Grand Master Sam McGee to be the master of ceremony for this extraordinary event. Unfortunately I had a contract for a speaking engagement on the same date. I do however have a need to share my one encounter with Fred Miller on the tournament floor. Let me make it abundantly clear, I watched Fred Miller dismantle Chuck Norris, Mitch Borrow, Joe Lewis, Earl Victoria, Luis Delgado, Hawk Frazier, Joe Hayes, William Swiffty, and many more, at Sunnyside Gardens. Fred was so methodical in his fighting style, I took notes. I had no idea my time to compete against him was imminent. I believe it was 1971 or 1972, Major Leon Wallace gave a tournament at IS 201 in Harlem, New York. The scene was set, one more win and I would enter the finals. I won’t mention the fighters name because I don’t want to embarrass him. I will tell you this; there was a picture of Bruce Lee drawn on the back of his gi top. I felt it was disrespectful and I fought as such. I did win that match, maybe before hand, if I knew this fighter had a great reputation on the circuit, the outcome could have been very different. I had now reached the finals, with Fred Miller, Jeffery Nobel, Dennis Davis and myself. In my mind, I’m fighting the fellow who beat the best of the best; I didn’t have a clue as how to fight him. The onslaught began, Fred attacked, I retreated, result no score. Fred attacked, I fell down, no score. The attendees thought this was probably the most humorist match of the year. I say that because they would not stop laughing. Fred attacked, I slid under a table, a loud roar from the attendees went up, result no score. This unlikely scenario repeated itself several times with no score. Finally after 3 overtimes, Fred finally hit me in the chest with a left leg instep roundhouse kick. I can’t tell you how relieved I was that it was over. Jeffery Noble went on to beat Fred for the Grand Championship. I wound up taking third place but I assure you that was the first and last time I fought the reputation of a man and not the man. I am so proud to have known Fred Miller, not because he was a great martial artist, not because he excelled in many other sports or even the fact that he became a successful model. I am most proud of Fred Miller because he became a Minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ before he moved on. To his many titles do add Reverend, Pastor Fred Miller, a minister of the gospel.