A message from Lester Whinna (Hanshi 7th degree):
I want to thank John Burkhardt (Grand Master/Soke - Slo Ryu Karate Do),  if I have not done so in my prior years associated with him, for his time in the United States Army  and Vietnam in service of our country. His service to our country is most appreciated. I would also like to thank Charlie Wolf for his 20 years in the United States Air Force serving his country. A special thank you to Charlie for his willingness to help with this organization's efforts in promoting the legacy of Henry Slomanski.  It is because of Charlie's service to our country that he is able to gain access into Fort  Campbell and search through the archives, microfiche, and newspaper clippings of the historical information about Henry Slomanski's martial arts career that is housed there.

Charlie and his wife Gloria were successful in their last venture on our behalf and were able to obtain a hard copy of a newspaper article that lay dormant in the Tennessee library until recently. This article is published on this site for the readers and the world to see.

Grand Master/Soke John Burkhardt always knew what was found in this two week expose but his standards are, unless we can provide the document to prove it, we do not post it or make claim. It was Charlie and Gloria Wolf's efforts that retrieved the article and thus many eyes are now opened in the world about Henry Slomanski's martial arts history; we can now show the world with the recent recovery of this documentation. The most important part and the question that still remains is, finding more about the Imperial Household Seal that Henry was given.  It was awarded from the Emperor of Japan. Douglass MacArthur is also one of the recipients of this tremendous honor.  Thus, you can see how important Henry Slomanski was in the eyes of Japan royalty and it's people.

We wanted to congratulate April Fowler on receiving her Junior Grade Blue Belt on Tuesday June 7, 2011. She has worked diligently on perfecting her skills in anticipation of this day.  She passed a long and very hard physical test in order to be promoted to a Jr. Grade Blue Belt. She worked out full contact, no pads, against ranking belts, she certainly earned this promotion.  We are proud of her and look forward to her continued training. April, enjoy your rank, you earned it!

Always remember, the pain and bruises go away, the lessons learned and practiced do not~

Congratulations to William E. Whinna 3rd,  on earning and being awarded your 1 st degree black belt 34 years ago May 1st, 2011. Grand Master Burkhardt's records indicate it is your 34th anniversary possessing this prestigious rank under the "old style" marital arts. You are still only one of 7 that was able to earn and be awarded a black belt under the Grand Master. It is by his official order, as the Soke and Grand Master that this recognition be made to honor you for your accomplishment and years of rank.

Congratulations Bill, from Grand Master John B. Burkhardt , his wife Judy, Mrs. Patricia Slomanski,  Hanshi Les Whinna, Senpai Daneen Whinna and all of the other students at Slo Ryu Karate Do.

We at Slo Ryu Karate Do would like to express our sincere and deepest thanks to a dear friend of ours for her concentrated efforts on promoting Henry Slomanski's profound legacy. She was able to secure a two week newspaper feature in the Tennessee Newspaper. This valuable article depicting the true facts and status of a legendary martial artist, Henry Slomanski, is priceless to our organization and the world. Gloria Wolf spent several days doing research for us and gave up her valuable family time with her husband, Charlie, and grandchildren.

Gloria is a cherished friend to this organization and our family. On behalf of Daneen Whinna, she looks forward to their journey to Graceland! On this trip, we will be searching for more information and documentation about Henry's martial arts training of Elvis Presley.

Through Gloria's research, we are now able to dedicate a full page featuring astounding facts for the world to see. This article has furthered the work toward the upcoming Hollywood Motion Picture.

Gloria, thank you so much for what you have done for us, unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of Henry Slomanski. Your work has helped garnish may reactions and actions from those in the world looking for more truthful information about this great man.

By official order, of  Grand Master-10th degree and Soke of SLO RYU KARATE DO, John B. Burkhardt, reissues a long standing directive to reaffirm the past historical policies and practices that have been well established in time. This edict is to update and inform the general membership and its certified instructors in reference to who has the proper authority to instruct, promote, and issue any certificates.   It reaffirms who has the only legal authority to sanction a student to train, approve the testing of said student for promtions, and who can issue any certificates with all proper seals. This includes the use of any name associated with this Federation. It also continues the long-standing policy and procedures of how one properly handles a request to have a student sanctioned to be trained and/or tested for qualifications.  This is because we do not accept any and all students for training just because they have a desire to learn! The content of this order reaffirms and includes all past and present students including black belts who have trained under the Grand Master. In essence, one needs to continue to follow proper protocol as set forth below:
There are only two persons/ Masters  in this style that can give permission for a student to be trained, monitor the students training under their respective instructor, and who can represent the teachings of Commissioner Henry Slomanski: 

Grand Master / Soke John B. Burkhardt, and Hanshi Lester  A. Whinna, Nana-Dan - Heir Apparent, are the only two who can award any and all promotional belts to a student be it on a senior or junior grade level. No other person or instructor has this right or privilege alone.  One needs permission to either teach or  request the testing for a student to be promoted, this cannnot be done without permission of one or both of the aformentioned Masters. Everyone else needs to seek the appoval so it can be determined if the person is well suited for this type of training, physically as well as mentally but most importantly having the character for instruction.  Upon a student being promoted only the two senior masters can issue and affix their proper Gold Seals.  The certificates will contain the signature of the instructor as well, but to be a legal document in this style, it must have either one or both of the Senior Master's signature and a gold seal attached.    There is no verbal or implied agreement between any parties that would be in conflict with this edict past and present.
By Order of:
 Grand Master/ Soke John B. Burkhardt 10th Degree Red Belt - Slo Ryu Karate Do Federation   January 1, 2011