(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
PRESENTATION … Standing beside Steve are Minoru Nakazato Hanshi and his sensei, Eddie Bethea Kyoshi, to make the moment even more memorable.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Steve Franz has brought knowledge and wisdom to the minds of his students for over 30 years. He first stepped into a dojo 47 years ago, and since the day his training started, he hasn’t stopped.
Steve grew up in Edgerton, Ohio and Hamilton, Indiana. As a young child, he started training and discovered his passion for this new skill of martial arts.
He shared, “While I was involved in other sports, Karate just resonated with me on a different level”. His passion for the sport led him on his journey to share that love for karate with others.”
“The stories he could tell about his life are endless, but he shares what he treasures most is the friendships he has made throughout his journey all around the world while training and competing. “Karate has given me a life full of purpose, challenge, and connection.”
Between teaching classes, leading seminars across the country, and attending martial arts events, free time is limited for Steve. “When I do get a moment, I enjoy photography, creating digital art, spending time in nature, and riding my motorcycle on nice days.”
‘I also have an extensive movie collection across all genres for those quieter, more relaxed times.”
When he moved to Bryan, Ohio, in 2001, he became involved with many clubs and organizations, such as the United Way, Kiwanis Club, and the Bryan Chamber. He has also served as President and held various positions within the Retail Merchants Association.
Today, Steve can mostly be found doing what he loves– running two martial arts schools—one in Bryan and the other in Auburn, Indiana. His dedication leads him to inspire members of the community each and every day.
“I believe I now serve the community in a different, but equally meaningful, way: by helping my students become stronger, more focused, respectful, and contributing members of society.”
He also mentioned that the dojo supports and donates to several local causes each year within the community, as well as teaching numerous self-defense courses for community groups and local high schools to help young adults stay safe as they head off to college, enter the workforce, or head off to see where life takes them.
“Watching a shy, bullied kid walk into my dojo and grow into a confident, empowered young adult is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve experienced. The transformation I see during adult training is just as powerful.”
Just last month, Steve hopped on a plane to Okinawa, Japan, almost a 24-hour flight one-way, to receive a rare and high honor highlighting his excellence in the mastery of the skill as well as his teaching.
“On March 17, 2025, while training in Okinawa, I was awarded my 7th-degree black belt—Nanadan in Japanese—by Minoru Nakazato Hanshi, the head of our system, Shorin Ryu Shorinkan.”
“My Sensei, Eddie Bethea Kyoshi, recommended me for this promotion. It is not given lightly. Earning a 7th degree in Okinawa means being recognized not only as an accomplished martial artist and competitor but also as a respected teacher who upholds high standards of integrity and quality.”
“I was also honored with the Kyoshi title, which means ‘teacher of teachers,’ a significant responsibility within our system.”
“Unlike some places in the U.S. where rank can be bought, advancement in the Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Kyokai is a rigorous and respected process since it is an authentic internationally certified rank recognized across the world.”
To this day, Steve has traveled and competed around the world, earning over 13 World Champion titles and countless National, Regional, and State titles to list.
When asked what it felt like to receive an award so sought after and difficult to obtain, Steve said it was one of the most humbling and rewarding moments of his life.
“This promotion validated years of dedication, discipline, and hard work. I’ve spent the past decade as a 6th-degree black belt, working to set an example, running two dojos, and achieving numerous goals.”
“I continued to compete—winning titles like PKC International Champion and Indiana State Champion. My students have also achieved great competitive success, which I’m incredibly proud of.”
“Most importantly, I’ve continued to train with my Sensei and train/teach at martial arts camps across the country.”
Achieving this rank wasn’t easy for Steve. To receive this honor, he had to go above and beyond to show his dedication and determination.
“About ten years ago, I set that goal and committed to pushing myself—to compete, to teach, to create, and to contribute meaningfully to the martial arts community. Through hard work and the grace of God, I’ve been able to make that mark.”
Another fascinating fact he revealed was that he created a traditional Okinawan Karate uniform for Century Martial Arts, which was selected for Team Miyagi in the popular Netflix show, Cobra Kai.
Some advice he’d like to share with others looking to get involved in martial arts, he shares to choose your dojo wisely. He advises looking for a traditional martial arts school with a direct connection to an authentic source.
He also wants to encourage those already training to never give up. “The martial arts journey is not about belts or trophies—it’s about growth.”
“Be consistent, show up even on the tough days, and trust the process. A great instructor will challenge you to become better than you ever thought possible.”
In addition to the other accomplishments of Steve Franz, he has also been honored with 14 U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame awards and inducted into the International Budo Society, the International Warrior Society, the U.S. Military Martial Arts Elite Society, and others. “These are highly selective organizations, and I’m grateful to be part of them.”
“My father, Ken Franz, always told me, ‘You never get anywhere in life without others helping you.’ This accomplishment isn’t just mine. I owe a great deal to my students, my family, my extended family, and especially my Sensei, Eddie Bethea Kyoshi.”
“They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and they helped keep me focused and on track. Sometimes we don’t realize what we’re capable of until someone else sees it in us and helps us rise to the challenge.”
For Franz, karate isn’t just a sport– it’s a way of life, and it has helped shape him into the man he is today. “I’ve been fortunate to have an incredibly rewarding career where I help people of all ages every day by teaching them karate.”