- George Chung
- 51 minutes ago
- 2 min read
It is with profound sorrow that the community and family of Black Belt Magazine announce the passing of our beloved Sensei John Sharkey, a teacher, mentor, and guiding light to so many.
Based in Naperville, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, he was a true pillar of the martial arts community.
Admired, Respected and Loved by everyone his met, trained and influenced martial arts will be better because of John Sharkey.
Sensei Sharkey began studying martial arts in 1965. He opened his first school in 1973 while still a brown belt and a junior in high school, followed by a second location in 1976. In 1977, with the enthusiastic support of American Karate Association founder Ken Knudson, he was elected president of the AKA.
Today, Sensei Sharkey is known worldwide for his continued stewardship of the AKA Warrior Cup, which began in 1964 and grew under his leadership into one of the most prestigious martial arts tournaments in the world.
Throughout his lifetime, he awarded just over 100 black belts through Sharkey’s Karate Studios. Each one stands as a testament to his uncompromising commitment to excellence and to what it truly meant to be a Sharkey black belt.
One of his greatest strengths was his selfless devotion to his students. He supported them with every resource available to ensure their success.
Many went on to become respected leaders in the martial arts community, as well as champions in competition and contributors to motion pictures including major productions within the Marvel universe.
One of his students, Mike Chat, reflected on his passing:
“John Sharkey loved the sport of karate. The number of people he influenced, supported, and inspired is immeasurable, which is why there has been such an outpouring of love. He was known to everyone simply as Sensei, even after he was granted the title of Shihan, he remained Sensei to all of us. He held on until after we completed the 60th AKA Warrior Cup, the longest-running karate tournament in the country. His influence will live on for many lifetimes.”
Sensei Sharkey’s legacy lives on through every life he shaped with selflessness, discipline, and love.
As we mourn his passing, we invite you to honor him by holding him in your heart and by sharing a positive memory that celebrates the extraordinary life he lived and the profound impact he leaves behind both here and on his social media
