Hosted by Mfundishi Marvis Cofield, Grandmaster of the Alkebu-lan Style

Honorees:

Grandmaster Willie Adams
Master Loren Adams
Master Derek Batton
Master Sakou Bonani
Master Michelle Bradford
Master Curtis Butler
Master Peter Carbone
Master Danny Dixson
Master Everette "Monster Man" Eddy
Master Delford Fort
Master Larry Green
Master Robb "Dragon" Hogan
Master Kilindi Iyi
Master Ken Johnson
Master Walter King
Master Johnny "Smiley" Lee
Master Duane Lucas
Master Michael O'Bey
Master Bobby Peeler
Master Richard Plowden
Master George Reynolds
Master Jaye Spiro
Master Eugene Woods
Master Richard Blanks *
Master Myron Brooks *
Master George Oliphant *

*masters who have transitioned
 

Martial arts federation thrives in Detroit
By CHRONICLE STAFF REPORTS | Published 12/13/2007

CHRONICLE STAFF REPORTS

Marvis Cofield
Martial arts black belt holder Marvis Cofield did not look at himself as a visionary. Along with fellow instructors Kylindi Iyi, Walter King and Myron Brooks, Cofield had decided to create the Alkebu-lan Martial Arts Federation. The group’s purpose was to create a climate in which the group and their students could compete in tournaments with Black representation.

“We had been told that we could not compete in an AAU event in Dayton, Ohio, without an organization to represent us,” Cofield said. “The problem was that in 1978 all of the local organizations were Asian oriented. We wanted to represent ourselves.”

This desire to represent self has morphed into the Alkebu-lan Village, a multi-faceted youth oriented agency on Detroit’s east side. Using the martial arts as a base, the Alkebu-lan Village has trained thousands in the organization’s three-decade history, adding African dance, African drum, computer training, and tutoring to the services offered to young people.

To celebrate the organization’s 30-year anniversary in 2008, the Alkebu-lan Motor City National Renuion Extravaganza will take place June 12-15.

“We could not have experienced the level of success that we have without a litany of supporters both in and outside of the martial arts community,” Cofield said. “From community leaders to martial arts black belts, Alkebu-lan Village has been supported by many and that weekend we want to say thank you.”

The celebratory weekend will include a banquet honoring community leaders and Alkebu-lan alumni on the Detroit Princess on the Detroit River on Thursday, June 12; an awards ceremony honoring local martial arts masters at Kettering High School on Friday, June 13; and the 30th Motor City Nationals martial arts championships on Saturday, June 14.

“In the 1970s no one thought that a grassroots non-profit martial arts organization was viable,” Cofield said.

“Thirty years later, the goal of having an organization that could represent a few has evolved into a community organization that has assisted thousands. That I am proud of.”

The organization is seeking sponsors for the reunion weekend.

For additional information, please call (313) 921-1616.

Courtesy of the Michigan Chronicle online.