A Great Man

Sensei Frank Shilosky 1/26/32 - 3/17/03

Sensei Frank moved to Lake Havasu from Arlington, Massachusetts. Before moving to AZ. he worked for NASA, was a real estate developer and business manager to Frankie Fontaine. He was owner and operator of the House of Samurai In Lake Havasu City for 30 years where he impacted many lives with his martial arts expertise. He held a 8th degree black belt in karate and in 2002 was inducted in to the Masters Hall of Fame for outstanding performance in martial arts.

Sensei Frank was a proud member in the US Army and also a member of the American Legion Post 81.

“When Kennedy was President, his administration promoted a youth physical fitness testing program which when taken would indicate one’s natural sporting abilities. My oldest son’s forte was with the martial arts and he asked if he could try Karate. Knowing very little about Karate, it took several weeks of research and questions to be answered before enrolling my son at the House of Samurai, a Shotokan Karate studio in Somerville, Mass.


The Dojo was located approximately 12 miles from our residence and beginner’s classes were 2 hours long, Monday through Friday. After my son’s first month of training his interest was at an all time high. It was then that I realized I was going to be driving and waiting for him and that I’d best give it a try as a father and son effort. Having spent 3 years boxing in the amateurs as a young man and although in my thirties, I didn’t think I was too far out of shape. Boy was I in for a surprise.


Our Sensei, James Tatosky, (a student of Grand Champion Kazumi Tabata from Japan) was very traditional in his training. Lots of exercise, plenty of criticism, and lots of discipline. He was also a police officer on the Somerville Police Force responsible for SWAT and riot training. Needless to say, our training extended into these areas. As time went by my interest and desire to learn grew more and more. It soon became obvious that to truly master the martial arts would take a life time.


I have been fortunate to study under some great masters: Suk Chung (Korean Moo-Duk Kwan), Prof. Rodney Sachanosky (founder of Juko-Ryu Ki), Master Leo Cage of the Philippine Arnis system and others. Over 30 years have gone by and I still find myself learning, whether by books, videos or seminars. The Arts have been very rewarding.”

Frank Shilosky moved to Lake Havasu AZ and established the House of Samurai in 1973. He was “on the floor” working out and teaching until his death in 2003. Sensei Frank was an incredible martial artist, instructor, friend and father.

Sensei Tatosky on meeting Sensei Shilosky “Frank came to my school one night to watch his son in class. At the end of the class he came up to talk to me and during the conversation he asked what would you do if I threw a punch like this. At the same moment he threw a quick left. I blocked it and popped him in the mouth. His reply was, that’s pretty good sign me up.”



I will be posting Frank Shilosky's writings that he used when teaching Women's Self Defense at Mohave Community College and several seminars.