Shihan Tim Evans

Photo of Shihan Tim Evans of Evans Shorin-Ryu Karate Do & Kobudo

It was in the early '90s that I was at work in Hanford, California.  A man walked in that provided a service to our company; his name was Tim Evans.  We began to talk and in the conversation he mentioned that he was a bit tired from the long day, but still had to teach that evening.  I asked him what subject that he taught and where, and he told me that he taught Shorin-Ryu Karate.  I was immediately interested in this man and the art that he taught, as I had been without a teacher for quite some time.  He invited me to come and check out his class and upon doing so, I was immediately bitten by the Shorin-Ryu Karate bug.  I had never before seen karate that was not linear and almost robotic; what I witnessed was circular, had smooth and flowing techinques, and was natural to the body without deep stances.  An immediate friendship was formed with Tim Evans and he became my Sensei.  I faithfully trained with Sensei Evans who not only introduced me to Shorin-Ryu, but also exposed me to other arts from his past such as Jeet Kune Do and Escrima.  I now have the honor of saying that I am Shihan Tim Evans' first ever Black Belt.  When Tim Evans moved from the Hanford area to Northern California, he left the school and students into my hands.  While living in Northern California, Sensei Evans met Sid Campbell, and immediately called me.  He said, "Hey Sid, you'll never guess who I just met, I just met Sid Campbell-the pioneer of Shorin-Ryu karate to the West."  He told me that he was going to start training with Kyoshi Sid Campbell and would soon introduce me to him as well.  Soon, both Sensei Evans and myself were training in the Oakland dojo with Sid Campbell.  In about 1995, Sid Campbell was no longer connected to Okinawan Karate authorities and Sensei Evans wanted a connection to Okinawa.  So Sensei Evans moved on to join those who were still connected to Okinawa, with a goal of one day going to and training in Okinawa (which he has achieved).  I chose to stay with Sid Campbell, but my friendship with Sensei Tim Evans remained and is still quite strong.  I will be forever grateful to Shihan Tim Evans for getting me starting in a great art and for taking me to one of the world's greatest teachers of Shorin-Ryu.  In my opinion, I have had two of the world's greatest teachers of Shorin-Ryu; Shihan Tim Evans and Hanshi Sid Campbell.

Shihan Evans-My brother and my friend, I thank you.  Love and Respect Always, Kyoshi Sid Rayford