My recent examination of local history wouldn’t be complete unless I mentioned that Yamada Sensei also spent time in Jacksonville. Yes, it’s true — and not only Sensei, but another leading Shihan as well.

When did this happen, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. It occurred in the mid-1980’s, and involved paintball, a fifty thousand dollar prize…and murder most foul.

The movie is Masterblaster, and it’s a hoot. The plot: a paintball contest has drawn together a diverse group of individuals, with the promise of a lucrative cash prize for the winner. It’s the 1980’s, so we have a Vietnam veteran, a few drunken good ol’ boys, and, of course, the conflicted police officer. Most importantly, we have Sensei, who in his movie debut does a star turn as the mysterious martial arts master. I won’t spoil the ending, except to say that if one of those stunt doubles looks familiar, I suggest you review your videos from Winter Camp.

Dee and I actually bought a copy a few years back. I’m sure we have it stashed away somewhere if you’re interested.