This is from my friend David Hays. Dick Willett was one of the very best and he will be missed.
Sadly I have to inform all that Grandmaster Richard Dick Willett died today. Ill have more information soon but I wanted to get the word out. . The information I do have is Dick was admitted into the hospital yesterday and died today.
For the general readership that may not know Dick Willett was the reason many of us (his students) excelled in life. After taking karate lessons from Master Willett his students were taught to excel not only in karate but at any endeavor we pursued.
Dick started with Tracys Karate in Northern California and after getting his black belt he moved to San Diego to open Tracys Karate Schools here. Mr. Willett was promoted to Judan (10th degree black belt) in 2008 by Al Tracy and was one of the few so highly ranked masters in the world.
A few years ago, at the 40th anniversary of karate school Dick opened Al Tracy said that Dick had have continually produced some of the finest Kenpo Black Belts in the world and that he is honored that they have represented Dick and the Tracy organization with class.
Master Tracy also said that he saw Dick not as just being part of the Golden Age of Karate he believes Dick helped create the Golden Age of Karate
Joe Lewis said; Dick did not only produce some of the best Kenpo Black Belts in the world, Dick produced some of the best fighters period!
We were all humble with a comment like that coming from Joe Lewis, one of the greatest fighters of all time.
I will miss my Instructor of 39 year, my coach and my friend; My God bless you Dick Willett.
David Hays
Vice President of Sales & Operations
Esio Franchise Company
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Mesa, AZ 85202
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