Phillip Sampson
“Ringer”
Kiado-Ryu Black Belt #33, 1st Dan
20 August 1994
As other sons, Phillip began studying karate and motivated his father, Dave, to do the same, the former achieving his Black Belt in 1994 and the dad two years later in 1996.
Phillip "Ringer" Sampson was an excellent student, both in the classroom and on the karate mat. He was and remains to be a perfect gentleman. His intelligence is equaled by his good manners, very quiet personality, humble and kind disposition.
But don't let this fool you. He is tough and extremely protective, the oldest of four children (one brother and two sisters). For example, when he was in Junior High school, he defended a less capable youngster from one of the school's out of control bullies. The sad thing is, he got suspended, an unbelievable act on the part of a principle who did nothing to thwart the bullies rampage on campus. In an all-too-common scenario in our public education system these days, the administration took no action against the bully until Ringer stood up and let them see what a true man does, i.e., defend the helpless.
Phillip did his undergraduate studies at Michigan State, obtaining his law degree from the University of Southern California (USC).