O-Sensei Ralph Lindquist

Born January 1929, Ralph Lindquist's first exposure to Asian Martial Arts occurred during self-defense training in the Army when he was drafted for the Korean War in 1951. Sensei's training included judo and jiu-jutsu, arts. 

During the war, Lindquist Sensei fought five major battles as a Combat Wireman. He won numerous medals and citations.  Combat Infantryman's Badge, U.N. Ribbon with five campaign stars, Order of Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation and three Korean Government Medals; presented by then South Korean President Sygmund Rhee. 

After his return to Pennsylvania in the late 1950's, Lindquist began his training in Isshin-Ru, learning from  Shihan Harry Smith and Richard Keith mid to late 1960.  Lindquist Sensei would go on to open his own school in the early 1960s

In 1964 Lindquist Sensei started learning direct from Grand  Master Shimabuku after initially meeting in Canada in 1963. Lindquist Sensei would continue learning directly from Grand Master Shimabuku for a number of years, eventually earning his YonDan from the founder. Lindquist Sensei claimed over 150 trophies from 1957 - 1967

From 1964 to 1966 Lindquist Sensei spent two years in Japan studying Nichiren Buddhism at the Minobusan Temple. At the six ­hundred year old Minobusan Temple located on Minobu mountain about halfway between Kyoto and Tokyo.  Durring this time Lindquist Sensei leaned Goju-Ryu from Gogen Yamaguchi. Earning a green belt in the art.

O-Sensei Lindquist taught at the Harrisburg YMCA right up until he passing in August of 2015 at the age of 86. O-Sensei Lindquist had one of the first Dojo's in Pennsylvania, hosted some of the first tournaments and was a Pioneer in the early days of karate.